Teen Mental Health: UVA Student Launches Free2Talk for Affordable Therapy

UVA Student Launches Nonprofit to Expand Access to Mental and Speech Therapy for Virginia Youth

Millions of American teenagers face obstacles accessing mental health care and for many, getting help feels out of reach. William Mount, a first-year student at the University of Virginia, is working to change that. Driven by his own experiences with stuttering and mental health challenges, Mount founded Free2Talk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to subsidizing speech and mental health therapy for young people in Virginia.

Mount understands firsthand the difficulties of navigating mental health care. “Despite the essentiality of mental health care, there are often waitlists up to six months long. After getting past those, the cost of weekly sessions can total thousands of dollars a month,” he said. He describes depression as an ongoing battle that profoundly impacts young people.

Inspired by his mother’s nonprofit work stemming from her breast cancer journey, Mount created Free2Talk in the fall of 2022. The organization provides financial assistance to Virginians ages 6-19, covering up to 80% of treatment costs for up to 16 sessions. Many families served by Free2Talk lack health insurance, face out-of-network restrictions, or have high deductibles that make coverage unaffordable.

Free2Talk connects families with a network of mental health providers and specialists, bridging the gap between those in need and accessible treatment. Since its inception, the organization has collaborated with UVA’s Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services, expanding its reach across the Commonwealth.

According to Mount, the collaboration with the Sheila C. Johnson Center has been instrumental in achieving Free2Talk’s mission. Patients who initially utilize the Johnson Center’s services often choose to continue treatment with other providers in their communities, allowing Free2Talk to extend its impact beyond the UVA area.

As of February 2026, Free2Talk has assisted nearly 50 patients, with almost a dozen from the Charlottesville community. This support has translated to over 500 hours and nearly $50,000 in subsidized speech and mental health therapy.

Mount acknowledges that securing fundraising partners has been a significant challenge. Initially, he relied on word-of-mouth donations and small fundraisers to cover patients’ therapy costs. However, increased media attention has helped raise awareness and attract donors. A recent article in Fox5DC and ABC7 News highlighted the organization’s work, and Arlington Magazine also featured Free2Talk in a recent profile.

Free2Talk’s impact is also being recognized on a national level, with the Points of Light Foundation recognizing Mount as a Daily Point of Light. The organization’s website, www.free2talk.org, provides more information about its mission and resources, and can be contacted via email at free2talkfund@gmail.com.