The Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition (ABHC) will officially launch its Youth Mental Health Fund on March 18, 2026, providing financial assistance to help young people and families access professional mental health services across the country. According to Antigua News Room, eligible youth may receive up to EC$240 in vouchers to cover services including individual, family and group counselling, psychiatric care, and psychological testing and evaluations.
The fund is open to youth between the ages of 6 and 25 who reside in Antigua and Barbuda and who are currently receiving or seeking mental health counselling, psychiatric care, or psychological testing and evaluation.
The programme will operate through three application cycles during 2026, and families may apply more than once. However, recipients may receive a maximum of EC$240 per year, and each voucher must be used within 90 days of the approval date. Funding will be awarded based on eligibility while resources remain available.
As part of preparations for the launch, the ABHC has introduced a group of mental health professionals who have partnered with the programme and agreed to accept vouchers issued through the fund.
Participating providers include Dr. Chenelle Joseph, MD, FACP, FAPA, a dual board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at C. Joseph Medicine & Psychiatry, offering services for ages 10 to 25; Feona Charles-Richards, MSc, a Counselling Psychologist at The Growth Practice, serving ages 6 to 25; Kendra Telesford, M.A.C.P., C.C.C., a Canadian Certified Counsellor at Mindful Connections Counselling & Consulting, serving ages 6 to 25; Nicola Reefe-Babb, MSc, a Counselling Psychologist at This Ability Mental Massage & Educational Development, serving ages 13 to 25; Regina Apparicio, MSc, PG Dip, a Counselling Psychologist serving ages 18 to 25; and Terese Millet-Joseph, MSc, LMHC, a Counseling Psychologist specialising in Marriage and Family and a PhD Candidate in Human Development and Family Science at Always a Queen: A Metamorphosis, serving ages 20 to 25.
The coalition stated that the credentials of all participating mental health partners have been verified through supporting documentation. However, applicants and families will be responsible for selecting a credentialed mental health professional, provider, or organisation.
The ABHC also noted that it does not guarantee services and does not monitor or supervise the clinical services provided by listed professionals.
Families interested in applying can learn more and access the application link through the coalition's event page. The initiative is intended to strengthen access to mental health support for youth and families throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
