MARIA COLLEGE AND SIENA UNIVERSITY JOIN FORCES TO EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE ACROSS NEW YORK STATE
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MARIA COLLEGE AND SIENA UNIVERSITY JOIN FORCES TO EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE ACROSS NEW YORK STATE
Albany, N.Y. (February 18, 2026) — Maria College has partnered with Siena University to expand the pipeline of clinical mental health counselors, addressing a growing workforce shortage across New York state.
Under the agreement, Maria College will reserve 10 seats annually in its Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program for qualified Siena students. Students must apply by March 1 to be considered for the reserved seats. Early admission decisions are available for applications submitted by December 1. Eligible seniors may also take pre-approved graduate coursework during their final undergraduate year. This allows them to accelerate their entry into the master’s program after completing their bachelor’s degree.
“Collaboration is part of Maria College’s DNA,” said Dr. Lynn Ortale, president of Maria College. “Since our founding by the Sisters of Mercy, we have partnered with institutions and organizations to create opportunities for students and strengthen our community.
“We already have a long history with Siena, including the 1-2-1 nursing program, which welcomed its first class in 2020,” she continued. “With Siena’s strong undergraduate psychology program, this new partnership builds the pipeline of skilled mental health professionals in our region.”
“We are proud to formalize this partnership with Maria College, creating a seamless pathway for Siena University graduates to pursue a master’s degree in mental health counseling,” said Siena President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D. “At a time when communities across our region and nation face a critical shortage of licensed counselors, this agreement reflects our shared commitment to preparing compassionate, highly trained professionals who will meet that urgent need with both skill and heart.”
Maria College launched its 60-credit CMHC program in 2025 in response to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, as well as a statewide shortage of licensed counselors. The program, which is open to students with undergraduate degrees in psychology, English, and related fields, meets New York’s educational requirements for licensure. With weekend classes, it allows recent graduates to begin full-time work while pursuing their master’s degree.
The CMHC program trains students to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. Coursework covers counseling skills, psychopathology, substance use, and specialized topics like child, adolescent, and family counseling. Students complete a practicum and internships to gain hands-on experience in clinics, hospitals, and agencies.
Graduates are prepared to help individuals, youth, couples, and families with mental health needs in clinics, hospitals, residential facilities, or private practice.
In the spirit of collaboration, Siena University will offer traditional and townhouse style housing options for enrolled Maria students as available space permits.
For more information about the CMHC program, visit https://mariacollege.edu/news/maria-college-responds-to-mental-health-crisis-with-new-counseling-masters-degree
About Maria College
Founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy, Maria College is a private Catholic college in Albany, N.Y. committed to service and opportunity. Guided by dignity, compassion, and service, Maria provides career-relevant education and strong student support through associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree and certificate programs in nursing, health sciences, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and liberal arts. Through innovative teaching, experiential learning, and strong regional partnerships, the college supports student success while strengthening healthcare and human services in the Capital Region and beyond. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.
About Siena University
Siena University is a private, co-educational liberal arts institution in the Franciscan and Catholic tradition. Siena is committed to offering the Education for a Lifetime for a new generation of leaders eager to create a more just, peaceful and humane world. This education empowers them through a transformative journey of intellectual, spiritual and personal discovery.
Founded in 1937, Siena offers more than 40 majors, 80-plus minors and certificates, and prestigious joint-degree programs in liberal arts, science and business. A wide range of student activities join with immersive service learning, research opportunities, extensive study abroad options and an NCAA Division I athletic program in providing more than 3,600 undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to prepare for a lifetime of making a difference.
Photo Caption
Leaders from Maria College and Siena University today announced a new partnership to strengthen New York’s mental health workforce. Under the agreement, Maria will reserve 10 seats annually in its 60-credit Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program for qualified Siena students, with opportunities for early admission and pre-approved graduate coursework during their senior year. The collaboration creates an accelerated pathway to licensure and helps address a critical statewide shortage of licensed counselors.
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