Open Doors Program Description
Open Doors is a culturally responsive mental-health counselling program designed to reduce financial and systemic barriers to care for Black youth in Ontario. The program was created in response to the ongoing inequities Black youth face when attempting to access timely, affirming, and culturally competent mental-health supports.
Many Black youth encounter obstacles such as high costs, long waitlists, lack of culturally responsive providers, stigma, and systemic discrimination within traditional mental-health systems. Open Doors seeks to address these gaps by providing accessible, high-quality counselling services that center Black identity, lived experience, and resilience.
Program Overview
Open Doors offers individual counselling services at a reduced rate of $50 per hour for Black youth under the age of 18 who may experience economic, social, or structural barriers to accessing care. Services are delivered by qualified mental-health professionals and are grounded in trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally affirming practice.
Counselling through Open Doors supports youth navigating a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to:
Anxiety, stress, and emotional regulation
Depression and mood-related challenges
Identity development, self-esteem, and confidence
Family, peer, and interpersonal relationships
School-related stress and life transitions
Experiences of racism, discrimination, and systemic stressors
The program recognizes that Black youth often navigate intersecting pressures related to race, culture, family expectations, education, and broader social systems. Counselling is tailored to meet youth where they are, honoring their individual experiences while fostering emotional growth, coping skills, and self-understanding.
Access & Eligibility
Open Doors operates on a limited-capacity, application-based model to ensure equitable and sustainable access to reduced-rate services. Applications may be submitted by youth or by parents/guardians on behalf of their child. All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and acceptance is determined by program fit, availability, and capacity.
Applicants are notified by email if they are accepted, waitlisted, or not approved at the time of application. Approved participants receive further information regarding booking and payment upon acceptance.
Quality of Care & Ethics
Participation in Open Doors does not affect the quality or scope of care provided. All counselling services are delivered in accordance with professional, ethical, and confidentiality standards and are consistent with the same level of care offered through standard-fee services.
Open Doors is intended to support wellness, healing, and personal growth. It is not a crisis or emergency service. Youth or families experiencing an emergency are encouraged to contact 911, local emergency services, or a crisis support line.