I'm raising money for my friend Trung—one of the most dedicated and compassionate people I know. He has worked tirelessly to become a therapist, driven by a genuine desire to heal and serve others. But now, standing at the doorstep of his dream, he's being blocked—not by a lack of skill or heart, but by a system that has placed him on a five-year probationary status that most new therapists never face.

This status comes with crushing financial demands: monthly fees that can reach up to $1,000, a mandatory psychological evaluation costing between $3,000 and $5,000, and other expenses that feel less like accountability and more like punishment. Over the next five years, these costs will continue to mount—and Trung cannot move forward without clearing them first.

The urgency is real. He must complete his psychological evaluation by March 3rd—without it, he will be forced to pause his probationary status and will not be allowed to practice.

These barriers don't reflect who Trung is or the healing he's capable of bringing into the world. This fundraiser is intended to help subsidize the cost and ease the financial burden so he can finally get his license. If you're able, please consider supporting him—not just to help a friend, but to give a future therapist the chance to change lives.

More from Trung:

I want to begin by saying that asking for financial support is not easy for me. Part of me felt like the financial burden is one I must face as it is part of the punishment for my past mistakes. That being said, I was reminded by a friend that I served my time, and since then, have dedicated my life to one of accountability and amends. That is why I am reaching out to you all today, my community, to help me continue my dream of becoming a licensed mental health therapist.

The dream of becoming a therapist began in 2017 during my incarceration. I realized that apologies alone were not enough as true accountability lives within action. So I committed to understanding my past and rebuilding myself through healing circles and therapy work. That journey transformed me, and I eventually became a certified substance use counselor, serving others inside the very system that held me.

After coming home in March 2020, I enrolled at San Francisco State University with the help of programs like Project Rebound and earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2022. As a justice-impacted, first-generation immigrant, pursuing a graduate degree felt unattainable. But with the support from my community, I graduated in 2024 with a master’s degree in social work (MSW) at San Jose State University.

This journey to becoming a therapist was one of continuous barriers and setbacks. From finding internship placements to applying for licensure with the California state board, I faced a number of denials and lengthy appeals processes. Even so, I stayed optimistic because these walls were part of my journey and overcoming them was necessary to continue my goal: rewriting the narrative that justice-impacted individuals can also become effective credentialed professionals and leaders in their fields.

Finally, after almost 2 years since my MSW graduation and a successful appeal to the Board of Behavioral Health Sciences' denial of my application, I was granted an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) registration to officially begin my practice as a pre-licensed therapist. This stage is also why I am seeking support today. Due to my past conviction, I was placed on probationary status for 5 years and must meet the following conditions: annual probationary fees, weekly psychotherapy, a comprehensive psychological evaluation, and a series of classes outside of my formal education.

This career path has been a true blessing for someone like me. Every day, I get to use my lived experiences and professional skills to help others heal and change the outcomes of their lives. I am grateful for your support in my professional development as this helps me continue doing this work and move one step closer to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Here are a few related links below of my educational and professional journey: