The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is addressing the shortage of mental health counselors by launching a new Department of Online Counselor Education. This initiative aims to prepare a diverse group of counselors equipped with both lived experience and professional expertise.
Dr. Sandy Gibson, Chair of the new department, shared insights into TCNJ’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling online program. The program is designed to fill gaps in the mental health sector by training counselors who can meet the needs of underserved communities in New Jersey.
Dr. Gibson emphasized the importance of diversity within the mental health workforce, stating that “our ultimate goal is to create a reality in New Jersey, and down the line, across the country, where as long as someone has the desire and disposition to be a clinical mental health counselor, they can become a mental health counselor.”
The online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers flexibility with three start dates annually and a course load manageable enough for students to balance work, school, and life commitments. The 60-credit program allows students to complete their degree in as little as two years while preparing them to assist individuals across various treatment spectrums.
For more information about this initiative at TCNJ, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website.
