Gordon College Announces Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for Summer 2026

WENHAM, Mass., March 19, 2026 — Gordon College is pleased to announce the launch of its Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a new graduate program designed to equip students with professional skills, clinical training and the whole-person approach needed to meet today’s growing mental health needs. 

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, 73% of the nation’s mental health care needs are unmet as of December 2025. In Massachusetts, 75% of mental health care remains unmet. To fully address these shortages, federal projections estimate an additional 6,800 mental health providers are needed nationwide.

“The United States is facing a critical shortage of mental health professionals,” said David Cook, director of the program. “Our goal is to prepare graduates to enter the field ready to provide care, advocate for mental health access and make an impact in their communities.” 

The 60-credit degree, designed in alignment with American Psychological Association standards, can be completed in two years. It requires a 100-hour practicum, a 600-hour internship and a summer intensive that can be taken online or in-person depending on the individual’s state licensing requirements. As a synchronous program, students will study alongside a cohort of equally dedicated professionals and receive expert faculty mentorship.

Before joining Gordon, David Cook spent 15 years providing clinical services in various acute and post-acute hospital settings and private practice. He also served as a consultant to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

“We train counselors in evidence-based treatment while remaining deeply attentive to the lived experiences of those they serve,” said David Cook. “Graduates will be prepared to work across settings and roles where mental health meets healthcare.” 

As demand for mental health services continues to grow, psychological expertise is increasingly embedded across healthcare systems, community agencies and integrated care settings. Gordon’s program emphasizes health service psychology—preparing students not only for licensed counseling practice, but also for a wider range of psychology-informed employment within the health sector, one of the fastest areas of job growth nationwide.

“Gordon College has a longstanding strength in psychology, grounded in an understanding of mind, brain and behavior and attentive to the role that values and faith can play in people’s psychological lives,” said Kaye Cook, dean of the School of Psychology and Human Services. “This program extends that tradition by preparing graduates to think deeply about persons, relationships and the contexts in which healing occurs.” 

With no prerequisites, the master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is open to students from all undergraduate majors and backgrounds and prepares graduates to pursue licensure as mental health counselors in Massachusetts and for licensure pathways in most states. 

“This new Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed for people who feel called to guide others toward healing and hope—regardless of their path into the field,” said Dr. Sandra Doneski, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Its accessibility and whole-person focus align beautifully with Gordon College’s 137-year history and mission.” 

Applications are now open for summer 2026 and additional program information is available at www.gordon.edu/cmhc.

About Gordon College

Gordon College is located on the North Shore of Boston in Wenham, MA and is the only nationally ranked, multidenominational Christian college in New England. Gordon believes students and professionals should be equipped to flourish in an uncertain and changing world, which is why career-focused academics blend with a life-giving faith community to prepare Christians to make a difference with hope and confidence. With over 125 academic programs, Gordon currently serves 1,300 undergraduate and 550 graduate students. For more information visit www.gordon.edu.