Two years ago, a small organization was established in Buffalo, NY, with a simple goal: to help people pay for their therapy bills. Elena Kilgore, the founder of Other People Fund, started with just 100 t-shirts emblazoned with the phrase, “I think we should see other people, and by other people, I mean therapists.” She aimed to sell the shirts and use the profits to pay for a few therapy sessions for those who needed them. Fast forward to 2023, and Other People Fund has grown into a globally recognized brand, providing therapy sessions for over 380 people in need.

In today’s world, mental healthcare has become an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet, many people still face several barriers when accessing it. For instance, the average cost of a therapy session in the US ranges from $100 to $200, and insurance often doesn’t cover these costs. This is where Other People Fund steps in to help people struggling to afford mental healthcare.

Kilgore understands the pressing need for access to mental healthcare, so she started the Other People Fund to break this cycle and alleviate some of the financial burdens for those seeking therapy. She says, “I’ve seen the benefits of therapy and want to share that with as many people as possible.”

The funds raised through the sale of Other People Fund merchandise are donated to its nonprofit partner, Support for the Psyche, which Kilgore also founded. Support for the Psyche accepts therapy aid applications and awards funds to cover the cost of up to three therapy sessions or $300 per applicant. With the help of Support for the Psyche, Other People Fund has provided therapy sessions to people in need. Other People Fund has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and the future looks bright.

Kilgore’s bold idea and commitment to helping others have made therapy more accessible to hundreds of people. She’s ecstatic about the progress and is eager to see what the future holds. “I’m grateful for the incredible response we’ve received from people worldwide who have rallied behind this cause. I can’t wait to see what year three will bring,” she says.

Other People Fund is an example of how a small idea can impact the world. Through its mission to increase access to mental healthcare, it is changing lives and breaking down barriers, one therapy session at a time. So how can you support this noble cause? It’s simple: purchase merchandise from otherpeoplefund.com or donate directly to supportforthepsyche.com. Harry Styles, the pop star and style icon, is just one of the many people who have joined the cause and purchased Other People Fund merchandise. 100% of the proceeds from the merchandise go towards supporting mental healthcare.

Whether you’re purchasing a shirt, donating, or applying for therapy aid, you’re helping increase access to mental healthcare and support those who need it most. So let’s celebrate Other People Fund’s second birthday and continue to support their mission of providing access to therapy for all.

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