All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia Wesleyan to launch master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling with $1.2 million investment by Aetna Better Health of W.Va., Community Care of W.Va.

BUCKHANNON, W.V. – West Virginia Wesleyan College today announced its intention to develop a new master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling made possible through a collaborative $1.2 Million project investment from Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and Community Care of West Virginia.

Community Care has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wesleyan to support the program and offer positions to each student who completes the degree, after accreditation approval.

West Virginia significantly trails the nation in mental and behavioral healthcare providers. On average, the United States has at least one mental and behavioral healthcare provider for every 400 people, whereas West Virginia only has one for every 770 people.

“This is a great opportunity for West Virginia Wesleyan to work with key partners to serve our community while providing a degree that will ensure a successful career path for our students,” said Dr. James Moore, Interim President of West Virginia Wesleyan College. “Both Aetna and Community Care of West Virginia should be commended for making this great program possible.”

For several months, Aetna has been working directly with Community Care of West Virginia to identify the greatest needs for the region in which the healthcare organization serves. A higher education institution with a long history of advanced degrees in healthcare was needed to develop the bridge to a solution.

“A key part to Aetna’s mission is helping to build resources in the communities we serve,” said Todd White, CEO of Aetna Better Health of West Virginia. “West Virginia Wesleyan will be able to deliver the advanced education needed by organizations like Community Care of West Virginia to have the highest quality of healthcare professionals to serve patients.”

As the second-most rural state in the country, the low population density creates a unique set of challenges in caring for the population. Additionally, West Virginia has consistently witnessed the nation’s highest rate of illegal drug overdose deaths.

“Community Care of West Virginia is proud of the role our organization is taking in this effort,” said Dr. Liam Condon, a psychologist with Community Care of West Virginia. “Our commitment to hire each graduate of Wesleyan’s new master’s program will help retain high-quality healthcare providers right here in the region where they are needed most for our patients.”

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Football Bucs show promise despite setback to Bridgeport in season opener

Buckhannon-Upshur fell 62-14 to defending champion Bridgeport in the season opener, with Bridgeport rushing for 454 yards while the young Bucs, despite −47 rushing, showed flashes on two long touchdown passes.

Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra returns to West Virginia Wesleyan College for highly anticipated homecoming concert

West Virginia Wesleyan College will host the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra for a much-anticipated Homecoming concert Sept. 25, 2025, featuring college president Dr. James Moore and tickets available for $20.

Appalachian Impact moving into a new home on Main Street in Buckhannon

Appalachian Impact is relocating from the Hampton Community Building to 64 East Main (the former H&R Block), a downtown space that officials say will support program growth after AmeriCorps funding returned.

Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board Agenda: September 2, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board will convene Sept. 2, 2025; this article publishes the meeting agenda.

City council hears traffic report on congestion at school dismissal time near Buckhannon Academy

Police told city council that congestion at Buckhannon Academy Elementary during dismissal — evidenced by an 87-car queue and three traffic pauses — would be eased by a larger pickup area.

Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet comes home to West Virginia

Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has returned to West Virginia as WSAZ’s morning weather anchor, leaving Lexington to replace longtime forecaster Brandon Butcher.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 1: Does Wesleyan get to Post a win this weekend?

In Carpenter Crunch Time Week 1, West Virginia Wesleyan, mired in a 24-game losing streak, visits struggling Post University — which has lost nine straight — while My Buckhannon staff launches its weekly seven-game picks contest.

Football Bucs embrace underdog role against Bridgeport in opener Friday night

Buckhannon-Upshur, acknowledging heavy underdog status against defending Class AAA champion Bridgeport Friday, will lean on home-field advantage, senior QB Dawson Tenney and focused clock management as they aim to keep the opener competitive.

First Community Bank takes fourth-quarter lead in men’s golf

First Community Bank took the fourth-quarter lead with a 26-14 win over Highland Landscaping; Chris Brady shot 33 to win Low Actual and share Low Net honors.