A new Black mental health clinic in Nova Scotia is tackling barriers faced by African Nova Scotian communities. Created by the Nova Scotia Association of Black Social Workers, the clinic on 190 Victoria Rd. in Dartmouth offers services ranging from anxiety and depression support to grief counselling. “There’s no other Black community clinic that services Black people. We’re the first of its kind here in Atlantic Canada, so we’re very proud of that,” says Rachelle Sweeting, president of the association. “We recognized that there were a lot of referrals coming to us for clinical support services.” Stacy Darku, a registered counselling therapist, says this new resource will help break barriers in mental health care. “For our community, it’s especially important because there’s so much stigma around talking about our feelings and our adversities. So having this barrier removed could allow more people to get the support they need,” she says. “It’s the same as being able to access a doctor, there really shouldn’t be barriers to access health.” Martina Kelades, a mental health advocate, knows first-hand what it’s like to take on a mental health journey, and says she’s grateful to have another resource in the region. “I never had a Black therapist, and I didn’t have someone who really understood the cultural lens and the experiences of my people. To see that there is a space that is held for us from a cultural lens, that for me, would create an immediate sense of safety,” says Kelades. Services are available in-person or virtually, Monday through Friday, with the first 10 sessions free of charge. “Therapy is not cheap. You’re looking at least $200 a session for 45 to 50 minutes. So, to have free access, that [makes it] even more accessible. I think the establishment of this mental health clinic is such an important step forward. And it’s a clinic that helps understand and respond to the experiences of black individuals and families using an Afrocentric lens that helps create a safer, more welcoming environment.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
