A new master’s program coming to the University of the Pacific this year will focus on marriage and family counseling — services that are lacking throughout San Joaquin County.  

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology major at UOP’s Benerd College is set to open in the fall with a cohort of about 15 to 20 students, the university said. 

Justin Low, program lead and an associate professor, said he senses that the degree will be popular.

“Mental health practitioners are scarce compared to the overall population, and that certainly is the case with marriage and family counseling. The shortage is very serious in San Joaquin County,” Low said in a statement. 

Graduates of the program could likely earn starting salaries of $90,000, according to Low. 

“Mental health practitioners are scarce compared to the overall population, and that certainly is the case with marriage and family counseling. The shortage is very serious in San Joaquin County.” Justin Low, program lead and an associate UOP professor

The university said the program will require 60 units and 280 hours of experiential work with patients, which is high for a master’s program, but Low said it is in line with psychology-related programs.

Bernerd College has already worked to align the major with licensing requirements and agencies and adjunct professors identified by the UOP will work with students.  

Additionally, the degree will lead to work counseling married couples, individuals, and entire families, according to UOP.

‘A very important step’

Andra Zastrow, an adjunct faculty member at UOP who has worked in marriage and counseling services for 22 years in Stockton, said the program to her was a boost for a troubled system. 

“This is a very important step for getting access to care because we have such a lack of resources in Stockton,” Zastrow said in a statement. “Getting an appointment can take up to a month. Beyond that, nobody is taking insurance. Many people must pay out of pocket.”

She said the master’s program is a positive change in a rewarding field.

Victoria Franco is a Stockton-based reporter covering the diverse news around the Central Valley as part of the Report for America program. As a Stockton native, Franco is proud to cover stories within her community and report a variety of coverage. She is a San Jose State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In her collegiate years she was Managing Editor for the Spartan Daily. From her time at the Spartan Daily she helped lead her staff to California College Media Awards and a General Excellence first place. Victoria encourages readers to email her story tips and ideas at victoria.franco@baycitynews.com.