During my sophomore year, shortly after moving to Texas, I experienced a mental health crisis that derailed my life. Almost overnight, basic daily functions became nearly impossible. I started missing classes, stepped down from commitments, and felt strain in my relationships. Eventually, I learned that I was exhibiting symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a widely misunderstood condition for which treatment options are scarce across the country—especially in Texas.
For over a year, I was fortunate to access therapy through my university. However, I was only permitted to see my therapist biweekly and, for a long time, was unaware that specialized OCD treatments even existed. When I finally learned about Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—a highly effective therapy for OCD—I immediately reached out to my campus Counseling Center. Their first referral, after a long wait for a response, quoted me over $400 per session. It wasn’t until this semester that I was finally referred to an affordable ERP program—though even then, I had to advocate for myself to ensure my insurance was processed correctly.
I am incredibly grateful to be starting a personalized recovery plan, but the barriers I faced highlight a much larger issue. No one should have to navigate this level of inaccessibility, confusion, and financial burden just to receive essential mental health care. My experience has fueled my determination to fight for a more equitable Texas—one where no young adult is forced to suffer in silence due to a lack of resources and support.