MA Counseling

Alumni in Action

Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 

Through rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical training, and a strong emphasis on multiculturalism and social justice, alumni develop the skills to navigate the complexities of mental health care with empathy, insight, and adaptability.

Graduates of MA Counseling programs in Applied Psychology leave NYU prepared to support individuals and communities across a wide range of clinical and wellness settings. 

Our alumni work in community mental health agencies, hospitals, schools and universities, private practices, nonprofit organizations, and substance use treatment programs, among many other settings. New York State Licensure allows one to engage in private psychotherapy practice under this license. Many go on to become licensed mental health counselors and build careers centered on psychotherapy, advocacy, supervision, and community care. Others pursue doctoral study and advanced research in counseling psychology, mental health, and related fields.

Across these varied paths, MA Counseling alumni remain connected by a shared commitment to meaningful human connection, lifelong learning, and supporting others through growth, healing, and change.

Alumni in Action

Headshot of Abby standing in all black clothes

Finding Purpose in the Work of Grief

Abby Spilka’s path to grief counseling was not linear, but it was always there. At NYU, she found the language and training to turn a lifelong thread of care into her life’s work.
Bilal Kalkan headshot

The Heart of Guidance

For Bilal Kalkan, the most profound lessons in the MA Counseling program didn't come from a textbook; they emerged through mentorship.
headshot of Eileen

Purpose Beyond the Plan

Eileen Taveras' journey from rigid certainty to unexpected clarity reveals how letting go of the “plan” can open the door to more meaningful, purpose-driven work.
Sive sitting outside

Beyond the Straight Line

For Sive Egan-Djurovic, the transition from the stage to the clinic was not a sharp break, but a change in tempo.
side profile of Vanessa

Trusting the Unknown

Vanessa Sepul-Azcarraga’s realization that the culture of a space requires intentional creation completely transformed her therapeutic approach.
Olivia Russo headshot

The Practice of Staying Present

Olivia P. Russo’s journey from student to psychotherapist reveals that some of the most meaningful work begins not with having the answers, but with the courage to stay present in uncertainty.
Haruka Kokaze headshot

The Global Architect

From the therapy room to the boardroom, Haruka Kokaze is transforming how organizations approach mental health on a global scale.