The Lara Otunla Counselling Centre was founded in honor of Lara Otunla, the granddaughter of Dr. Louis Grant. Lara was a bright, compassionate young woman who struggled with depression but faced inadequate mental health care in Jamaica. She, like many others, encountered stigma, shame, and barriers to seeking help. In December 2020, she died by suicide, a devastating loss that underscored the urgent need for better mental health access and acceptancefor young people.

Too many young Jamaicans suffer in silence, afraid of being judged, dismissed, or misunderstood. The stigma surrounding mental health often prevents children and adolescents from reaching out, leaving them to battle their struggles alone. Lara’s story is not unique—but it should never happen again.

Breaking the Silence: Our Mission

Mental health challenges are real, common, and treatable, yet in Jamaica, they are often ignored or dismissed. Many children and teenagers dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or suicidal thoughts are told to “be strong” or that their struggles are not real illnesses. This shame and lack of understanding can make it even harder for young people to get the help they need.

The Lara Otunla Counselling Centre was established in 2023 to change this reality. Our goal is to:

✅ Provide accessible mental health services for children and adolescents
✅ Break the stigma that prevents young people from seeking help
✅ Encourage open conversations about mental health in families and schools
✅ Ensure that no child feels ashamed to ask for support

Our Services

• Counselling for Children and Adolescents: Our center offers personalized, one-on-one counselling sessions designed to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, bullying, grief, and family-related challenges. We provide a supportive environment where young people can express themselves freely and work towards healing.
• Therapeutic Support: Using evidence-based therapies, our counselors help children and adolescents build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and manage emotions like anger, sadness, and frustration. We focus on empowering them to face life’s challenges with confidence.
• Family Support: We understand that family plays a key role in a young person’s mental health. Our team works closely with families to offer guidance, understanding, and strategies to help them support their child or adolescent’s emotional needs. We believe in a holistic approach where the entire family unit is supported in the healing process.

Educational Resources: We offer educational resources to help parents, caregivers, and the community better understand the mental health issues affecting children and adolescents. By raising awareness, we hope to reduce stigma and encourage more open discussions about mental health.

Partnering with Local Schools to Reach Those in Need

• Many struggling young people don’t know where to turn, and by the time they receive help, it is often too late. That’s why we are partnering with schools across Jamaica to:
  • Identify students experiencing mental health challenges
  • Provide counselling and early intervention
  • Offer resources and education to parents, teachers, and communities
  • Create safe spaces where young people can speak freely without fear of judgment

  Mental health should be treated with the same urgency as physical health. If a child had a broken bone, we would never tell them to “just be strong.” The same must apply to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

  The Lara Otunla Counselling Centre exists to honor Lara’s memory by ensuring that no young person suffers in silence due to stigma or lack of access to care. We are here to listen, support, and change the conversation around mental health in Jamaica.