Why Alkebulan Exists
Finding the right mental health professional in Belgium is not easy. Waiting lists are long, the threshold to seek help is high, and it's even harder to find someone you can truly be yourself with.
For people with an African migration background, this struggle is often even greater.
The Challenge
Studies show that mental healthcare in Belgium is less accessible for migrants, including individuals of African descent. This happens due to:
language barriers
Professionals who do not speak your language can make it harder to express emotions and understand treatment. This often leads to miscommunication and reduced access to support.
cultural differences
Many professionals are unfamiliar with African cultural contexts, identities, and experiences, which can make clients feel misunderstood or not fully seen.
discrimination
Past negative experiences, prejudice, or subtle bias can make people hesitant to seek help or trust the mental healthcare system.
limited knowledge
Many do not know where to start, how therapy works, or which services are available making it harder to navigate mental health support in Belgium.
Our Mission
Increase Accessibility
Everyone deserves timely access to the right support. We shorten waiting lists and lower the threshold for seeking help by offering a specialized network, ensuring the care you need is within reach faster.
Create Connection
We bring clients and culturally aware professionals closer together. By providing a platform where shared background and understanding are central, we facilitate meaningful relationships that are essential for an effective and respectful therapeutic process.
Strengthen Trust
Recognition, understanding, and shared cultural experience are essential for healing and growth. We build trust by helping you find a professional who understands your lived experience, acknowledges your challenges, and sees you fully, thereby creating a safe and stigma-free environment.