YAKIMA, Wash.-The Mental Health Counseling Graduate Program at Central Washington University is being reestablished to help bring more behavioral health specialists to the region.
The CWU Foundation announced a gift of $770,000 from Comprehensive Healthcare to restart the program on May 29.
“The demand for the MHC program among potential students has been so strong and the need for mental health support in the community far outstrips the current resources,” CWU Psychology Department Chair Heidi Perez said.
The funding, established as the Comprehensive Healthcare Fund, will allow for the hiring of two faculty members, a clinic manager, program manager and graduate assistants.
The MHC program will provide clinical training to graduate students, so they are later eligible to seek state licensure as Mental Health Counselors, according to a Comprehensive Healthcare press release.
The MHC program will help both Comprehensive Healthcare and CWU by creating pathways that expand access and success to all students and providing innovative, integrated healthcare, community education, and services to individuals, families, and organizations.
“We’re confident in this partnership that develops a pipeline to significantly impact the workforce shortage we’ve seen over the years in community behavioral healthcare,” said Jodi Daly, PhD, Comprehensive Healthcare Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the CWU Foundation Board.
According to today’s press release on the program, students will complete practicums and internships within CWU’s clinic and/or via community placement – such as at Comprehensive Healthcare – under the supervision of department faculty and field supervisors
The MHC graduate program at CWU was established in the 1970’s, but was discontinued due to a lack of faculty in 2023.
Classes are expected to start in Jan. 2025 and up to 12 students at a time will be enrolled in the MGC program, with the first set to be able to graduate in 2026.
