Navigating the ups and downs of college life can be overwhelming for many students. From academic pressures to social changes and financial concerns, mental health often takes a backseat—especially for those without access to adequate healthcare. Recognizing this gap, a South Florida nonprofit, Beyond Grey, has stepped in to offer a much-needed lifeline.
A Safe Space for College Students
Founded in 2020 by Bianca Natali, Beyond Grey was established with the mission to support young adults in managing the stressors that come with college life. Through group mental health activations and free therapy sessions, the nonprofit has already helped over 300 students from major South Florida institutions, including Miami Dade College, the University of Miami, and Florida International University.
“Our mission is to provide a safe space where people feel like they can be a part of something through mental and physical health, and not feel so alone,” Natali explained.
The organization’s name, Beyond Grey, symbolizes its goal of helping individuals find color and vibrancy in their lives, even when they feel overwhelmed or stuck in the “gray” areas of mental health challenges.
The Inspiration Behind Beyond Grey
The inspiration for Beyond Grey stems from Natali’s personal journey. Having faced her own struggles with mental health during a pivotal time in her life, she recognized a critical need for accessible mental health resources—especially for college students.
“I found there was a need for it… honestly just from personal experience,” Natali shared. “I felt like I didn’t have the resources during a difficult time, and I truly believe that if I had mental health support that was accessible, things would have gone differently for me.”
This realization motivated her to create a space where students could access the support they needed without facing barriers like cost, stigma, or lack of awareness.
The College Mental Health Crisis
Statistics reflect the growing mental health challenges among college students. According to Harmony Healthcare IT, 46% of college students have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and insomnia are common struggles that many students face. As they transition into adulthood, the pressure to balance academics, career ambitions, and social life often leads to feelings of isolation and overwhelm.
Jessica Wylie, a therapist at Beyond Grey, emphasizes how the college years are especially tough for students. “They’re maybe away from home, they’re trying to figure out their careers, and there’s a lot going on. It’s really important that we try to remove those barriers to mental health care,” Wylie explained. “We need to spread awareness that this is a real issue that can happen, and it’s okay to ask for help.”
Offering Free Therapy Sessions
To combat the mental health crisis among students, Beyond Grey has partnered with community efforts like the Give Miami Day fundraiser. Thanks to these initiatives, the organization has been able to offer over 180 free therapy sessions to students in need. The program targets eligible students between the ages of 18 and 27 who do not have access to mental health care.
Students enrolled in the program can receive up to nine one-on-one therapy sessions at no cost. These sessions are designed to help students navigate their emotional challenges, offering them new perspectives and healthier coping strategies.
Natali highlights the transformative impact of therapy, explaining that it can help students “see things in a different light” and discover ways to manage their stress more effectively.
Looking Ahead: Beyond Grey’s Future Goals
Beyond Grey’s ultimate goal is simple but powerful: “It’s about searching for color when everything feels gray,” Natali said. This vision reflects the organization’s commitment to providing students with the tools and support they need to regain their mental clarity and well-being.
Looking to the future, Beyond Grey is determined to continue expanding its reach, offering more therapy sessions, and increasing awareness around the importance of mental health for young adults. By creating a safe, open space for dialogue and healing, the nonprofit is helping to ensure that students have the support they need to thrive during one of the most transformative times in their lives.
Through programs like Beyond Grey, the hope is that college students can find the support they need to maintain their mental health and lead fulfilling, balanced lives.
