Clark University Launches Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program to Address Regional Workforce Shortage
By What’s Up Worcester Staff
Clark University has announced the launch of a new Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program. The program is set to begin in Fall 2026, according to a press release from the university.
The degree is housed within the Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology and is designed to prepare students for careers as Licensed Mental Health Counselors. Clark University representatives state the program is intended to help address a documented shortage of mental health providers in Central Massachusetts and across the country.
According to the university, the program will meet the 60-credit licensing requirements for Licensed Mental Health Counselors in Massachusetts. It is also designed to align with national accreditation standards to prepare graduates for roles in clinical and community-based settings.
Amy Heberle, associate professor of psychology and co-director of the program, addressed the regional need in a statement released by the university. Heberle noted there is a shortage of mental health providers locally and nationwide. She expressed that the university is prepared to train students to help fill that gap and provide mental health services in the communities where they choose to work.
The university states the program will combine academic coursework with supervised clinical training and mentorship. Students are expected to complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship across two semesters. These clinical hours will take place in settings such as community agencies, hospitals, schools, and partner organizations under the supervision of licensed clinicians.
Coursework will cover areas including counseling theory, ethics, developmental psychology, psychopathology, multicultural counseling, and advanced clinical interventions. The program will also introduce students to evidence-based approaches. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention.
Clark University reports that courses will be primarily held in person in Worcester. The degree is designed to be completed in approximately two years and includes summer coursework.
The university has not yet publicly released information regarding enrollment capacity or application timelines.
Local Relevance
Health providers and policymakers have identified Central Massachusetts as a region experiencing limited access to mental health services. This includes long wait times for patients and a shortage of licensed clinicians. A graduate program based in Worcester that trains future counselors locally may contribute to expanding the regional workforce. This is particularly relevant if graduates choose to remain in the Central Massachusetts area to practice after completing their degree.
🔍 The W.U.W. Verification Box
- Project / Topic: Clark University Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program
- Current Status: Announced; program set to launch Fall 2026
- Key Dates or Decisions: Fall 2026 program start
- Estimated Cost (if applicable): Not publicly specified
- Timeline (if known): Approximately two-year program including summer coursework
- Immediate Next Steps: Application details and enrollment information expected from Clark University
- Primary Sources: Clark University press release; statements from program leadership
- What We Do Not Yet Know: Program capacity, tuition cost, application deadlines, accreditation status timeline beyond stated alignment
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