My name is Alissa Hochman and I am a clinical psychologist and former professor. One of my former doctoral students has been struggling financially for some time. I will provide as much information about them and their needs while also maintaining their confidentiality. I will refer to the student as Tay.

Tay is studying to be a psychologist and has completed most of the degree. They are going to make an excellent clinician, so I see supporting Tay as an exponential gift to the many people they will help throughout their career. Currently, Tay is working with truly some of the most disenfranchised people in our society, facing this work with courage, empathy, and an ability to connect with clients that is remarkable. Few people could do this work, and Tay not only does it well, they enjoy it. Tay is also a fantastic student and peer, unafraid to engage other students in difficult conversations about cultural humility, while also willingly and humbly reflecting on and addressing Tay's own biases.

When I noticed them struggling in class this semester I asked asked to meet with them to see how I could support them. It was clear through our conversation that financial support is what they need the most. Hence this GoFundMe.

Due to difficult past circumstances, Tay has fallen on hard times. They cannot go to their family with their financial issues because the explanation for their struggles would include coming out to their parents, who would disown them. Tay's parents are currently paying their tuition, so getting disowned would not only be painful and unsafe, it would mean not being able to continue their education.

In the meantime, Tay has been scraping by in nearly every area of their life. They no longer have health insurance and are therefore unable to address basic healthcare needs and issues, including major knee pain, an inability to see properly with outdated contacts, and an inability to get refills for medication to treat their major depression. Tay also struggles with food insecurity, generally eating one meal a day. To try to get out from under their financial issues, Tay works every day that they are not on externship or at school. How Tay has still persevered in their studies is unfathomable to me.

Tay recently began an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to address their depression. After applying and receiving a $2K scholarship, the program will cost about $7K out of pocket.

Tay and I are hoping that with your help, depending on how much we are able to fundraise, they will be able to:

Thank you for considering supporting Tay as they work toward getting better and completing their education!