BGSU addresses demand for mental health counselors through highly regarded graduate program

Anthony Hunter moved from Texas to Ohio to enroll in the program, valuing its strong reputation and student support 

Anthony Hunter was living in Texas and working as a certified music therapist with several years of experience in the field when he decided to pursue a higher goal that would allow him to make a broader impact on people's lives.

He called it "re-careering" – taking what he had in hand and building on it by moving back to his native northwestern Ohio and pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at BGSU.

“I felt I could and should be doing more, so that was the driver for re-careering at this point in my life,” he said. “I seek to continue to assist those whose needs would not otherwise be met, without access to the care that community mental health provides. 

“Advancing my education and getting a master’s in clinical counseling seemed like a natural expansion of the skills I was already using.” 

Meeting the national demand for mental health professionals

There is a high demand for clinical mental health counselors across the country, with demand expected to increase 18% through 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

With one of the highest first-time licensure exam pass rates in the country, Bowling Green’s fully accredited program is helping to address crucial workforce needs in Ohio and nationwide. 

"The state of Ohio and the nation as a whole continue to experience a counselor shortage across all environments, while at the same time the need for proper counseling services continues to rise”, said Jared Rose, Ph.D., associate professor and program coordinator for the University’s clinical mental health counseling and school counseling programs. “Now in our 77th year, our BGSU counseling programs continue to provide high-quality training to graduate counseling students to meet this crucial public need.”  

Choosing a program built on excellence and support

Hunter, who expects to complete the graduate program in clinical mental health counseling this fall, said that when he decided to make the move, Bowling Green offered exactly what he wanted. 

“Bowling Green’s program in clinical mental health counseling has a proven track record in producing skilled professionals,” Hunter said. “It has one of the highest board exam pass rates in the country.” 

While in graduate school, Hunter is working as an intern at OhioGuidestone, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health services organization in Toledo, Ohio. He said the Bowling Green program has provided the foundation he needs to make a difference with the clients he sees. 

“The program is really the perfect marriage, with the instruction, the assistantships that are available and work in the field,” he said. “There is a real sense of camaraderie within the class, and I can say I have never felt more supported by a set of individuals in my pursuits as I do with the core faculty in counseling at Bowling Green. They have all been incredible.” 

A life built on service and purpose

Before his career in mental health, Hunter worked in banking, then returned to school at age 30 to earn his first degree in music therapy. As he prepares to graduate from the University's clinical mental health counseling program, he plans to remain in northwestern Ohio to serve his community.

“It is the most fulfilling thing in the world when you help someone and they tell you how well they are doing,” he said. “Knowing you made that difference is extremely rewarding.”