South San Francisco, CA – January 14th, 2023
Regardless that this program is positioned in Richmond, Kaiser has college students from all around the Peninsula and South San Francisco as effectively. 
Kaiser Permanente Faculty of Allied Well being Sciences recruiting numerous college students focused on psychological well being careers
By Chyresse Hill
With demand for psychological well being providers reaching a few of its highest ranges thus far, there’s an growing want for extra psychological well being professionals. In actual fact, based on a latest examine by the California Well being Care Basis, roughly 6 p.c of each California and U.S. adults reported needing psychological well being therapy or counseling however not with the ability to get it.
To assist deal with these challenges, Kaiser Permanente’s Faculty of Allied Well being Sciences (KPSAHS) is working to broaden and practice the subsequent technology of licensed marriage and household therapists, together with an elevated give attention to college students representing numerous communities. The varsity is presently recruiting its subsequent class of scholars for its two-year Grasp of Science in Counseling program, with a focus in Marriage and Household Remedy. This system is open to people who’ve accomplished a bachelor’s diploma and have an curiosity in pursuing a profession as a psychological well being skilled.
KPSAHS college students take lessons in a hybrid setting, which allows them to proceed working whereas pursuing their diploma. On-campus lessons are held in Richmond, California, in the future per week with the remaining lessons held on-line. College students additionally obtain supervised medical coaching by means of Kaiser Permanente previous to commencement.
Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to increasing the psychological well being workforce and growing its variety and illustration. College students who apply for the upcoming cohort will be part of a various group of 36 present college students who convey a broad vary of backgrounds and experiences to this system. Greater than 4 of 10 college students communicate a language aside from English, and greater than seven of 10 establish as folks of shade.
“There are simply not sufficient therapists in the neighborhood, so we need to broaden the variety of psychological well being therapists by increasing the pipeline for this necessary discipline,” mentioned Anthony Dragonette, founding director of the Grasp of Science in Counseling program at KPSAHS. “As folks in our program study the perfect practices within the supply of psychological well being providers, they’re able to change the lives of those that come to see them.”
Michael Ramirez of Sacramento works in hospital staffing at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento whereas he’s pursuing his Grasp of Science in Counseling. He’s presently in his second yr of this system.
“I’ve labored in psychological well being for many of my life. Once I was 18, I labored in a foster house for kids with autism. I’ve additionally labored in supportive dwelling providers for adults with disabilities, so it appeared like a pure match to be on this program,” mentioned Ramirez. “Once I graduate, I wish to grow to be a therapist at Kaiser Permanente, maybe working with younger adults, as a result of that could be a pivotal age the place you may assist them and make their lives higher.”
Rose Baty has been with Kaiser Permanente for about 20 years and presently works as an administrative assistant within the surgical procedure division in Oakland. She can also be in her second yr of the counseling program at KPSAHS.
Baty is a mom of three faculty college students and says this was the proper time to pursue a counseling profession. It’s additionally private.
“I’ve all the time beloved speaking with folks, however I by no means noticed it as one thing that I might do for a dwelling till now,” Baty mentioned. “I used to be as soon as a bit lady who wanted remedy, and I need to achieve the abilities and experience so I can present that sort of service for another person.”
Annual tuition is extraordinarily reasonably priced because of monetary help from the Kaiser Basis Well being Plan and The Permanente Medical Group, which cowl a few of the college’s working price.
Functions shut February 17, 2023, for the subsequent class.
For extra data, go to: https://kpsahs.edu/content material/master-science-counseling-program
