四色AV of New Haven鈥檚 Online Graduate Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Ranked Among Best in the Nation

四色AV of New Haven鈥檚 Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master鈥檚 degree program earned the #2 spot in national rankings. Since its inception in 2021, the program has distinguished itself through its innovative curriculum, expert faculty, and a community-centered approach that is resonating deeply with its students.

鈥淭his recognition is meaningful for the CMHC program as it reinforces that the culture we鈥檙e building is valued,鈥� shared Taylor Bigelow, Ph.D., the program's coordinator and assistant professor in psychology. 鈥淔or our students, it signifies they are part of a respected, evolving program committed to excellence.鈥�

The program's rapid growth has been underpinned by its unique offerings and the flexibility it offers.

Students such as Shira Flowers 鈥�26 M.A. and Marlee Wood 鈥�25 M.A. have found the online format to be a perfect fit for their personal and professional lives. 鈥淭he ability to self-schedule my study time while balancing work and family commitments has been invaluable,鈥� said Flowers. 鈥淚t鈥檚 allowed me to focus deeply on my studies and build meaningful connections with my peers.鈥�

This sense of connection extends beyond coursework. Annual residencies, professional development opportunities, and collaborative assignments create a supportive network that benefits students during their studies and beyond. 鈥淩esidency week is such a fun, enriching experience,鈥� added Wood 鈥淚t fosters community and provides opportunities to celebrate our achievements together.鈥�

鈥楽tudents receive a well-rounded education鈥�

At the heart of the program鈥檚 success is its dedicated faculty, whose diverse professional experiences enhance every aspect of the curriculum. 鈥淥ur CMHC faculty bring a blend of clinical practice, supervision, and research expertise,鈥� said Dr. Bigelow. 鈥淭his ensures students receive a well-rounded education grounded in real-world application and academic rigor.鈥�

Flowers described how faculty members鈥� anecdotes and mentorship have inspired her career goals. 鈥淗earing about their work in private practice, counseling centers, and as expert witnesses has broadened my perspective. They鈥檙e consistently kind, thoughtful, and available for support whenever needed.鈥�

Wood echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the invaluable guidance faculty provide. 鈥淭hey are such a great resource, offering connections and insights that prepare us for our careers. Their dedication to our success is evident in everything they do.鈥�

This collective expertise is particularly impactful in the program鈥檚 , a unique feature that sets it apart. Students gain specialized skills to navigate the intersection of mental health and the legal system, preparing them for roles in underserved and challenging fields.

鈥淗aving access to courses in forensic psychology and criminal justice has been critical for me,鈥� said Wood. 鈥淚t鈥檚 given me the foundational knowledge needed to confidently pursue my goal of working within the incarcerated population.鈥�

鈥榃e strive to build a culture that supports students鈥� success'

The program鈥檚 alignment with the standards ensures students are equipped with practical skills essential for success in the mental health field. Hands-on experiences such as clinical internships allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, fostering cultural competency, crisis intervention skills, and ethical decision-making.

鈥淒r. Teejay Brown鈥檚 鈥淢ulticultural Issues in Counseling鈥� class challenged me to reflect deeply on how my own history shapes my perspectives,鈥� shared Flowers. 鈥淭his self-awareness is crucial for effective counseling, and the program emphasizes this at every step.鈥�

As the program continues to grow, its impact on students and the community remains profound. 鈥淲e strive to build a culture that supports students鈥� success and prepares them for diverse challenges,鈥� said Dr. Bigelow. 鈥淭his recognition validates our efforts and inspires us to continue evolving.鈥�

For students such as Wood, the program has been transformative. 鈥淭he CMHC program has not only given me the tools I need but also the confidence to make a difference in the world,鈥� said Wood. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to be part of a program that truly prepares us to bridge gaps and create meaningful change.鈥�