Help a Counseling Psychology PhD Student Stay Housed

Hi, my name is Tori, and I am a Counseling Psychology PhD student in Memphis. I am supposed to propose my dissertation and apply to internship (basically our residency) soon. But right now I can barely focus.

I am weeks away from losing my housing.

Despite being approved for more aid by private lenders, my university will not certify loans above ~$10,000/semester because of outdated “cost of attendance” rules. That leaves me with about $6,700 per semester after tuition, which is not enough to cover rent, food, and $500–$1,000/month in out-of-pocket medical costs.

I’ve reached out to every organization I can. The only responses I’ve gotten are shelter referrals, no prevention, no real help. Community fridges here are empty. Because I am an Arkansas resident studying in Tennessee, I fall through every crack in state and county benefits: I can’t get Shelby County or Tennessee support, but I also can’t access local Arkansas programs. I can’t switch residency because I’ll be moving again soon for my required clinical internship.

My father was a U.S. Air Force base commander in Battle Creek and a fighter pilot. My family has served this country. Now, as I work to serve Veterans and communities in need, I am at risk of homelessness while trying to finish my training.

This is not about mismanagement. It is about structural underfunding of graduate education and the lack of a safety net for disabled students. But right now, I need urgent help to survive so I can keep training to be the kind of psychologist our communities so desperately need.

I have 7 months of school left before internship. I am almost there. If I can cover this semester, I will be okay in spring.

How funds will be used

• Rent and utilities to prevent homelessness

• Food and transportation

• Out-of-pocket medical expenses ($500–$1,000/month)

• Basic living costs until additional support becomes available