Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling FERKAUF SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY How to Apply Request More Information Schedule a visit Contact Us Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Computer Science Cybersecurity Data Analytics and Visualization Digital Marketing and Media Mathematics Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Physics Speech-Language Pathology Credits 60 Supervised Field Placement: 600 Hours Degree level Masters BA/MA option available for psych majors Course structure Full Time and Part Time, On-campus and Online Located in the Bronx, New York City Career 50 + field placement affiliates in the tri-state area Earn your master’s degree at a program that’s been a pioneer in mental health counseling for more than 15 years — one of the first in New York State. With access to an extensive placement network and studying along with students from our 3 doctoral programs, you will not only be well positioned for success in the field, but also gain an advantage when pursuing your doctorate. Designed to meet the changing needs of health care and social services, our MA in Mental Health Counseling prepares students to test to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) from the New York State Education Department. The 60-credit MA in Mental Health Counseling program at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology located in New York City, offers theoretical and applied principles of psychological counseling. Courses are taught by faculty who are recognized experts in their fields. When New York State revised its scope of practice law several years ago, Ferkauf was the first school in New York City—and one of the first in the state—to take advantage of the new legislation to offer the MA in mental health counseling. The quality and number of applicants to the program have steadily increased, and we are constantly strengthening our course offerings, clinical training and faculty, as well as helping our students to make the all-important transition from training to practice. A Multitude of Field Placement Options As a student in this program, you will be required to complete a minimum of 600 hours in supervised field placement before graduation. The program's field placement options span the New York metropolitan area, and many of our long-established community mental health centers, hospitals and agency affiliates are willing to accept our students as externs to fulfill this requirement. We maintain an active directory of field placements (PDF) that is frequently updated. Studying in one of the most diverse cities in the world affords you the opportunity to work with many different communities, and you will have several choices for field-study placements in appropriate agency or hospital settings. Accreditation The program has been approved by the New York State Education Department as meeting the requirements for licensure-qualifying programs in mental health counseling. Graduates of this program, with required post-graduate experience, and who pass the NCMHCE examination, are eligible for licensure as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in New York State. BA/MA Pathways Option The BA/MA in Psychology/Mental Health Counseling program has been approved by the NYSED as a dual degree program allowing undergraduates majoring in Psychology at Stern College and Yeshiva College to complete both degrees in a 5-year time. This accelerated program allows students to complete both degrees in as little as 10 semesters whereas typically it would take 13 semesters for completion of both degrees separately. If you are a psychology major at Stern College or Yeshiva College, you can earn your BA in Psychology and your MA in Mental Health Counseling a year sooner than if you did both programs separately. With the simplified application process, you will begin by confirming your interest with the Pathways coordinator at pathways@yu.edu and arranging a brief meeting to learn more. Then, you will notify your Undergraduate Psychology Department Chair by the end of your sophomore year that you are interested in the BA/MA in Mental Health Counseling. Once the Chair approves your request, you will formally apply for the program through Ferkauf Admissions here by December 1st of your junior year so you can begin taking courses in the Spring semester of your junior year. Roadmap for BA/MA in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling with YC and FGS Roadmap BA/MA in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling with SCW and FGS The Ferkauf Difference Become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in New York State Make a difference in the lives of individuals Faculty are all LMHCs practicing in private practice You will be prepared to serve the Jewish community and minority communities with the training you’ll receive in multicultural and diversity issues Ideal for prospects with a strong interest in helping others with a core background in psychology. Full Program Breakdown Earn your master’s degree at a program that’s been a pioneer in mental health counseling for more than 15 years — one of the first in New York State. With access to an extensive placement network and studying along with students from our 3 doctoral programs, you will not only be well positioned for success in the field, but also gain an advantage when pursuing your doctorate. Designed to meet the changing needs of health care and social services, our MA in Mental Health Counseling prepares students to test to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) from the New York State Education Department. The 60-credit MA in Mental Health Counseling program at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology located in New York City, offers theoretical and applied principles of psychological counseling. Courses are taught by faculty who are recognized experts in their fields. When New York State revised its scope of practice law several years ago, Ferkauf was the first school in New York City—and one of the first in the state—to take advantage of the new legislation to offer the MA in mental health counseling. The quality and number of applicants to the program have steadily increased, and we are constantly strengthening our course offerings, clinical training and faculty, as well as helping our students to make the all-important transition from training to practice. A Multitude of Field Placement Options As a student in this program, you will be required to complete a minimum of 600 hours in supervised field placement before graduation. The program's field placement options span the New York metropolitan area, and many of our long-established community mental health centers, hospitals and agency affiliates are willing to accept our students as externs to fulfill this requirement. We maintain an active directory of field placements (PDF) that is frequently updated. Studying in one of the most diverse cities in the world affords you the opportunity to work with many different communities, and you will have several choices for field-study placements in appropriate agency or hospital settings. Accreditation The program has been approved by the New York State Education Department as meeting the requirements for licensure-qualifying programs in mental health counseling. Graduates of this program, with required post-graduate experience, and who pass the NCMHCE examination, are eligible for licensure as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in New York State. BA/MA Pathways Option The BA/MA in Psychology/Mental Health Counseling program has been approved by the NYSED as a dual degree program allowing undergraduates majoring in Psychology at Stern College and Yeshiva College to complete both degrees in a 5-year time. This accelerated program allows students to complete both degrees in as little as 10 semesters whereas typically it would take 13 semesters for completion of both degrees separately. If you are a psychology major at Stern College or Yeshiva College, you can earn your BA in Psychology and your MA in Mental Health Counseling a year sooner than if you did both programs separately. With the simplified application process, you will begin by confirming your interest with the Pathways coordinator at pathways@yu.edu and arranging a brief meeting to learn more. Then, you will notify your Undergraduate Psychology Department Chair by the end of your sophomore year that you are interested in the BA/MA in Mental Health Counseling. Once the Chair approves your request, you will formally apply for the program through Ferkauf Admissions here by December 1st of your junior year so you can begin taking courses in the Spring semester of your junior year. Roadmap for BA/MA in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling with YC and FGS Roadmap BA/MA in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling with SCW and FGS The Ferkauf Difference Become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in New York State Make a difference in the lives of individuals Faculty are all LMHCs practicing in private practice You will be prepared to serve the Jewish community and minority communities with the training you’ll receive in multicultural and diversity issues Ideal for prospects with a strong interest in helping others with a core background in psychology. Swipe to learn more! Earn your master’s degree at a program that’s been a pioneer in mental health counseling for more than 15 years — one of the first in New York State. With access to an extensive placement network and studying along with students from our 3 doctoral programs, you will not only be well positioned for success in the field, but also gain an advantage when pursuing your doctorate. Designed to meet the changing needs of health care and social services, our MA in Mental Health Counseling prepares students to test to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) from the New York State Education Department. The 60-credit MA in Mental Health Counseling program at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology located in New York City, offers theoretical and applied principles of psychological counseling. Courses are taught by faculty who are recognized experts in their fields. When New York State revised its scope of practice law several years ago, Ferkauf was the first school in New York City—and one of the first in the state—to take advantage of the new legislation to offer the MA in mental health counseling. The quality and number of applicants to the program have steadily increased, and we are constantly strengthening our course offerings, clinical training and faculty, as well as helping our students to make the all-important transition from training to practice. A Multitude of Field Placement Options As a student in this program, you will be required to complete a minimum of 600 hours in supervised field placement before graduation. The program's field placement options span the New York metropolitan area, and many of our long-established community mental health centers, hospitals and agency affiliates are willing to accept our students as externs to fulfill this requirement. We maintain an active directory of field placements (PDF) that is frequently updated. Studying in one of the most diverse cities in the world affords you the opportunity to work with many different communities, and you will have several choices for field-study placements in appropriate agency or hospital settings. Accreditation The program has been approved by the New York State Education Department as meeting the requirements for licensure-qualifying programs in mental health counseling. Graduates of this program, with required post-graduate experience, and who pass the NCMHCE examination, are eligible for licensure as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in New York State. BA/MA Pathways Option The BA/MA in Psychology/Mental Health Counseling program has been approved by the NYSED as a dual degree program allowing undergraduates majoring in Psychology at Stern College and Yeshiva College to complete both degrees in a 5-year time. This accelerated program allows students to complete both degrees in as little as 10 semesters whereas typically it would take 13 semesters for completion of both degrees separately. If you are a psychology major at Stern College or Yeshiva College, you can earn your BA in Psychology and your MA in Mental Health Counseling a year sooner than if you did both programs separately. With the simplified application process, you will begin by confirming your interest with the Pathways coordinator at pathways@yu.edu and arranging a brief meeting to learn more. Then, you will notify your Undergraduate Psychology Department Chair by the end of your sophomore year that you are interested in the BA/MA in Mental Health Counseling. Once the Chair approves your request, you will formally apply for the program through Ferkauf Admissions here by December 1st of your junior year so you can begin taking courses in the Spring semester of your junior year. Roadmap for BA/MA in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling with YC and FGS Roadmap BA/MA in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling with SCW and FGS Become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in New York State Make a difference in the lives of individuals Faculty are all LMHCs practicing in private practice You will be prepared to serve the Jewish community and minority communities with the training you’ll receive in multicultural and diversity issues Ideal for prospects with a strong interest in helping others with a core background in psychology. HOW TO APPLY Overview of Our Program Program DirectorsStella Kim Hansen, PhDstella.kimhansen@yu.edu 646.592.4377Linsdale Graham, PhDlinsdale.graham@yu.edu646-592-4545 60-credit MA in Mental Health Counseling that combines theoretical knowledge, clinical training, field work and mentorship opportunities. Designed to meet the changing needs of health care and social services taught by faculty who are recognized experts in their fields field placement options span the New York metropolitan area. Graduates of this program, with required post-graduate experience, and who pass the NCMHCE examination, are eligible for licensure as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in New York State. We are dedicated to providing quality private education and setting students up for career success. Graduates can practice in private practice and mental health centers with specialized LMHC expertise. Prospective Students Student Resources Quick LinksAdmission InformationTuition and FeesBrochurePolicy on Student Interpersonal and Emotional Functioning and DisclosureSelf-observation and self-reflection or mindfulness are core aspects in the training of all professional counselors. The mental health counseling faculty supports this view. Applicants to this program need to be aware that some classes and field placements may require disclosure of personal information in course or program-related activities either in writing or in class discussions.Students are evaluated both academically and on their interpersonal and emotional functioning in their development as mental health counselors and their ability to acquire and integrate professional standards into their professional behavior and their work with clients.For more information on the Ferkauf MA in Mental Health Counseling program, please read the MA FAQs guide (PDF). You can also contact either of the program directors.RequirementsThe 60-credit MA program offers theoretical and applied principles of psychological counseling.Typical program for students beginning in Fall (PDF)Required Core Courses: 42 creditsPSM 6515 Developmental Psychology Across the LifespanPSM 6405 Social and Cultural Foundations of CounselingPSM 6120 Basic Principles of CounselingPSM 6815 Psychopathology: Child, Adolescent & AdultPSM 6461 Principles in Group TherapyPSM 6503 Lifestyle and Career DevelopmentPSM 6225 Appraisal of Individuals, Couples, Families & GroupsPSM 6430 Statistics, Research and Program EvaluationPSM 6371 Ethics & Issues in Professional Practice (includes New York State required Syllabus on Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment)PSM 6181 MHC: Multicultural and Diversity IssuesPSM 6500 Advanced Issues in Mental Health CounselingPSM 6191 Concepts and Techniques in Mental Health Counseling (Clinical Instruction)PSM 6943 Supervised Field Placement I - 1.5 credits (includes group supervision requirement)PSM 6944 Supervised Field Placement II -1.5 credits (includes group supervision requirement)PSM 6946 Supervised Field Placement III - 1.5 credits (includes Proseminar on Professional Identity Development and Comprehensive Exam- Part I)PSM 6947 Supervised Field Placement IV - 1.5 credits (total supervised hours must meet minimum of 600 hours; Comprehensive Exam- Part II)Other Required Courses: 12 creditsPSM 6193 Counseling Skills DevelopmentPSM 6816 Advanced Issues in Psychopathology and DiagnosisPSM 6945 Counseling PracticumPSM 6483 Substance Abuse and Treatment Elective and Specialized Courses: 6 creditsChoose a minimum of two from the following additional coursework acceptable upon approval of the program director.PSM 6100 Neuropsychology Basic PrinciplesPSM 6622 Counseling in Public SettingsPSM 6485 Crisis CounselingPSM 6170 Sexuality and Gender CounselingPSM 6510 Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy Principles for CounselingPSM 6194 Principles of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for CounselingPSM 6440 Couples and Family CounselingPSM 6450 Counseling with Children and AdolescentsPSM 6484 Grief, Loss and Bereavement CounselingPSM 6182 Attachment Across the LifespanPSM 6195 The Resilient CounselorPSM 6230 CBT for Anxiety Disorders & OCDPSA 6601 History and Systems of PsychologyPSH 6930 Physiological PsychologyPSA 6071 PsychopharmacologyMHC Concentrations (optional): 9 creditsMust take three courses in an area of specialization and successfully complete field placement hours in the same specialized area.Addictions CounselingSubstance Abuse and Treatment Treatment and Recovery for Co-Occurring DisordersPracticum in Integrated Recovery and Treatment Evaluation MethodologiesCouples and Family CounselingCouples and Family CounselingCounseling with Children and AdolescentsPracticum in Assessment, Intervention and Ethical Issues in Couples and Family CounselingMulticultural CounselingSexuality and Gender CounselingDiversity, Racism, Oppression and Privilege in CounselingPracticum in Multicultural Counseling in Community Agencies Student Handbook: A Vital ResourceThe MA in Mental Health Counseling Program Student Handbook (PDF) includes important information regarding academic outlines and requirements, policies and procedures, academic standards, curriculum planner and much more. All students are urged to refer to this handbook continually throughout their education here, as it will be updated whenever necessary.Student ResourcesFerkauf Academic CalendarFerkauf Academic Catalog (PDF) Student Standards and PoliciesParnes Clinic Manual (PDF)Student GroupsAssociation of Neuropsychology Students in Training (ANST)Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR)PsySR (PDF)The Organization of Psychology Students (OPS)The Organization of Psychology Students (OPS) is the student organization of Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. Prospective Students Quick LinksAdmission InformationTuition and FeesBrochurePolicy on Student Interpersonal and Emotional Functioning and DisclosureSelf-observation and self-reflection or mindfulness are core aspects in the training of all professional counselors. The mental health counseling faculty supports this view. Applicants to this program need to be aware that some classes and field placements may require disclosure of personal information in course or program-related activities either in writing or in class discussions.Students are evaluated both academically and on their interpersonal and emotional functioning in their development as mental health counselors and their ability to acquire and integrate professional standards into their professional behavior and their work with clients.For more information on the Ferkauf MA in Mental Health Counseling program, please read the MA FAQs guide (PDF). You can also contact either of the program directors.RequirementsThe 60-credit MA program offers theoretical and applied principles of psychological counseling.Typical program for students beginning in Fall (PDF)Required Core Courses: 42 creditsPSM 6515 Developmental Psychology Across the LifespanPSM 6405 Social and Cultural Foundations of CounselingPSM 6120 Basic Principles of CounselingPSM 6815 Psychopathology: Child, Adolescent & AdultPSM 6461 Principles in Group TherapyPSM 6503 Lifestyle and Career DevelopmentPSM 6225 Appraisal of Individuals, Couples, Families & GroupsPSM 6430 Statistics, Research and Program EvaluationPSM 6371 Ethics & Issues in Professional Practice (includes New York State required Syllabus on Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment)PSM 6181 MHC: Multicultural and Diversity IssuesPSM 6500 Advanced Issues in Mental Health CounselingPSM 6191 Concepts and Techniques in Mental Health Counseling (Clinical Instruction)PSM 6943 Supervised Field Placement I - 1.5 credits (includes group supervision requirement)PSM 6944 Supervised Field Placement II -1.5 credits (includes group supervision requirement)PSM 6946 Supervised Field Placement III - 1.5 credits (includes Proseminar on Professional Identity Development and Comprehensive Exam- Part I)PSM 6947 Supervised Field Placement IV - 1.5 credits (total supervised hours must meet minimum of 600 hours; Comprehensive Exam- Part II)Other Required Courses: 12 creditsPSM 6193 Counseling Skills DevelopmentPSM 6816 Advanced Issues in Psychopathology and DiagnosisPSM 6945 Counseling PracticumPSM 6483 Substance Abuse and Treatment Elective and Specialized Courses: 6 creditsChoose a minimum of two from the following additional coursework acceptable upon approval of the program director.PSM 6100 Neuropsychology Basic PrinciplesPSM 6622 Counseling in Public SettingsPSM 6485 Crisis CounselingPSM 6170 Sexuality and Gender CounselingPSM 6510 Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy Principles for CounselingPSM 6194 Principles of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for CounselingPSM 6440 Couples and Family CounselingPSM 6450 Counseling with Children and AdolescentsPSM 6484 Grief, Loss and Bereavement CounselingPSM 6182 Attachment Across the LifespanPSM 6195 The Resilient CounselorPSM 6230 CBT for Anxiety Disorders & OCDPSA 6601 History and Systems of PsychologyPSH 6930 Physiological PsychologyPSA 6071 PsychopharmacologyMHC Concentrations (optional): 9 creditsMust take three courses in an area of specialization and successfully complete field placement hours in the same specialized area.Addictions CounselingSubstance Abuse and Treatment Treatment and Recovery for Co-Occurring DisordersPracticum in Integrated Recovery and Treatment Evaluation MethodologiesCouples and Family CounselingCouples and Family CounselingCounseling with Children and AdolescentsPracticum in Assessment, Intervention and Ethical Issues in Couples and Family CounselingMulticultural CounselingSexuality and Gender CounselingDiversity, Racism, Oppression and Privilege in CounselingPracticum in Multicultural Counseling in Community Agencies Student Resources Student Handbook: A Vital ResourceThe MA in Mental Health Counseling Program Student Handbook (PDF) includes important information regarding academic outlines and requirements, policies and procedures, academic standards, curriculum planner and much more. All students are urged to refer to this handbook continually throughout their education here, as it will be updated whenever necessary.Student ResourcesFerkauf Academic CalendarFerkauf Academic Catalog (PDF) Student Standards and PoliciesParnes Clinic Manual (PDF)Student GroupsAssociation of Neuropsychology Students in Training (ANST)Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR)PsySR (PDF)The Organization of Psychology Students (OPS)The Organization of Psychology Students (OPS) is the student organization of Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.
