About
The Full Story
About Mind Forge
At Mind Forge, we believe in the transformative power of play. We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making mental wellness more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for everyone. We have been a cornerstone in our community, using the universal language of games, from tabletop role-playing games like D&D to strategic board games and cooperative video games, to help individuals of all ages navigate life's challenges and build a foundation for a healthier mind.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional mental health support and the needs of people who may find conventional methods intimidating or out of reach. We create safe, welcoming spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and grow through structured, professionally facilitated gameplay. Our programs are designed not just for fun, but to cultivate essential life skills: improving communication, building resilience, fostering problem-solving abilities, and developing emotional regulation.
We work with diverse populations, including children and adolescents facing social anxiety, and adults seeking to improve their communication skills. By using games as a therapeutic tool, we help participants lower their guard, explore complex emotions in a non-threatening environment, and build meaningful relationships with others. Mind Forge is more than just a place to play; it's a community where everyone is empowered to become a hero in their own story while also forging meaningful connections and friendships.
What We Do
We create safe, engaging, and inclusive environments where youth and adults can connect, grow, and build resilience through collaborative and imaginative play. Our guided sessions, led by trained facilitators (Coaches supervised by Regulated Health Professionals), use games like Dungeons & Dragons, Minecraft, and LEGO® to help individuals develop crucial skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and creative expression. By focusing on the therapeutic benefits of shared narrative and construction, we empower our community to navigate challenges, forge new friendships, and build a stronger sense of self.
Our Mission: Therapy Through Play
Traditional therapy isn't for everyone. We recognized a need for a more approachable and inclusive way to address mental health. Our mission is to normalize the conversation around mental wellness and provide a low-barrier entry point for those seeking support. Through games, we help people build confidence, process complex emotions, and feel a sense of belonging. We are committed to ensuring our programs are welcoming to all, regardless of background, ability, or experience level.
Our Story
It all started with a simple idea: that a game could be more than just a game. We at Mind Forge have seen firsthand how rolling a D20, collaborating in a virtual world, or snapping a few bricks together can help someone unlock their creativity, overcome social anxiety, or simply feel heard. We understood that the laughter shared over a board game and the victory celebrated in a video game could be the first steps toward real-world connection and confidence.
We are not just a not-for-profit; we are a community of passionate gamers, dedicated mental health advocates, and tireless volunteers. We believe that mental strength, much like a legendary sword, isn't something you're born with, it's forged over time with care and patience. Our programs create a unique space where the pressure of traditional therapy is replaced with the joy of shared adventure. Here, players can explore their emotions, practice problem-solving, and build resilience without even realizing it, all while navigating a fantastical world or solving a challenging puzzle.
Every session is a testament to our core belief: that a game can be a powerful tool for healing. Our community is built on empathy, respect, and the shared understanding that everyone has their own unique quest to complete.
Join us as we continue to build, play, and heal, one session at a time.
Our Commitment
Our Commitment to Professional Excellence
At Mind Forge, our commitment to mental wellness is built on a foundation of professional training, strict supervision, and a deep understanding of ethical practice. We recognize the trust you place in us, and we take our responsibility to provide a safe and effective environment for everyone very seriously. Our unique model blends the therapeutic benefits of play with a robust framework of professional oversight, ensuring that every session is conducted with the highest standards of care. 🛡️
Our Team: Qualified, Compassionate, and Safe
What truly sets us apart is the quality of our team. We don't just bring together passionate gamers; we bring together qualified mental health professionals in training who are committed to safety. A core part of our team consists of supervised university and college student volunteers who are currently enrolled in programs such as psychology, social work, and child and youth care. These students are not only passionate about what they do, but they're also actively learning the latest therapeutic techniques and ethical guidelines from their academic institutions. Their involvement ensures our programs are informed by current research and best practices in the mental health field.
To further guarantee a high level of expertise, every facilitator at Mind Forge is overseen, trained, and certified to coach by a Psychotherapist. This direct supervision is the cornerstone of our program's safety and effectiveness. Our psychotherapists provide continuous guidance, strategy & debriefing as required for each session, and they offer ongoing specialized training on topics like neuro-affirming practices, crisis de-escalation, trauma & violence informed practices, and building therapeutic rapport through play. This rigorous process ensures that our supervised volunteers and staff are well-equipped to manage the dynamics of group sessions and address any challenges that may arise, all while working within a clearly defined scope of practice.
A Safe Space for All: Our Commitment to Screening
Your peace of mind is our top priority. To ensure the safety of everyone in our community, we have a strict policy regarding background checks. All individuals who work for Mind Forge undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) upon hire and then every 2 years. This is a comprehensive criminal record check that ensures everyone on our team is cleared to work with children and other vulnerable populations.
For any volunteers from outside the organization, such as guest speakers or one-time helpers, we ensure they are supervised at all times by someone who has already completed and passed a Vulnerable Sector Check. This two-tiered approach to screening and supervision guarantees that we maintain a secure and trustworthy environment for every participant.
When you entrust your child to Mind Forge, you're not just giving them a place to play games; you're giving them access to a professionally guided program where their emotional health and physical safety are our top priorities. Our commitment to oversight, training, and ethical practice is our promise to you that we are a trusted and qualified partner in your family's journey toward mental wellness.
The Minds Behind The Forge
(Board of Directors)
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Mind Forge operates at the unique intersection of therapeutic expertise and pop culture passion. Our team is a dedicated mix of regulated mental health professionals, certified facilitators, and lifelong gamers who believe the most important life skills are best learned when you're having an adventure. We are united by our charitable mission to make high-quality, high-engagement support accessible to everyone. We bring clinical rigor to the fun, ensuring every game, build, or miniature painted is a purposeful step toward wellness.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
