NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University is leading the way in addressing a shortage of mental health professionals in rural Louisiana and is now offering its Master of Arts in Counseling at the Cenla campus in Alexandria, located at England Airpark.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15 percent of adults in the U.S. report frequent mental distress due to stress, depression and problems with emotions. In Louisiana, that average is nearly 20 percent. NSU’s counseling program prepares individuals for careers in mental health, education and wellness.
“Louisiana has a critical mental health professional shortage,” said Dr. Gerra Perkins, professor and program coordinator. “Over 3 million people in Louisiana live in communities that lack sufficient access to mental health professionals. NSU recognizes this need and is responding by offering coursework at the Cenla campus. Our state and our communities need a pipeline of individuals who have a heart for helping others and are ready to take that next step professionally.”
Perkins said the 60-hour program can be completed in seven semesters, including summers.
“Full-time students can expect one face-to-face evening course each semester on the Alexandria campus. The other coursework each semester will be offered online. The Alexandria program will only admit students once per year in the Fall semester. Natchitoches will continue Fall and Spring admission,” Perkins said. The evening courses are offered to accommodate working professionals, she added.
Enrollment in the program requires a bachelor’s degree and admission to the NSU Graduate School. GRE waivers are available based on grade point average. The Counseling Program is CACREP accredited and offers two concentrations: Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling.
Perkins said candidates can expect a quality educational foundation with extensive field experience coursework that prepares graduates to become a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and ultimately a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Those in the School Counseling concentration are also eligible to become certified school counselors in the state of Louisiana. Faculty teaching the coursework have advanced degrees and are Licensed Professional Counselors with experience in the field.
“Our alumni are counselors in mental health, substance treatment and school settings across the state,” Perkins said.
Information on NSU’s Master of Arts in Counseling is available at https://www.nsula.edu/program/master-of-arts-in-counseling/ or by contacting Perkins at perkinsg@nsula.edu.
Information on NSU’s Cenla campus is available here: https://www.nsula.edu/about/campuses-directions/alexandria/