Mental Health Resources You Can Depend on During This Time

By GLORY

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BLM Mental Health Resources is a curated collection of available resources and applications we believe will be helpful in managing these uncertain times. Each resource is directly connected to or in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement against anti-black racism and oppression.

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black”][vc_column_text]There has been non-stop coverage of protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement happening around the world. Reports of peaceful protests have been blurred with footage of riots and looting, and those trying to keep up are being bombarded with a constant stream of news and social media posts that can be disheartening and draining on your mental health.  

During a time when it is essential to be isolated, it can feel lonely to bear the burden of your emotions alone. 

Now is not the time to stay silent, in supporting the movement and in seeking out needed support for yourself. We’ve put together a list of resources for those looking for mental health support during these times.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”— Canada —” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:21|text_align:center”][vc_empty_space][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″ el_width=”90″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17979″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]WellNest

This Toronto-based psychotherapist service has committed to providing Black-led low or no-cost mental health services for Black clients impacted by systematic and daily traumas. WellNest held a gofundme to help ensure their Black therapists are compensated fairly for the sessions. You can find out more about the initiative and how to get in contact for a session on this Instagram post.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17983″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Stella’s Place

Stella’s Place offers free, innovative mental health services for young adults in the GTA. They have shifted to using the app BeanBagChat to stay accessible despite closing their office. Stella’s Place also offers same-day phone/video counselling on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. that you can book through phone or email.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17984″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Inkblot Therapy

Inkblot is dedicated to offering affordable, convenient and confidential video therapy. Their advanced technology maximizes human connection by utilizing advanced technology that matches users, monitors effectiveness and eliminates geographical barriers. Your first session is free to help you find the best practitioner to meet your needs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17985″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy (TIRP)

Many of the therapists of TIRP are offering online and phone services, some of which are designated as low-cost, and as inexpensive as $25. With their sliding scale therapy services, TIRP is a good option for those who are worried about the cost of seeking support. Check out their website to contact a potential therapist.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17986″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Black Women In Motion

Black Women in Motion is a Toronto-based, youth-led organization that empowers and supports the advancement of black womxn and survivors of sexual violence. They hold online events through their instagram page @blackwomeninmotion where you can listen to Black leaders in the community and feel inspired.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17987″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth (SAPACCY)

Based in Toronto under The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), SAPACCY provides services to African and Caribbean Canadian youth and their families who are dealing with substance use and mental health concerns. The SAPACCY team works from a cultural competence lens to help Black youth work through mental health and addiction concerns. Self-referrals are available through Access CAMH, you can find out more on their website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17988″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Open Path

Open Path is a membership-based platform that connects members to affordable psychotherapists, in-person and online. Sessions range between $30–60, and the company seeks to be all-inclusive. With its sliding scale therapy, Open Path is an accessible option for anyone who wants to seek support but is worried about the cost. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Saskatchewan all have psychotherapists currently listed on the site.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”— United States —” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:21|text_align:center”][vc_empty_space][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″ el_width=”90″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17994″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Inclusive Therapists

Inclusive Therapists is an online platform that connects users to qualified therapists—many of which are offering online services. The platform says they are social justice-oriented professionals that are boldly: anti-discrimination, anti-oppression, anti-stigma, anti-racist & anti-ablest. You can search for a therapist near you, or fill out a questionnaire to get matched up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17995″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Therapy for Black Girls

Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. Through its site, users can connect with a therapist nearby. Therapy for Black Girls also has an online community you can join, called the Yellow Couch Collective, meant to be a space for Black women to gather, support and encourage one another.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17997″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Black Emotional And Mental Health (BEAM)

BEAM is a collective of advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers, psychologists and activists committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of Black communities. They have launched a Black virtual therapist network where you can find the contact information for therapists who are certified in telemental health services. They are also holding community “Heart Space” sessions on their Instagram.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17998″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Ethel’s Club

This workspace-turned-digital club is designed to help people of colour thrive. While Ethel Club’s physical space is closed, their digital sphere and online community continues to embrace the power of people of colour, while offering online group support sessions aimed at healing and grieving. The club is completely booked for their next support groups, but keep an eye on their Instagram page where they announce new dates.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17999″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Sista Afya

Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness has a community support approach to mental wellness that’s based in Chicago. According to their website, they believe that community support for people living with mental health conditions can foster healing, growth, freedom and self-actualization. They offer therapy sessions, which you apply for on their website. They also have a list of preferred providers based in Chicago if they cannot help you. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”18000″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]National Queer and Trans Therapists of Colour Network

The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) is a healing justice organization that actively works to transform mental health for queer and trans people of color in North America. Their website offers a directory of psychotherapists based on a Google Map, so you can find practitioners in your area, many of which are offering telemental health services.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]If you feel you need immediate support please reach out to a crisis support line:

Crisis Services Canada: 1.833.456.4566

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 1.800.273.8255[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]