Mental health services for BIPOC communities in New Brunswick
Mental health is something that affects everyone, but not everyone experiences the mental health system in the same way. For many people in Black, Indigenous and other racialized (BIPOC) communities, seeking mental health support can come with additional barriers—such as cultural misunderstandings, racism, language differences or past experiences of being unheard. In New Brunswick, where many communities are small and services can be limited, these challenges can feel even more pronounced.
At Just Us, we believe that mental health care should be inclusive, culturally responsive and accessible to everyone. Acknowledging the unique experiences of BIPOC communities is an important step toward creating safer and more supportive pathways to care.
Understanding the unique challenges
BIPOC individuals may face stressors that directly impact mental health, including experiences of racism, discrimination, intergenerational trauma and cultural isolation. For Indigenous communities, the ongoing effects of colonization, residential schools and systemic inequities continue to shape health outcomes today. For Black and racialized communities, navigating predominantly white systems can lead to feelings of invisibility or the pressure to explain cultural context over and over again.
These realities can make it harder to reach out for help—or to feel comfortable staying in care once support is accessed.
In addition, stigma around mental health can exist within all communities, including BIPOC communities, sometimes shaped by cultural beliefs, fear of judgment or concerns about confidentiality in small communities. None of these barriers mean someone is weak. They reflect systems that haven’t always been built with everyone in mind.
Why culturally responsive care matters
Culturally responsive mental health care recognizes that culture, identity and lived experience matter. It goes beyond simply offering services—it means listening, learning and adapting care to meet people where they are.
This can include:
Counsellors who understand or are willing to learn about cultural values and histories
Creating space to talk about racism, identity and belonging without minimizing those experiences
Respecting different ways of expressing emotions, stress or healing
Offering services that are trauma-informed and strengths-based
When people feel seen and respected, therapy becomes a place of safety rather than another space where they need to defend or explain themselves.
Culturally-informed mental health services in New Brunswick
New Brunswick has a growing awareness of the need for more inclusive mental health services, though gaps still exist. Some people may choose to seek support through community organizations, campus wellness services, faith-based or cultural groups or private and non-profit counselling services.
At Just Us, a non-profit offering free and low-cost therapy across New Brunswick, we are committed to providing a welcoming and affirming space for people of all backgrounds. Our approach is grounded in compassion, respect and collaboration. We understand that trust takes time—especially for those who have felt dismissed or harmed by systems in the past.
We also recognize that representation matters. While the availability of BIPOC counsellors in the province is still limited, we believe that all counsellors have a responsibility to practice with cultural humility, ongoing learning, and openness.
Support beyond counselling
Mental health support doesn’t only come from therapy. Peer support, community connection and culturally grounded spaces can play a powerful role in healing and resilience. For some, connecting with others who share similar lived experiences can reduce isolation and strengthen a sense of belonging.
For youth and young adults, Kids Help Phone offers free, confidential support across Canada by phone, text and chat, with counsellors trained to support diverse identities and experiences. In moments of immediate crisis, the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 across Canada, offering compassionate, judgment-free support.
Reaching out for help—whether to a counsellor, a trusted person or a community service—is an act of courage.
Moving toward more inclusive care
Creating equitable mental health care in New Brunswick is an ongoing process. It requires listening to BIPOC voices, addressing systemic barriers and continuing to expand accessible, culturally responsive services.
If you are part of a BIPOC community and considering mental health support, you deserve care that honours your experiences and your identity. And if you’ve had difficult experiences in the past, it’s okay to take things at your own pace.
At Just Us, you are welcome exactly as you are. We are here to listen, support and walk alongside you as you take the next step in your mental health journey.