Mental health stigma is a prominent issue within the Black community, but this Ontario psychologist is striving to put an end to that.
Nicole Haughton is a registered psychologist of Jamaican heritage, and the founder of “Mosaic Minds Psychology Clinic” in Oakville to help bring comfort and acceptance to those who are seeking support.
No matter your age or race, “Mosaic Minds Psychology Clinic” is committed to building individuals’ confidence and quality of life through their services.
Many times people find it difficult to seek mental health support in fear of being judged. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, people of ethnic backgrounds, refugees and immigrants may struggle while adjusting to a new culture and sometimes hesitate to seek help for their mental well-being.
“There are so few Black psychologists already in Ontario, and even Canada. Overall, most of us are located in Ontario. So to open up a business, especially in a location such as Oakville, and become more visible is so important,” Haughton told The Brandon Gonez Show.
“Not just for the Black community, but diverse individuals and women, children, just to see that a Black woman can have their own business,” she added.
A “mosaic” is an art piece made out of unique colours and materials which is the inspiration behind the clinic’s name as Houghton views people as a “mosaic”, shaped by different and unique life experiences.
She also speaks on how she is bringing her Caribbean heritage to make the clinic unique and bright to help the space feel safe and welcoming.
(Nicole Houghton strategically decorated the Mosaic Minds office to set a relaxed and safe environment for her clients.)
“I’m of Jamaican heritage, so you’ll see that flavour in Mosaic Minds through the colour, through the plants, the life, the paintings, very strategic. For me at least, It does bring a smile to my face whenever I come in here,” she shares.
The importance of this comes from her past work spaces in this field and she mentions how having a tense space can affect a person’s experience who is coming in to get help.
“I have worked in areas that were more Eurocentric. I could feel the tension when those clients would come in,” Houghton told The Brandon Gonez Show. “Fast forward to having my own business with my own website, and my photo is bright and beautiful on the page. People know who they’re getting when they walk into that room, and so there’s a lot more acceptance that way, for sure,” she adds.
((Nicole Houghton is the founder of Mosaic Minds Psychology Clinic which opened in Oakville in May 2026. Her goal is to help end the stigma around mental health in diverse communities in Canada.)
Mosaic Minds’ Oakville location opened in early May of this year and Houghton is excited for what’s to come.
To book a free consultation at Mosaic Minds Psychology Clinic, head to www.mosaicmindsclinic.ca.
