Interview: Tracy Karuhogo is working to improve access to mental health support for Black youth in Canada. Through the Black Advisory Council and the Rise Up initiative, she focuses on reducing stigma and making services more inclusive.
Mental health awareness and accessibility remain crucial issues in Black communities, where stigma and systemic barriers often prevent young people from seeking the help they need. In an exclusive interview with AfroToronto.com, Tracy Karuhogo, a policy analyst, founder of the Black Girl Talk Collective, and Black Advisory Council for Kids Help Phone member, shares her insights on tackling these challenges. Through her advocacy, Tracy is working to ensure culturally relevant and accessible mental health resources for Black youth across Canada.
Tracy Karuhogo’s background
Tracy Karuhogo has long been passionate about mental health, particularly in Black communities. With a degree in psychology and a minor in Women & Gender Studies from the University of Manitoba, her journey in advocacy began during her time in student governance. She served as the President of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union and as a member of the Board of Governors.
Her involvement in organizations such as the Congress of Black Women MB and Black History Manitoba further shaped her commitment to addressing the mental health needs of Black youth. Today, she brings her expertise and lived experience to the Black Advisory Council for Kids Help Phone, an initiative designed to bridge the gap in mental health services for Black youth in Canada.
The Black Advisory Council and the Rise Up Initiative
The Black Advisory Council at Kids Help Phone consists of 12 members from diverse backgrounds who work to identify and address the barriers preventing Black youth from accessing mental health services. This initiative led to the creation of Rise Up, Canada’s first national, 24/7 bilingual e-mental health support service specifically designed for Black youth.
Rise Up was developed to provide culturally relevant support, filling gaps in awareness and accessibility. As Tracy explains, many Black youth are unaware of available mental health resources or feel disconnected due to a lack of representation in the field. The advisory council ensures that Kids Help Phone's services evolve to be more inclusive, relevant, and accessible for Black youth.
Challenges faced by Black youth in mental health
During the interview, Tracy highlights several key challenges Black youth face when it comes to mental health:
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Lack of awareness: Many Black youth simply do not know where to turn for help.
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Stigma and cultural barriers: In many Black communities, mental health issues are often dismissed or misunderstood. The stigma surrounding mental health conversations discourages individuals from seeking help.
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Distrust of service providers: Systemic racism and historical mistreatment contribute to a lack of trust in mental health services.
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Limited representation: There is a shortage of Black mental health professionals, making it difficult for Black youth to find therapists and counselors who understand their experiences.
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Misinformation and systemic racism: These challenges further alienate Black youth from receiving the support they need.
Efforts and strategies by the Black Advisory Council
To address these barriers, the Black Advisory Council operates under five core commitments:
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Innovate: Develop new and responsive mental health services tailored for Black youth.
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Amplify: Increase awareness of mental health resources and services.
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Increase representation: Ensure that Black youth see themselves reflected in the professionals and services available to them.
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Evolve: Adapt and refine service offerings to meet the unique needs of Black communities.
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Empower: Use data and research to guide best practices and enhance service delivery.
Tracy emphasizes the importance of “meeting Black youth where they are,” using culturally relevant language and communication strategies to reach more individuals in need.
Measuring impact and success
Tracking the effectiveness of these efforts is insightful. According to Tracy, Kids Help Phone has seen promising results:
- 86% of Black texting service users found their conversation with Kids Help Phone helpful.
- 89% said they would recommend the service to a friend.
- Over 75% of service users shared something they had never told anyone before.
Additionally, Kids Help Phone’s Feel Out Loud initiative provides a creative outlet for young people to express their emotions through writing and art, offering another way to engage youth in mental wellness conversations.
The future of mental health support for Black youth
Tracy envisions a future where mental health conversations are normalized within Black communities and stigma is no longer a barrier to seeking support. The goal is to make mental health discussions as common and accepted as physical health check-ups. Increased investment in mental health resources and sustained efforts in education and awareness will be essential in achieving this vision.
The role of policymakers and community support
Tracy underscores the importance of listening to Black youth and tailoring services based on their needs. She advocates for increased government investment in mental health resources, particularly in underserved Black communities. Partnerships with community organizations also play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of initiatives like Rise Up.
Kids Help Phone’s free and accessible services
One of the most significant aspects of Rise Up is its accessibility. The service is free, available 24/7, and provides bilingual support to Black youth across Canada. Anyone in need of support can reach out via:
- Call: 1-800-668-6868
- Text: 686868
Tracy Karuhogo is making a lasting impact in the fight for mental health equity through her work with the Black Advisory Council and the Rise Up initiative. By addressing stigma, increasing representation, and ensuring that services are accessible and culturally relevant, she and her colleagues are empowering Black youth to seek the support they need. As Tracy emphasizes, mental health should be a conversation everyone feels comfortable having—because when communities come together, real change happens.
