When someone in emotional distress seeks help, they often turn first to their pastor, not a therapist. Fuller Theological Seminary wants to make sure that pastor knows what to do.
The Pasadena-based graduate institution has launched a new Master of Arts in Mental Health and Ministry, a fully online degree designed to train pastors, missionaries, and nonprofit workers to provide science-based mental health support in settings where professional clinical services may not reach. Applications are now open. Classes begin in Fall 2026.
“Based upon the numbers, all of the mental health needs in our communities cannot be met through only individual therapy,” said Dr. Cynthia Eriksson, dean of Fuller’s School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. “The new MAMHM prepares faith leaders and non-profit staff to provide science-based mental health support that encourages recovery from emotional and relational pain.”
The 48-quarter-unit program can be completed in approximately 18 months. Unlike Fuller’s other psychology programs, it does not lead to professional licensure—by design. The degree prepares graduates for work in churches, faith-based and humanitarian NGOs, prisons, rehabilitation centers, addiction recovery programs, and community service organizations.
Coursework emphasizes trauma-informed pastoral care and cross-cultural engagement, reflecting Fuller’s longstanding commitment to integrating psychology and theology. The curriculum includes seven core courses covering topics such as faith and mental health integration, ethics and boundaries in ministry, and cross-cultural communication. A capstone course asks students to develop practical plans for addressing mental health needs in their own congregations or communities. Four electives allow students to tailor the degree to their calling, including an optional concentration in Trauma-Informed Care and Ministry.
Dr. Rachel Sing-Kiat Ting, a clinical psychologist who joined Fuller’s faculty last October, chairs the new program. Ting has spent two decades training mental health practitioners across Asia and founded volunteer platforms for disaster mental health services in China and Malaysia.
“The MAMHM is for mature Christians who are willing to reach out to those who are suffering—while expecting nothing in return,” Ting said. “The program is about sharing an incarnate love, with a Christlike mindset and with professional knowledge, grounded in the integration of psychology and theology.”
Fuller Seminary has occupied its Oakland Avenue campus in Pasadena since 1953, six years after its founding. Today the multidenominational institution draws students from 90 countries and 110 denominations.
For more information or to apply, visit fuller.edu.
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