D’Youville University is at the forefront of healthcare education in launching innovative mental health programs this fall. Renewing its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, D’Youville hopes to cultivate a new generation of healthcare professionals who understand the relationship between mental and physical well-being. Centered on a clinician-turned-teacher model, faculty members will bring real-world experience to the classroom to provide practical, up-to-date education to help students excel in their chosen fields.
To address the growing demand for mental health services, D’Youville introduced a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling program, a rigorous curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective mental health counselors. A new PsyD degree offers advanced training for those aspiring to become psychologists. Recognizing the importance of communication in healthcare, D’Youville’s new Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology program will enable students to diagnose and treat communication disorders in individuals of all ages.
A hallmark of D’Youville’s healthcare programs is its interdisciplinary approach. Students from various healthcare disciplines learn to collaborate effectively to foster a holistic view of patient care. Through understanding the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and spiritual health, graduates will be equipped with the tools they will need to administer comprehensive care. With these additions, D’Youville is poised to become a healthcare education leader that will shape the future of the health and mental health industry through innovative programs and a commitment to student success.
The new programs come in response to the national mental health crisis. The American Psychological Association reported in its most recent practitioner survey that 56% of practitioners have no openings for new patients. Among practitioners that offer waitlists, patients typically wait up to three months for an appointment. It is no surprise that mental health counseling is among the fastest growing healthcare degree fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of mental health counselors to increase by 18% by 2032, which is significantly faster than the average of 3% for all occupations. “We are dealing with a severe shortage of mental health practitioners,” said President Lorrie Clemo, PhD. “People shouldn’t be forced to forgo the services they need simply because there aren’t enough practitioners available.”
In addition to the Practitioner-as-Teacher Model, D’Youville distinguishes itself through its collaborative healthcare environment where students learn techniques to treat the whole patient — mind, body, and spirit, with other students enrolled in more than 10 healthcare fields: nursing, pharmacy, physical and occupational therapy, chiropractic, physician assistant, nutrition, and exercise science programs. This is extremely important as research shows that interprofessional collaboration improves patient outcomes and job satisfaction.
“This program is about bringing knowledge from the field directly into the classroom and using it to shape future counselors with the expertise to navigate the increasing mental health challenges of society,” states Helena Boersma, EdD, Administrative Director of Mental Health Counseling Program. “Integrating technology also ensures that students are prepared for the workplace of the future.”
Learn more about D’Youville University’s new healthcare graduate degree programs and admission requirements at https://www.dyu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions.
