Equity & Care

Inclusion in the workplace

The Artful Life is committed to advancing equity and addressing systemic barriers to mental health care. Our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends beyond client services. At The Artful Life, we intentionally cultivate a workplace where clinicians and staff are respected, supported, and able to bring their full selves to their work. We believe that when our team thrives in an affirming environment, our clients benefit from the care, creativity, and compassion that flow from that culture.

How we put equity into practice

As part of our commitment to these values and goals, we support, promote, partner with and/or seek consultation from the following local and regional organizations and ask you to consider giving your support as well:

• Northshore Alliance for LGBTQ+ Youth- NAGLY’s mission is to honor, respect, educate and empower LGBTQIA+ youth. The Artful Life has collaborated with NAGLY on youth projects, and NAGLY provides training in gender-affirming care for Artful Life staff.
• North Shore Community Development Coalition- The mission of the NSCDC is to invest in neighborhoods to create thriving communities. The Artful Life is a former partner in offering psychoeducation and therapy workshops for youth and staff and continues to promote and attend NSCDC community events. In addition, Natalie Blue, Artful Life Co-Owner is an active member of the NSCDC Advisory Council.
• North Shore Juneteenth- North Shore Juneteenth Association Inc. is a group of community leaders seeking to create awareness about the Juneteenth holiday, educate the broader community about positive aspects of Black American culture, and dismantle racism by using events and programming as a tool for change. The Artful Life participates in and promotes North Shore Juneteenth community events.
• Salem Mental Health Youth Task Force - The City of Salem, led by the Director of the Salem Children’s Alliance, launched the Salem Youth Mental Health Task Force (SYMHTF) . This initiative was established in the Fall of 2024 and brings together schools, mental health providers, and state agencies to address the increasing mental health needs of Salem’s youth and families in a unified, proactive way. Natalie Blue, Artful Life Co-Owner, is an active member.
• HAWC - Healing Abuse Working for Change - HAWC’s mission is to create social change by taking action against personal and societal patterns of violence and oppression and provides services to survivors of domestic abuse residing in 23 cities and towns around the North Shore. The Artful Life partners with HAWC to offer services through their Parent-Child Trauma Recovery Program, which builds trust between children of domestic abuse and their protective parent through 12-14 weeks of trauma-informed care and evidenced-based therapy.
• Youth At Risk - an annual conference located at Endicott College and sponsored by Pathways for Children, providing professional development for those working with and caring for youth in various settings. Artful Life Owners, Natalie Blue and Madelene Pario have been presenters in past years.
• North Shore Pride Parade - The Artful Life team proudly walks each year in the annual Pride Parade in June.
• And Still We Rise - The mission of ASWR is to provide consulting and therapy services that are designed to challenge oppressive systems, center the needs of marginalized communities, and create culturally affirming spaces where people and organizations can thrive. The Artful Life partners with ASWR to deepen our understanding around equitable workplaces and our commitment to inclusive and affirming counseling services.

If you are a local organization who would like to partner with us, please reach out to Natalie Blue, LMHC, Co-Owner natalie@artfullifecenter.org