Culture and Care, Together
We combine professional expertise with deep Albanian cultural understanding, in our research, education, and clinical work alike.
About ACMH
A Mental Health Centre Built for the Albanian Community
ACMH is the first centre of its kind for the Albanian community, dedicated to providing culturally sensitive, evidence-based mental health services to support the well-being of Albanians around the world.
Our Mission
A home for Albanian mental health, wherever home is for you.
ACMH exists to close a gap Albanians have felt for generations: the absence of mental health knowledge, research, and care that truly understands our culture. We bring together clinicians, researchers, and community members to change that, pairing professional expertise with deep respect for Albanian history, values, and everyday life.
From research and education to accessible resources and trusted clinical care, everything we build is grounded in evidence and shaped by community. Our work is for Albanians everywhere: in Albania, in Kosovo, and in communities around the world.
Our Vision
A community where asking for help is a sign of strength.
We picture a future where Albanians of every generation can speak about mental health openly, without shame and without needing to explain their culture first. A future where feeling understood is the starting point of care, not something you have to search for.
Getting there means dismantling stigma, language barriers, and cultural misunderstanding through rigorous research, open conversation, and care people can trust. We are building that future step by step, together with our community.
Our Story
Why ACMH was founded.
For generations, Albanians have carried their struggles quietly. Mental health professionals who understand the weight of our history, the dynamics of life between cultures, and the norms around family, honour, and emotional expression have been rare, and for many communities, entirely out of reach.
Dr. Arela Agako and Dr. Adile Nexha met during their Ph.D.s at McMaster University where they both focused on mental health research and clinical practice. Both grew up between cultures, and saw firsthand, in research and clinical practice, how much is lost when care does not understand where you come from. They founded ACMH to change that.
What began as an idea between two colleagues has grown into a hub: a place where Albanians can find professional support, where research on Albanian mental health can take root, and where a growing team of clinicians, researchers, and community advocates works to make sure no one has to leave their culture at the door. Many of us are Albanian ourselves. All of us are invested in the communities we serve.
Dr. Arela Agako, C.Psych.
Founder, Psychologist & Clinical Lead
Dr. Adile Nexha, Ph.D.
Founder & Research Lead
Our Team
A growing community of clinicians, researchers, and advocates.
ACMH brings together founders, clinicians, researchers, and community advocates, united by a shared commitment to culturally grounded mental health.
What We Stand For
The values behind everything we do.
Evidence Before Assumption
Every study, workshop, and resource we produce is grounded in rigorous, evidence-based practice, adapted to the Albanian experience.
Open Doors, No Stigma
We work to dismantle the barriers of language, stigma, and cultural misunderstanding that keep Albanians from seeking support.
One Community, Worldwide
Whether in Albania, Kosovo, or communities abroad, we build for Albanians everywhere, not only where we are based.
What We Do
Four ways we serve the Albanian community.
From peer-reviewed research to free community workshops, our work reaches far beyond the therapy room.
Research
Studies on trauma, culture, and mental health in Albanian communities, conducted with McMaster University and shared openly.
Explore Our Research →
Education & Events
Workshops and events that build mental health awareness and break down stigma within the community.
See Upcoming Events →
Resources
A free podcast and blog exploring mental health, Albanian identity, and community resilience.
Browse Resources →
Therapy
Clinical care delivered through affiliated practices, in Albanian and English.
Find a Therapist →
Find Care
Looking for therapy?
Clinical care at ACMH is delivered through affiliated practices, including our founders' own. Reach out and we'll connect you with a clinician who understands your background.
Find a TherapistGlobal Reach
Wherever Albanians are.
ACMH is based in Toronto, but our work doesn't stop at the border. Our research welcomes participants from Albania, Kosovo, and communities around the world, our podcast and blog are free wherever you are, and our virtual events are open to everyone. Wherever Albanians have built a life, we want ACMH to feel within reach.
Newsletter
Stay up to date on events and workshops.
An email whenever something is happening: upcoming ACMH events and free educational workshops. Nothing else, we promise.