The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program at Nyack’s Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (AGSC) is a biblically grounded program that combines the Christian faith with sound counseling principles. AGSC seeks to prepare students for professional counseling that effectively addresses the needs of others—whether as individuals or within a relationship, group, or family. Upon graduation, students of this program have met all of the academic requirements for licensing in New York State.
Why Study Mental Health Counseling at Nyack?
In addition to being a New York State licensure-qualifying program, this is also a faith-based program. There are three additional credits (i.e., beyond what the state requires) of theology and mental health counseling. We are one of the most diverse programs in New York. Our faculty is diverse, and our student population is diverse. As part of our Christian academic community, you will interact with students and professors who represent various ethnicities, countries, and denominations. This will enrich your educational experience and give you greater depth as a counselor. You will also have the opportunity to travel abroad as part of a Global Service-Learning course, a unique experience that will move your classroom to another region of the world.
“Both Nyack College and the Alliance Graduate School of Counseling completely changed my life. They broadened my view of God, people, the world, and life. Every encounter and experience I had was nurturing spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and educationally. The program not only blessed me, but it gave me many opportunities to be a blessing to others.”
Francine Ott
Class of 2016What Will I Study?
AGSC emphasizes the importance of understanding behavior within the context of human development, remaining respectful of the uniqueness of the individual, while also having an awareness of the impact of societal oppression and systems of injustice. AGSC strives to facilitate the student’s development in both ethical and compassionate practice, as well as counselor self-care.
While studying Mental Health Counseling at AGSC, you will do the following:
- Participate in a strong academic course of study that integrates the science of modern mental health with biblical truths.
- Attain a high level of knowledge regarding basic counseling skills through classes, group counseling sessions, and supervised internships.
- Acquire a working understanding of the personal ethics and values essential for the practice of effective counseling and therapy.
Program Outcomes
| Category | Outcome | Comments |
| Number of Program Graduates | 33 | 2018 for NYC Campus |
| Credentialing Exam Pass Rates | 75% | Passed the NCE on NYC Campus in 2018 |
| Completion Rates | 59% | Who started NYC program in 2012 |
| Job Placement Rate | 60% | Per surveys of 2017 MHC graduates |
Download: AGSC MHC Annual Report 2017-2018
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of our program, you will be qualified to work as a mental health counselor in a variety of contexts—corrections, clinics, hospitals, social agencies, substance abuse programs, psychiatric facilities, residential facilities, etc.
Our Graduates
Quite a large number of our graduates get hired by the facility they did their internship in. These include hospitals, social agencies, mental health clinics, substance abuse programs, residential facilities, and psychiatric facilities. Some of our graduates have developed their own clinics and gone into private practice.
Key Faculty
Dr. Antoinette Gines-Rivera
Director and Assistant Professor of Mental Health Counseling
