Mental Health Research, Programs & Supports for the Black Community
In Canada, February is celebrated as Black History Month, where we honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities.
This month we’re highlighting the contributions of Black researchers and scholars, as well as Black-led organizations within the work of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Below, you will see a list of Canadian mental health programs and interventions developed for Black populations, and a list of community-based organizations in the Region of Waterloo who are facilitating culturally responsive mental health programming focused on wellbeing and belonging.
Mental Health Programs & Interventions
Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Black Populations
Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective therapy for the treatment of common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. A Culturally Adapted CBT manual for Black populations in Canada was developed by Dr. Akwatu Khenti, Dr. Kwame McKenzie and Dr. Carolina Vidal in 2011. The work was supported by IRCC (then CIC), CAMH, Black communities and therapists who work with the Black communities in Ontario.
Currently, CAMH offers an online CA-CBT course that is open for registrations. More information about this course can be found at: Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour for Black Populations: About us | CAMH
Rise Up powered by Kids Help Phone
Support for Black youth: RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone – Kids Help Phone
RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone is a Canada-wide, 24/7, bilingual e-mental health support service for African, Caribbean, and Black youth. The service is free and available from coast to coast to coast.
RiseUp is unique in how we celebrate and support young people from across the Afro-diaspora through every aspect of Kids Help Phone’s services
Community Organizations in Waterloo Region
African Community Wellness Initiative
https://africancommunitywellness.org/about/
African Community Wellness Initiative (ACWI) is a non-profit organization which began as a grassroots initiative to respond to the experiences of communities of African descent impacting their collective wellness. Over the past 10 years, ACWI has worked with community based and system partners to develop a number of program interventions and research projects with the goal of promoting wellness in African, Caribbean and Black-Identifying communities.
Current projects and programs include: Black Youth Wellness Circle, Young City Growers, and Multicultural Community Gardens Project.
African Family Revival Organization
African Family Revival Organization (AFRO) is a growing mutual aid organization serving the Black and African communities in the Waterloo Region that enables all members of our community to participate in Canadian society as active citizens.
Programs include: Support through Generations, Youth Programs, Cultural Enrichment Programs, Black Mental Health Program, and Empowering Girls Program.
Kind Minds Family Wellness
https://www.kindmindsfamilywellness.org/home
Kind Minds Family Wellness is a community organization specializing in Afrocentric and culturally grounded counselling, education, employment, and research advocacy that addresses anti-Black racism and systemic oppression. This work fosters Black community empowerment and resilience, supports community services navigation, and guides the design and delivery of culturally suitable educational programs and groups for children, youth, caregivers/adults, and seniors.
Programs include: Culturally Grounded Counselling, Research and Consultancy, and System Navigation.
Rhythm and Blues Cambridge
https://www.rhythmbluescambridge.com/
Rhythm and Blues Cambridge is a unique hub for community and engagement which supports and showcases the Black community in Cambridge. They promote and appreciate the Black experience by building partnerships, sharing and develop vital resources for the community.