A new not-for-profit psychotherapy clinic in Sudbury has received a $100,000 donation to support its first year of operation, helping bridge gaps in mental health services across northern Ontario. The Roles Alliance for Mental Health and Wellness, launched earlier this year, is an extension of the for-profit Roles and Associates practice established in 2018. The original clinic provides psychotherapy services in Sudbury, Espanola, Elliot Lake, Manitoulin Island, and Sault Ste. Marie. Founder Stacey Roles said the not-for-profit arm was created to offer subsidized or free therapy to those who cannot afford private care. “We see a lot of clients in the private practice who can’t necessarily afford to continue with some of our services, especially if they’ve been referred from victim services,” said Roles, a nurse and psychotherapist with 22 years of experience. “We were doing a lot of pro bono work, but we realized that by applying for government grants, we could help more people.” The donation comes from Frank Grossi and his wife, who sought therapy at Roles’ clinic a year ago. Grossi, who has struggled with his mental health since a traumatic vehicle accident at 19, said therapy transformed his life. “It really was opening my eyes to the changes that I could make,” he said. “My teammates at work, my friends, my family – they noticed the difference. When I saw what Stacey was doing to help others, my wife and I knew we wanted to support this initiative.” The not-for-profit model allows the clinic to pursue government funding, though many grants require organizations to be operational for at least a year. Roles said the $100,000 gift will cover startup costs, stigma-reducing community events, and direct client support. Clinicians involved have agreed to work at reduced rates while maintaining the same level of training and supervision as in the private sector. Roles, who specializes in PTSD and anxiety disorders, emphasized the unique challenges of delivering mental health care in the North. “The gaps here are big compared to southern Ontario,” she said. “We focus on quality, individualized care that meets people where they are.” Currently, the clinic has no waitlist for clients open to virtual therapy or flexible clinician options. Roles told CTV News that she hopes the donation will raise awareness and encourage further community support. Grossi echoed that sentiment, saying, “Mental health is part of who we are. Don’t be ashamed—tackle it, embrace it, and lean on the support systems that exist, like this one.” The Roles Alliance for Mental Health and Wellness operates out of the same five locations as its for-profit counterpart, with services now accessible to those regardless of ability to pay.
