Bellarmine University to Launch Graduate Psychology Program to Meet Mental Health Demands

January 20, 2025 - 07:45

Bellarmine University is set to introduce its inaugural graduate degree in psychology, a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, starting in the fall of 2025. This program will be the first of its kind in Louisville and only the fifth in the state of Kentucky, addressing a significant gap in mental health services.

A recent report highlighted that 21.9% of adults in Kentucky are identified with mental illnesses, a figure that exceeds the national average of 20.8%. Alarmingly, over half of these individuals do not receive the necessary treatment, and more than 75% of young people suffering from depression lack access to behavioral health services. Dr. Felicia Smith, who will oversee the new program, emphasized the pressing need for qualified mental health providers, noting the ratio of 390 individuals for every one mental health professional in the state.

The demand for mental health counselors is projected to rise significantly, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting an 18% increase in employment for behavioral and mental health counselors from 2022 to 2032. In Kentucky, this demand is expected to surpass 20% in the coming years. Furthermore, a recent change in state licensing laws will allow individuals with a master’s in clinical psychology to practice independently three years earlier than previously required, further emphasizing the urgent need for trained professionals in the field.