Rabbi Guzik Pursues Mental Health Degree to Better Serve Her Congregation

The senior rabbi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles balances her religious duties with a master's in marriage and family therapy.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:23pm

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A boldly colored, abstract grid of stylized images representing a rabbi's tallit and a therapist's couch, conveying the intersection of spirituality and mental health.A creative visual mashup representing the dual roles of Rabbi Guzik as both a faith leader and a mental health professional.Beverly Hills Today

Rabbi Nicole Guzik, the senior rabbi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, decided to pursue a master's degree in marriage and family therapy 10 years into her rabbinical career. Guzik wanted to be able to provide more comprehensive mental health support to her congregants, many of whom were coming to her before seeking professional therapy. During her studies, which she completed online, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, making her new skills even more valuable. Guzik balanced her rabbinical duties with her graduate coursework and a clinical internship, leaning on her supportive family.

Why it matters

Guzik's decision to get a mental health degree highlights the growing need for faith leaders to be equipped to handle the emotional and psychological needs of their congregants. Many people turn to their religious institutions first before seeking professional help, making it important for clergy to have the right tools and training to provide initial support and referrals. Guzik's story shows how a rabbi can expand their role to better serve their community.

The details

After 10 years as a rabbi, Guzik felt she could be doing more to support the mental health of her congregants at Sinai Temple. She decided to pursue a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, which she was able to complete online while continuing her full-time rabbinical duties. During her studies, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, making her new skills even more valuable. Guzik balanced her coursework with a clinical internship at the Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, a sliding-scale mental health clinic. She was able to gain practical experience as a clinician while maintaining her responsibilities at the synagogue, leaning on her very supportive family.

  • Guzik decided to pursue her master's degree 10 years into her rabbinical career.
  • Guzik began her online graduate program in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting.
  • Guzik completed a clinical internship at the Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills during her studies.

The players

Rabbi Nicole Guzik

The senior rabbi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles who decided to pursue a master's degree in marriage and family therapy to better support the mental health needs of her congregants.

Rabbi David Wolpe

The former senior rabbi at Sinai Temple, whose office Guzik now occupies, and who encouraged her to pursue the graduate degree.

Maple Counseling Center

A sliding-scale mental health clinic in Beverly Hills where Guzik completed her clinical internship during her graduate studies.

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What they’re saying

“I remember telling him 'I think there is more to my academic career. … What do you think of my going back to school and getting my Master's in marriage and family therapy?' His response was unsurprising. 'Of course you can,' he said. 'What are you waiting for?'”

— Rabbi Nicole Guzik, Senior Rabbi, Sinai Temple

“Before seeing a clinician, most people walk through the doors of their faith institution first.”

— Rabbi Nicole Guzik, Senior Rabbi, Sinai Temple

What’s next

Guzik plans to complete her license as a Marriage and Family Therapy clinician this summer, and she is also working on a book based on her 'A Bisl Torah' column in the Jewish Journal.

The takeaway

Rabbi Guzik's decision to pursue a mental health degree while maintaining her rabbinical duties demonstrates the growing need for faith leaders to be equipped to handle the emotional and psychological needs of their congregants. Her story shows how a rabbi can expand their role to provide more comprehensive support to their community.