Ohio State Graduate Follows Calling to Doctoral Studies and a Career in Mental Health Care

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Scholarship recipient Samuel Yu graduated with a master’s in human development and family science from The Ohio State University, specializing in couple and family therapy.

Yu received the East Ohio Annual Conference Merit Award and the HANA Scholarship through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) and The United Methodist Church. He is one of 290 recipients graduating this spring.

“Your investment in my development affirmed both my calling and my commitment to serving others through compassionate, culturally informed mental health care,” Yu said. “That support not only eased financial burdens but reminded me I’m part of a larger faith-based community that values service, equity and education.”

Yu will pursue a Ph.D. in human development and family science at Florida State University this fall, continuing his specialization in couple and family therapy. He wants to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, working in either a hospital setting or private practice, and serving individuals, couples and families — particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

“In five years, I see myself as a clinician, researcher and educator working at the intersection of clinical practice, academia and community-based mental health,” Yu said. “I want to address the needs of high-risk youth, expand access to care for marginalized groups and emphasize the relational component of therapy.”

Yu credits his master’s program with shaping him professionally and personally. “I’ve been challenged to reflect on the literature, strengthened my clinical skills through client work and supervision, and formed a network of professionals I can rely on,” he said. “My goal is to integrate scholarship, practice and advocacy in meaningful ways that improve outcomes for those in need.”

Yu is actively engaged with his church, which provides essential resources to low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness. “Our church is making a tangible difference — locally through soup kitchens and shelters, and globally through missionary work,” he said. “Being part of that has shown me the power of faith-driven community engagement.”

As he prepares to move to Florida for the next phase of his academic journey, Yu remains grounded in his commitment to service. “This work is more than a career — it’s a calling,” he said.