Outside the Box began in 2020 as Outside the Box Series, LLC
— a creative initiative born in the midst of the pandemic
to spark connection and hope during a time of isolation.
What started as an idea to nurture both mind and spirit
grew into a community dedicated to
mental wellness and social impact.
The success of those early projects inspired the launch of the
Outside the Box Institute (OTBI) in 2025
— a nonprofit committed to advancing mental fitness,
reducing stigma, and creating spaces for connection
and healing. What began as a response to crisis
has become a mission for change.

Over the past four years, Founder & CEO Dr. Janeane Bernstein has been developing and pilot-testing activities and workshops in collaboration with college students to foster meaningful conversations around self-care, mental health, coping skills, and human connection.

By empowering students to lead and design these experiences, Bernstein has witnessed the transformative impact of peer-to-peer initiatives in addressing the growing loneliness epidemic and other mental health struggles on college campuses.

At Outside the Box Institute, we believe in a holistic approach to wellness that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported.
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