4. Find a doctor or other healthcare provider

Family doctors are often the first doctors to diagnose and treat medical issues. If you need to see a specialist, you usually need a family doctor to refer you. Family doctors can also order laboratory tests and other tests.

To find a family doctor, you can:

• ask a friend or family member if their doctor is accepting new patients
• ask at your local community health centre
• use the HealthCareConnect service
• ask the nearest hospital if it has a family practice unit
• use the Doctor Search on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website. You can search for a doctor by language, location, or specialization.

You can also ask a worker at your local settlement agency. They might have a list of doctors who are accepting new patients or who speak your language.

There is a shortage of family doctors in some areas of Ontario. So it might take you some time to find a doctor. If you need medical care and you haven't found a family doctor, there are other places that you can go.

Mental health services

If you or your family members need help coping with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, there are clinics and agencies that specialize in mental health services for refugees.