The primary goal of Black Mental Health Canada (BMHC) is to educate Canada’s Black community about mental health - that it’s a real issue, that people struggle with mental health problems, and that supports are available. There have been years of stigma that have prevented many Black Canadians from engaging with mental health professionals. BMHC maintains a list of mental health providers that work with the Black community. Practitioners can register their practice and people seeking help can find a culturally competent professional to provide that help.
BMHC is also committed to being an advocate for culturally-affirming care. Because of the history within Canada, and North America as a whole, the needs of Black people are unique. Past abuses and the way the Black community has been approached by the mental health establishment have eroded the trust between the community and the system. To educate the Black community on mental health, there also have to be specific supports tailored to the specific needs of that community. BMHC provides EDI training and consulting as well as public and custom-built workshops for both mental health professionals and the public.
BMHC is dedicated to education and training, which is currently geared toward clinicians, so they are able to provide racially equitable and culturally affirming care. They also engage in advocacy, where BMHC representatives engage with governments and leaders about dismantling the stigma surrounding Black mental health. This advocacy extends to overall mental health, specifically what that looks like and what that means for the Black community in Canada.
Listen to the Mind Full podcast episode with BMHC Research Lead Shanique Victoria ‘Making connections: Shanique Victoria and Black Mental Health Canada’