Adult Mental Health Support for Black Communities in Ontario
Culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health support for Black adults and families impacted by anti-Black racism. Join the Mental Health WaitlistConnecting You with the Help You Need
Parents of Black Children is proud to provide adult mental health services through funding from SBCCI Tropicana Community Services.
This funding allows us to offer culturally responsive, trauma-informed mental health support for Black adults and caregivers in Ontario who have experienced anti-Black racism within schools, institutions, workplaces, or broader systems.
Due to overwhelming demand, we are currently at capacity for direct service. However, we are maintaining an active waitlist and support line to ensure community members can connect with
us as space becomes available.
This fund is for adults ages 18 and up. For our youth mental health fund, click here.
This program is funded by SBCCI Tropicana Community Services to expand access to mental health support for Black communities in Ontario.
Read the Report: Strengthening Support Systems for Black Families
This case study report documents the implementation and early outcomes of the project’s mental health component. It examines participation, referral activity, workshop engagement, service delivery, and emerging themes related to mental health needs within the Black community.
Who We Support
This program prioritizes:
Black adults (18+) living in Ontario
Parents and caregivers of Black children
Individuals who have experienced anti-Black racism in educational, workplace, child welfare, or institutional settings
Families navigating racial trauma or systemic harm
unique mental health needs of Black communities.
Our Approach
We recognize that experiences of anti-Black racism have profound mental health impacts. Our approach validates lived experiences and prioritizes dignity, safety, and empowerment. Our mental health services are:
- $Culturally grounded
- $Trauma-informed
- $Anti-oppressive
- $Rooted in community care
We are currently at capacity for ongoing counselling services under this funded program.
We understand the urgency and weight of mental health support, particularly for those impacted by anti-Black racism. While we are unable to onboard new clients at this time, we encourage you to join our waitlist or contact our support line.
- $Notify you when space becomes available
- $Provide referrals to trusted community resources
- $Offer brief guidance and navigation support
Our Intake Steps
1. Complete the confidential waitlist form
Fill out the form with your contact information, preferred way to be reached, and a brief description of the support you are looking for. You only need to share what feels comfortable and relevant.
2. Our team reviews your request
We review submissions to understand service fit, urgency, eligibility, and what kind of support may be helpful. Joining the waitlist does not guarantee immediate counselling, but it makes sure you are in our intake pathway.
3. We contact you when there is a next step
When a service spot, single-session appointment, navigation support, or referral option becomes available, someone from Parents of Black Children or the assigned clinician will contact you.
4. We help you identify support options
Depending on your needs and current availability, we may connect you with counselling, brief guidance, system navigation support, or referrals to culturally responsive community resources.
5. Use crisis support if you need urgent help
Our waitlist is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are thinking about suicide or need urgent emotional support, call or text 9-8-8 anywhere in Canada.
Black Canadian Mental Health Resources
While you are waiting, or if you need support outside of our program, these Black-led, Black-focused, and culturally responsive resources may be helpful. Parents of Black Children does not manage these external services. Availability, eligibility, wait times, and costs may vary.
If You Need Immediate Help
Parents of Black Children’s waitlist is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical support, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are thinking about suicide or need urgent emotional support, call or text 9-8-8. 9-8-8 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in Canada. For children, youth, and young adults, Kids Help Phone is available 24/7:
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline:>
Call or text 9-8-8
Toronto Distress Centres:
416 408-4357 or 408-HELP
Gerstein Centre:
416 929-5200
Spectra Helpline:
416 920-0497 or 905 459-7777 for Brampton and Mississauga
residentsTTY:
905 278-4890
Languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Portuguese
Assaulted Women’s Helpline:
416 863-0511; Toll-free: 1 866 863-0511
Kids Help Phone:
1 800 668-6868
Languages: English and French
Community Crisis Line Scarborough and Rouge Hospital:
416 495-2891
For 24/7 telephone crisis support. Service borders: south to the lake, north to Steeles Avenue, east to Port Union Road, and west to Victoria Park
Durham Crisis and Mental Health Line:
905 666-0483
Distress Centre Halton: For Residents of the Halton Region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville).
Oakville:
905-849-4541
Burlington:
905-681-1488
Milton/Halton Hills:
905-877-1211