In response to a growing national demand for licensed mental health professionals, Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology has unveiled its new “Anytime Online” Master’s in Mental Health Counseling program. Designed to cater to students balancing professional, familial, and community obligations, this innovative program offers the same rigorous training, clinical preparation, and mentorship as the school’s on-campus degree but with the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere.
This new online program represents a significant step forward in online education, both within the Jewish community and beyond, demonstrating that remote learning does not have to compromise quality.
Dr. Leslie Halpern, Dean of the Ferkauf School of Psychology, emphasized the thoughtful design behind the program: “This isn’t simply about putting lectures online. We’ve meticulously reimagined the learning experience to preserve the transformative quality of a Ferkauf education—intellectually, clinically, and personally—while giving students the flexibility they need today.”
A Path to Licensure Without Leaving Home
The 60-credit master’s program prepares students for licensure as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in New York State, with a curriculum that emphasizes trauma-informed care and clinical excellence. The program blends live online classes with asynchronous coursework, allowing students to complete assignments on their own schedules. Clinical placements, tailored to each student’s location and interests, provide hands-on experience in diverse communities, ensuring that students receive practical training in real-world settings.
Despite being fully online, the program maintains high standards. With small cohort sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and advanced learning technologies, Ferkauf ensures that students receive a premium education that sets a high bar for online programs.
Danielle Wozniak, MSW, PhD, Vice President for Global Strategy and Business Development at Yeshiva University, remarked, “Unlike many budget online programs, ours is designed for deep engagement and professional growth. We’ve invested significantly in resources, technology, and student support to ensure this is a world-class training experience, no matter where students are located. Our communities deserve exceptional practitioners, and that’s exactly what we will produce.”
Tailored for Real Life
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals in Jewish communities, where family obligations, religious practices, or geographic isolation may limit access to graduate education, this program offers a rare opportunity. It provides a pathway to high-level professional development that fits into real-life commitments.
“This program was created with real people in mind—parents raising children, professionals seeking career changes, and students in areas lacking nearby graduate programs,” said Jozette Kauffman, Associate Director for Graduate Enrollment. “It’s rigorous, graduate-level training designed to be compatible with real life, making transformative education accessible without compromise.”
Designed to address the national shortage of mental health professionals, the program allows students to train locally and serve communities in need. Fully accredited by the New York State Department of Education, the program upholds the highest standards for clinical education and licensure preparation, emphasizing clinical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and a deep personal commitment to mental health work.
“We’re training students to meet people where they are—with skill, sensitivity, and purpose,” said Ferkauf Associate Dean Randall Richardson-Vejlgaard. “This is profoundly human work, and our graduates are equipped to bring compassion and professionalism wherever they are needed, regardless of their location or personal commitments.”
