AMANI Mental Health & Substance Use Services for Black Youth

What is this program?

AMANI’s Mental Health & Substance Use Program, formerly known as “SAPACCY” (Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth,) provides free, culturally responsive care for Black youth and their families/caregivers who are in need of mental health and/or substance use support.

What does this program offer?

Our Mental Health & Substance Use Program provides free hospital and community-based mental health and/or substance use services that are holistic, anti-oppressive, Africentric, and culturally responsive for Black youth, ages 12–29, and their families/caregivers.

Group-based therapies:
- Dialectical behavioural therapy
- Group based psychoeducation
Individual therapies:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Dialectical behavioural therapy
- Unstructured supportive individual therapy
- Medication support by Doctor or Nurse Practitioner

Who is this program for?

12 – 29 years old

Toronto
(need to be able to travel to CAMH (Toronto))

How can I access this program?

In-person

Virtual

Do I need a referral?

Self-referrals or referrals from a community agency are sufficient for social work and case management services
Primary care referral (i.e. Doctor or Nurse Practitioner) through Access CAMH https://www.camh.ca/en/patients-and-families/access-camh/referral-form
A referral from a physician or nurse practitioner is required to access psychiatry consultations and on-going care
Hospital referral
Community/agency/school referral through Access CAMH
First assessments and point of contact are always with a member of the allied health team who can decide in collaboration with patient whether involvement of psychiatry is needed

Are there any people who aren’t the best fit for this program?

While this program aims to help everyone, there are some that have needs this program doesn’t cover, including:

Moderate to severe cognitive impairment and/or intellectual delay
Primary Psychotic Disorder

Learn more