Student Spotlight: Michael Ackeret

Michael Ackeret is a master’s student in the COE's Mental Health Counseling program with a deep commitment to serving marginalized and underserved populations. Driven by a passion for social justice in healthcare, his clinical focus spans trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, support for older adults, and LGBTQIA+ mental health.

"I was drawn to Lehigh's Mental Health Counseling program for the values of empathy, advocacy, and lifelong learning. These principles align with the kind of therapist and psychologist I hope to become, and the communities I hope to serve."

Why Lehigh?

For Michael, choosing Lehigh came down to finding an environment that balances rigorous training with a genuine commitment to social responsibility.

"I chose Lehigh because I wanted to be challenged by a program that values both academic excellence and cultural humility," Michael shares. "I knew it would prepare me to serve diverse communities with compassion, strengthen my clinical skills, and provide the foundation I need for a future Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology."

Future Aspirations & Community Impact

Following graduation, Michael plans to remain in Bethlehem to serve as a therapist focusing on individuals who are often overlooked or face systemic barriers to mental health services. After taking a gap year to deepen his hands-on clinical work, he intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology—combining direct client care with impactful research to broaden access to equitable mental health support.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Outside of his studies and clinical work, Michael has fully embraced life in the Lehigh Valley.

"One of my favorite things to do in Bethlehem is explore the local restaurant scene with friends," he says. "I moved here from an area with far less cultural diversity, so it's been exciting to experience cuisines from around the world that I'd never had the opportunity to try before!"