Comprehensive Healthcare Invests in Central Washington University's Mental Health Counseling Program
News related to:Comprehensive Healthcare · 2 min read
YAKIMA, Wash., Sept. 21, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Comprehensive Healthcare has announced a significant investment of more than $300,000 to establish an additional faculty position within Central Washington University's (CWU) Mental Health Counseling (MHC) graduate program. This funding builds on a previous 2024 grant of $770,000, which supported the program's relaunch in January 2025.
The MHC program, originally established in the 1970s, went on hiatus in 2023 due to funding challenges. With the renewed support from Comprehensive Healthcare, the program is now poised for significant growth. The additional faculty position will help support the program’s continued expansion and ensure that it can meet the evolving needs of the community.
Jodi Daly, Ph.D., CEO of Comprehensive Healthcare, emphasized the importance of the partnership.
The funding complements the 2024 grant and will support preliminary operational costs, curriculum redesign, and the hiring of new faculty. Seven students in the initial cohort are on track to graduate in Summer 2027, and an additional 11 students have been admitted to the second cohort. Heidi Perez, professor and chair of the CWU Department of Psychology, expressed gratitude for the support.
CWU's MHC graduate program is housed in the university's Department of Psychology and provides clinical training that prepares students to pursue state licensure as mental health counselors. The program's accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs would reflect the program's rigorous academic standards and equip graduates for more competitive licensing, employment opportunities, and career advancement.
Paul Elstone, vice president for University Advancement at CWU, highlighted the partnership's significance.
Since the MHC program's relaunch, Comprehensive Healthcare has been a key supporter. The organization, which serves clients in the Greater Columbia Region and is a Joint Commission accredited non-profit organization, has been dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services to individuals, families, and organizations.
The program's expansion and the additional faculty position will help ensure that CWU can continue to provide the necessary training and support to future mental health professionals. This investment is crucial in addressing the ongoing shortage of behavioral health professionals in rural and underserved communities.