Brescia University proudly announces the launch of its Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC) degree. Applications for the newly accredited, two-year program are now being accepted.
Classes begin this fall and will be delivered in an online hybrid format, with two required on-campus residency experiences. This format provides the best learning outcomes by using both classroom and independent learning environments.
Dr. Amanda Morris, Brescia University vice president for academic affairs, said the 60-credit-hour comprehensive curriculum will prepare graduates for careers in a healthcare field that urgently needs more professionals.
“With a ratio of people per mental health counselor that is significantly lower than the national average, Kentucky faces a shortage of mental health professionals. In addition, at the time of exploring feasibility of the program, the state ranked 45th in overall health outcomes, with high rates of frequent mental distress and severe substance use,” she said. “By offering a MSCMHC program, the university can help alleviate the workforce shortage, improve mental health services and, ultimately, health outcomes in western Kentucky.”
Morris said Brescia is uniquely positioned to prepare these professionals to serve our communities, because of its long-standing experience in offering programs in areas such as social work, clinical psychology, and speech-language pathology.
Brescia President Madison Silvert said the University has a long history of offering exemplary graduate programs and is excited to add this new focus of study for the community.
“We continue to look for ways to serve our community while improving the quality of life and education of our region. We are all aware of the need for more behavioral health providers, and know that Brescia’s unique, caring approach to learning will provide an excellent experience for anyone who is ready to make a difference in the lives of others,” he said.
“When Brescia added its first Master’s degree program in Management in 1994, we began our steadfast commitment to delivering advanced degrees that would support students who wanted to progress in their careers, continue their education, and serve others,” he said. “Adding this program right now is particularly exciting because we can do all of those things while also helping our communities address an underserved need.”
The addition of this degree supports Brescia University’s commitment to academic excellence, career preparation, and lifelong learning while also directly addressing the community’s need for more mental health professionals.
“Brescia is well-positioned to provide continuous support to these students and is committed to expanding the number of graduates who contribute to the local and regional mental health workforce,” Silvert said. “This program enables students to pursue a profession that helps others in need — as our Ursuline traditions call us to do — without leaving this community.”
Upon graduation, students will be prepared and qualified to sit for the Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) credential in Kentucky. The program can also support students from other states to help them meet licensure requirements. The program is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Students interested in enrolling in the MSCMHC program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Brescia also offers Master’s degree programs in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology, Information Systems, and Business Administration. The University is also developing a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies to support students in becoming skilled healthcare providers.
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