What is Insula Collective?
“This is for the ones that will see through
No one ever told you, but I promise that we need you”
- Kahlil Blu on “Melwood”
Welcome to Insula Collective—a sanctuary inspired by Moses Sumney’s Grae and the Latin word insula, meaning "island"—a reflection of the isolation many of us experience. We believe in the power of community to transform loneliness, dissociation, and shame into connection and healing.
At Insula Collective, we value person-centered care, an approach that respects each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and lived experiences while empowering them in their healing journey (source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). We believe that recovery is possible for anyone struggling, with or without a diagnosis.
Founded to create supportive spaces for communities of color, Insula Collective fosters vulnerability and belonging as essential tools for well-being. Our donation-based support groups operate on a pay-what-you-can model, ensuring accessibility for the BIPOC community while proudly standing as allies to the queer community.
Join us—where acceptance knows no bounds.
Meet the Team
Briana Boyd
Founder and Certified Peer Support Specialist
With over 13 years in the music industry, I experienced the profound effects of burnout, which led me to focus on my other passion: mental health. My lifelong journey managing severe treatment-resistant depression and various mental health diagnoses has been shaped by the crucial resources and unwavering support from my mother. The loss of family members to suicide, particularly my father, made me acutely aware of the challenging emotions we often face and the stark disparities in the mental health care system, especially for the Black community. These experiences ignited my commitment to fostering greater wellness and building a supportive mental health community for those often underserved.
In 2022, my first group therapy experience was transformative, highlighting the profound impact of mental health support groups, particularly for people of color. Recognizing the need for more accessible and inclusive safe spaces, I became a certified peer support specialist in California. This certification empowers me to bridge gaps in care, offering support and understanding to those who may have felt overlooked or neglected.
My mission is to break down barriers hindering mental health care within the BIPOC community, advocating for greater accessibility and inclusivity. By sharing my journey and leveraging my certification, I aim to create spaces where individuals can find solace, share experiences, and embark on a collective journey toward holistic well-being. Join me in cultivating a supportive environment that encourages growth, healing, and empowerment.
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist - Issued 3/5/2024
Integrative Wellness Pop-Up Barber Shop Led By Brandon Bond - The Copeland Center - Issued 7/30/2024
QPR Gatekeeper Certificate - TWLOHA via QPR Institute (Question, Persuade, Refer - Suicide Prevention Training) - Issued 10/14/2024
