Master's in Mental Health Counseling

Heritage University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, with a particular focus on serving underrepresented and underserved populations. The university stands out for its dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to achieve their academic and career goals. Heritage's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, coupled with its strong emphasis on community engagement, positions it as an institution dedicated to breaking down barriers to education and fostering positive social change in the Yakima Valley and beyond.

Heritage University’s program was created with input from Educational Service District 105 and the Yakama Nation to develop a curriculum that aligns with the needs of our community. The employment outlook for mental health counselors is strong, particularly in the education arena. As K-12 school districts struggle to serve kids with complex emotional and behavioral needs, school-based mental health counselors have become integral to the education team. They play a critical role in supporting children so they can overcome barriers that get in the way of their academic success. Plus, they help elevate key markers for school success. Schools with mental health counselors show improvements across the board—better attendance rates; lower rates of suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary actions; improved academic achievement; and improved graduation rates.