Black Mental Health Matters

by Tyne Johnson-Dhillon

Source: Venom—s Studios. From the Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation.

In the summer of 2020, artist and producer Betty Mulat set up a GoFundMe to raise money to improve mental health support for Black people living in the Lower Mainland. The goal was to offer barrier-free therapy sessions to Black folks by local Black counsellors and therapists. The cause stuck a chord with many and folks in Vancouver and beyond came together to raise over $200,000 in just a few months. This is how the Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation came to be.

Since its inception, the non-profit has offered numerous donation-funded therapy sessions to over 60 people with priority given to Black folks who are low-income, disabled, LGBTQIA+, refugees and/or immigrants. This summer the VBT&AF has a new goal: raise $65,000 to provide 25 individuals and 5 families with 15 free therapy sessions with Black mental health practitioners. To support this effort we at Bakau Consulting have pledged to raise $2,000 and will be matching donations up to this goal. Being as they are a program run by donations; your support is urgently important to sustain the program. Without you, this program wouldn’t be possible.

At Bakau, we’re no strangers to the importance of mental health supports and advocacy. The nature of our work has us constantly thinking about and engaging with systems of oppressions in emotionally charged spaces. There is a deep connection between experiences of oppression and challenging mental health experiences, particularly when mental wellbeing is underfunded and under supported. It can make a world of difference for those experiencing adverse mental health to connect with someone who is informed on how you navigate the world.

"The Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation helps to destigmatize therapy for Black folks."

— Cicely Belle Blain, Bakau CEO

This cause also goes deeper for us. Cicely Belle Blain, Bakau’s founder and CEO, has experienced burnout and overwhelm firsthand from navigating life in the Lower Mainland as a Black activist. The importance of having barrier-free mental health care with practitioners who can understand unique lived experiences is paramount to them.

“The Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation helps to destigmatize therapy for Black folks,” says Cicely. “Getting support feels approachable and possible.”

Supporting grassroots Black-led and Black-serving organizations is a legacy we’re proud to continue. To help support the wellbeing of your Black neighbours, donate today and share the campaign.

Here you can support our goal to raise $2,000 for the Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Foundation. Remember, your donation will go even further since we’ll be matching donations up to our total goal.

Here is where you’ll find more information if you’re an individual or family looking to take part in the program. Priority is given to Black folks who are low-income, disabled, LGBTQIA+, refugees and/or immigrants.