Our Story
Built by community. Designed for care. Growing with purpose.
Origins
Atlantic Wellness began with a simple but powerful belief: youth in our region deserve timely, accessible mental health care - without barriers.
Founded in Moncton, New Brunswick by two dedicated therapists, Atlantic Wellness was born out of lived experience. They saw firsthand how many young people were struggling - and how few timely supports existed to meet that need. One of those original founders, Danielle Whalen, continues to lead that vision today as Director of Clinical Services, ensuring the organization remains grounded in clinical excellence and youth-centred care.
From the very beginning, Atlantic Wellness was shaped not only by clinical insight - but by a community that recognized the need and believed something better was possible.
Inspired by the McKee Report
The early vision for Atlantic Wellness was influenced in part by the McKee Report, a landmark review of New Brunswick’s mental health system led by former judge Mike McKee. While the report focused on mental health courts, its broader call for earlier, community-based intervention resonated deeply.
Atlantic Wellness emerged as a practical response to that call - creating a space outside of crisis and court systems, where youth could access care early, consistently, and with dignity.
With encouragement and support from the community, Atlantic Wellness opened its doors in a small, welcoming house on Coverdale Road in Riverview - committed to meeting young people where they were, before they reached a breaking point.
Read the McKee ReportGrassroots Beginnings, Built Together
That first space on Coverdale Road reflected our grassroots beginnings - modest, personal, and safe. It wasn’t fancy, but it was warm, human, and welcoming.
Community members helped bring that space to life - through donated furniture, shared resources, volunteer time, advocacy, and belief. As demand for services grew, so did the community’s commitment to ensuring youth had somewhere to turn.
Atlantic Wellness grew intentionally - guided by community need, strengthened by partnerships, and supported by people who understood that mental health care is a shared responsibility.
A Space for Healing
Today, Atlantic Wellness operates from a purpose-built professional space, intentionally designed with youth mental wellness in mind.
Every detail - from calming colours and soft lighting to the layout of therapy rooms and shared areas - was chosen to balance professionalism with warmth. The goal was simple: create a place where young people feel respected, at ease, and safe enough to be themselves.
This space reflects our philosophy and our community’s investment: care should feel human.
Built by Community, for Community
Atlantic Wellness didn’t grow alone.
From donors and volunteers to schools, partners, families, and funders, this organization has been shaped by a collective belief that youth mental health care should be accessible, timely, and free. The community helped transform a small house into a trusted place of care - and continues to guide how Atlantic Wellness evolves today.
This shared commitment remains at the heart of everything we do.
Atlantic Wellness exists because our community chose to build something better — together.
What We Do
At Atlantic Wellness, we provide free, timely, professional mental health services to youth aged 12-25 across southeastern New Brunswick.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions tailored to support youth through challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem, relationships, identity, and more.
Parent Support
We offer guidance to families and caregivers of our clients, navigating how best to support the young people in their lives.
Wrap Around
Giving clients the connections and support they need through their schools, doctors and other community programs.
Clinical Pathways Program
Supervised by our senior staff, this program expands our capacity and provides meaningful placements for students in counselling or social work programs — while offering clients high-quality care.
Learn more about our internship program →Community Engagement
We work closely with schools, youth-serving organizations, and local partners to build awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for better mental health access.
Learn more about community education →