Mental Wellness is a Human Right, Not a Privilege.
The Empowering Lives Initiative (ELI) is a nonprofit organization expanding access to affordable, culturally responsive mental health care while strengthening the behavioral health workforce across the United States.
Founded in 2025 and built on more than four years of founder-funded service delivery, ELI bridges gaps in care through affordable therapy, licensed clinical training, and community mental health education — ensuring working adults and underserved communities receive the support they deserve.
What makes us different
The Empowering Space Difference
- Licensed Therapists & Clinical Oversight
- Confidential, Trauma-Informed Care
- Affordable & Sliding-Scale Services
- Workforce Development & Intern Training
- Community Education & Outreach
Why We Exist
Mental health access gaps persist across communities. Many individuals are unable to receive care due to:
Financial barriers and high out-of-pocket costs
Provider shortages
Cultural stigma
Limited access to culturally responsive services
Lack of affordable care options for working adults
Empowering Lives Initiative was created to close these gaps through community-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive solutions that meet people where they are.
Our Roots
A Founder-Funded Model Built on Service
Empowering Lives Initiative was formally established in 2025 as an expansion of The Empowering Space, a mental health practice dedicated to culturally competent care.
For over four years prior to ELI’s launch, the founder personally funded low-cost therapy services, clinical training infrastructure, and operational expenses to ensure community members could access care regardless of financial barriers.
During this period:
- Over 200 individuals received affordable mental health services
- Clients averaged 20 sessions each, totaling more than 4,000 clinical sessions
- Approximately 45 graduate-level interns and early-career clinicians completed supervised clinical placements
All services were delivered under licensed clinical supervision, including structured education, mentorship, clinical guidance, and formal evaluation.
ELI was created to transition this proven, founder-funded model into a nonprofit structure — allowing for sustainable expansion of services, workforce development, and mental health education.
What We Do
Our Core Program Areas
Empowering Lives Initiative’s mission is to expand access to affordable, culturally responsive mental health care while strengthening the behavioral health workforce through licensed clinical supervision, workforce development, and community mental health education. We serve working adults facing financial and access barriers and prepare the next generation of clinicians to deliver high-quality, community-centered care.
Affordable Mental Health Services
We provide sliding-scale therapy and accessible mental health resources for individuals navigating financial and coverage barriers.
Services include:
- Supervised intern therapy sessions starting at $0-$35
- Virtual therapy options
- Community-based mental wellness resources
All clinical services are supported by licensed behavioral health professionals to ensure quality, ethical care.
Workforce Development & Clinical Training
We invest in the next generation of mental health professionals through:
- Supervised clinical internships and practicums
- Licensed mentorship and clinical oversight
- Structured education and performance evaluation
- Professional development pathways
Our goal is to expand access to care while preparing skilled, culturally responsive clinicians for community-based practice.
Mental Health Awareness & Education
We promote mental wellness and reduce stigma through:
- Workshops on stress, trauma, and coping skills
- Psychoeducational programming
- Community outreach initiatives
- Advocacy for equitable mental health access and funding
Who We Serve
Communities Deserve Access to Care
Empowering Lives Initiative primarily serves working adults who fall into the mental health access gap — individuals who are employed or self-employed yet unable to afford traditional therapy due to high deductibles, limited coverage, or financial constraints.
This includes:
- Professionals and entrepreneurs
- Caregivers and working families
- Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout
- Aspiring mental health professionals seeking supervised clinical experience
Eligibility for specific programs is determined through:
- Community needs assessments
- Income-based criteria
- Partner referrals
- Program-specific applications
Some services are open-access, while others require enrollment.
How It Works
Your Journey to Better Mental Health
At the Empowering Lives Initiative, we believe accessing mental health support should feel clear, respectful, and human. Whether you’re seeking low-cost care, education, or community resources, we guide you every step of the way with care and intention.
01
Get Connected
Reach out through our website to request support or explore available programs.
02
Initial Review & Matching
We learn about your needs and match you with supervised care, programs, or resources.
03
Personalized Support Plan
Together, we build a care plan that may include therapy, workshops, or educational support.
04
Ongoing Care & Community Support
Mental wellness is a journey. We provide continued guidance, licensed supervision, tools, and community-based support.
Global Mental Health Initiatives
Mental health equity does not stop.
ELI partners with grassroots organizations, universities, and community leaders to develop sustainable, culturally relevant mental health programs across communities.
Affordable Therapy Through Supervised Interns
Ethical, Accessible Care, Always Supervised
ELI offers low-cost virtual therapy provided by graduate-level MSW interns under the supervision of licensed clinical professionals.
Sessions start at $0- $35 based on the need.
All intern providers:
- Are enrolled in accredited graduate programs
- Receive ongoing licensed clinical supervision
- Follow trauma-informed and ethical standards
- Participate in structured education and evaluation
This ensures safety, accountability, and high-quality care.
Leadership & Board of Directors
Guided by Experience. Grounded in Equity.
Empowering Lives Initiative is led by a multidisciplinary board of clinicians, healthcare leaders, and community advocates committed to ethical governance, clinical excellence, and sustainable impact.
Brittany Woodley, LCSW-S
Founder & Board Chair
Brittany Woodley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board-approved supervisor with extensive experience in clinical care, leadership, and workforce development. She is the founder and owner of The Empowering Space, PLLC, where she has built a culturally competent therapy practice focused on access, supervision, and training the next generation of clinicians.
Her background includes leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer. Brittany brings deep expertise in program development, governance, clinical oversight, and mental health advocacy to ELI’s board leadership.
Our Governance Commitment
ELI’s board is responsible for:
Ethical oversight and fiduciary responsibility
Strategic direction and long-term sustainability
Program accountability and evaluation
Equity-driven decision making
Community-informed leadership
Together, this team ensures that Empowering Lives Initiative remains mission-aligned, financially transparent, and rooted in the communities it serves.
Notasha Robinson
Board Member | Community Engagement & Advocacy
Notasha Robinson is a social services professional with a strong background in program management, housing assistance, disability claims adjudication, and nonprofit collaboration. She currently serves as a P.R.O. Agent with the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, supporting compliance, advocacy, and service access for underserved populations.
Her experience across public service, financial education, and community outreach—combined with her volunteer leadership with organizations such as Autism Speaks and Big Brothers Big Sisters—brings a critical equity-centered lens to ELI’s community partnerships and social impact work.
Larissa Veal, MHA, BSN, RN, CMCN, CCM, CPHQ
Board Member | Compliance & Quality Assurance
Larissa Veal is a healthcare executive with extensive experience in nursing, health administration, managed care, and clinical quality assurance. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration and multiple professional certifications in healthcare quality and case management.
Through leadership roles at Centene Corporation, Larissa has contributed to policy development, accreditation, and compliance initiatives. Her expertise ensures ELI maintains strong regulatory alignment, risk management, and quality standards across U.S. and international programs.
Get Involved
Well-Being Should Be Accessible to All
There are many ways to support mental health equity:
Make a donation
Partner with us
Sponsor a program
Volunteer or mentor
Support workforce development initiatives
Together, we can ensure mental wellness is accessible everywhere.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.