The University of Bridgeport (UB) announced that its master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is entering a transformative new phase, marked by three significant developments that promise to enhance both the reach and quality of its offerings. These developments include securing a $2.4 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the introduction of an asynchronous online learning option for greater flexibility, and the recent appointment of Frederick Dombrowski, Ph.D., as the new program director.
The HRSA grant, which spans four years, is designated to support the UB Multicultural Alliance (UBMA). This innovative project is specifically designed to address the pressing need for a more robust counseling workforce in the state of Connecticut. It focuses on preparing graduate students to deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based mental healthcare. As part of this initiative, the grant will provide financial stipends to students during their clinical internship placements, enabling them to gain valuable hands-on experience without the burden of economic stress.
Additionally, the funding supports advanced training in critical therapeutic modalities, including motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and the Circle of Security parenting framework, all of which are essential skills for effective counseling practice.
One of the primary goals of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is to increase access to evidence-based therapies while also promoting diversity within the counseling workforce. The program places a strong emphasis on recruiting and training professional counselors who are bilingual and come from underrepresented backgrounds.
This strategic focus aims to ensure that mental health services are accessible and culturally competent, reflecting the diverse needs of the community. The funding period for the HRSA grant commenced on July 1, 2025, and will extend through 2029, providing ample resources to support the cultivation of this initiative.
UB’s 60-credit master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling thoroughly prepares graduates for licensure as professional counselors, equipping them to serve in a variety of clinical settings, including mental health clinics, substance use treatment centers, schools, and private practices.
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling students to participate in internships at local mental health and substance use clinics. These internships provide invaluable opportunities for students to apply their advanced therapeutic techniques to real-world challenges and to develop their professional competencies in a supportive environment.
In response to the increasing demand for mental health professionals and the need for greater accessibility in education, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is now available in three distinct formats: on-campus, synchronous online, and asynchronous online. This flexible structure allows students to select the learning mode that best suits their personal and professional commitments, making it easier for them to balance their educational goals with other responsibilities.
Through these initiatives, the University of Bridgeport is committed to not only enhancing the educational experience of its counseling students but also to making a significant positive impact on the mental health landscape in Connecticut and beyond.
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“This grant allows us to expand both the reach and the quality of mental health services in high-need communities. By equipping students with proven treatment approaches and supporting their financial needs during internships, we’re helping address the post-pandemic mental health crisis while also improving the well being of our future counselors.”
“Whether students prefer the flexibility of asynchronous learning or the connection of in-person and live online classes, they’ll receive the same rigorous training and personalized support that define UB’s approach.”
Dr. Dombrowski
