For Jamez Anderson, GSE ’21, graduating from Fordham University’s Mental Health Counseling (MHC) program was the first step in a career dedicated to supporting children and families. Recently working as a therapist at Bethanna, a nonprofit in Philadelphia serving children in foster care, Anderson credits her time at Fordham for shaping her approach to therapy, professional growth, and community connection.
“The Faculty Stood Out”
When asked what stood out most about Fordham’s MHC program, Anderson was quick to highlight the faculty.
“The faculty weren’t just colleagues—they were friends,” Anderson explained. “They supported each other as much as they supported the students, which created such a warm and collaborative environment. It made it easy to connect with everyone at Fordham, and it gave me a firsthand look at how important professional relationships are in this field. That sense of connection is something I try to carry into my work now.”
Fordham’s supportive and close-knit environment fostered opportunities to build meaningful relationships, both personal and professional. “Your professors aren’t just there to teach you—they’re your colleagues. That’s a mindset Fordham instilled in us early, and it’s been foundational in how I approach my career.”
Life After Fordham
Since graduating, Anderson has embraced the challenges and rewards of working in community mental health. At Bethanna, she provides therapy to children and families navigating the foster care system.
“What I love most is building relationships with my clients,” Anderson said. “The therapeutic alliance is so important. When clients trust you, you can make real progress together. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that trust grow and to watch their personalities emerge.”
Her day-to-day work includes a mix of client sessions, supervision, and continuous learning. “I love being a practitioner,” Anderson said. “Every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and apply the skills I developed at Fordham.”
Advice for Current and Future Students
Anderson encourages current students to embrace every opportunity Fordham offers. “Take advantage of the connections you can build with your classmates and professors. Those relationships will be invaluable when you’re in the field. And don’t underestimate yourself—you’re qualified, and you have something unique to bring to this profession.”
For graduates entering the workforce, Anderson advises taking time to reflect. “If you can, take a month off after graduation. It’s such a huge accomplishment—give yourself the space to celebrate that. Then, think about what you want your career to look like. What are your strengths? What populations do you want to work with? There’s so much opportunity in this field, so don’t rush into something that doesn’t align with your goals.”
The Fordham Difference
Anderson’s story underscores the strengths of Fordham’s MHC program: supportive faculty, a strong sense of community, and real-world preparation for the evolving mental health field. For those considering the program, her experience serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible.
“Fordham doesn’t just teach you how to be a therapist—it teaches you how to be part of a professional community,” Anderson said. “That’s something I carry with me every day.”
To watch the full interview, tap below:
This content was provided by Philip Ryan and Jamez Anderson, edited by Vince Ricco.
For more inspiring outcome stories from our Mental Health Counseling program, explore the tag “Mental Health Counseling” on our blog or click here.
