Driving Policy, Shaping Practice: Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy’s Vision for Healthcare Reform

Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy, a licensed counselor and Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH), serves communities in Southeast Missouri with a passion for integrated, whole-person care. Her path into behavioral health began with an undergraduate focus in pre-med before a fascination with the human mind inspired a shift to psychology. Years spent working in child welfare and community behavioral health revealed persistent gaps in the healthcare system—gaps she became determined to address. After earning her DBH from Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, she began studying healthcare law at the University of Oklahoma to further her mission of driving systemic change. When she’s not immersed in policy or practice, Dr. Darnell-Tracy enjoys reading, gardening, fostering kittens, and spending time with her two daughters. In this interview, she shares insights into her DBH journey, the innovations she believes can transform behavioral health, and her vision for the future of the field.

How has the DBH program transformed your understanding of behavioral health and influenced your career?

The Doctor of Behavioral Health degree has profoundly transformed my understanding of behavioral health by expanding my knowledge of the interconnectedness between mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Prior to pursuing the DBH, my focus was primarily on individual therapeutic practices or clinical interventions, but the degree has provided a broader, systems-level perspective on how behavioral health intersects with social, cultural, and environmental factors. This holistic view has enabled me to better understand the complexities of behavioral health and the diverse factors that influence an individual’s mental and emotional state.

What innovative approaches or strategies do you believe have the potential to revolutionize the behavioral health landscape?

One of the most critical areas for transformation, in my opinion, is inpatient behavioral health care, particularly the legislation governing admissions, treatment, and discharge. Current inpatient care models often face challenges related to funding, access, and a lack of sufficient resources. Legislators should focus on increasing funding for behavioral health programs that prioritize long-term care and rehabilitation rather than short-term stabilization. Additionally, there should be an expansion of the criteria for involuntary admissions to ensure that patients in acute distress receive the care they need, while protecting their rights. Legislation should also encourage greater collaboration between inpatient facilities and community-based outpatient programs to ensure a continuum of care, helping patients transition from intensive care back into society with appropriate follow-up.

Moreover, policy changes are needed to address the shortage of inpatient behavioral health beds, which often results in patients being placed in emergency rooms for extended periods or being transferred long distances. This exacerbates the delays in treatment and places unnecessary strain on emergency healthcare systems. Expanding mental health parity in insurance coverage and providing incentives for hospitals to invest in behavioral health infrastructure are critical steps toward addressing these issues.

Looking back at your DBH journey, what specific insights or skills have you gained that have been instrumental in your professional development?

The DBH program has provided me with critical insights into healthcare policy, legislation, and the economic factors that shape the delivery of behavioral health services. Understanding how policy impacts access to care, funding, and treatment models has been instrumental in expanding my ability to advocate for necessary changes in the healthcare system. I’ve learned how to navigate complex legislative processes, craft policy proposals, and analyze healthcare data to support evidence-based recommendations. These skills are invaluable as I pursue a career in policy writing and consulting. The ability to assess the financial and operational implications of policy changes allows me to craft solutions that are both feasible and impactful.

What are your future career goals within the behavioral health sector, and how do you envision the DBH program contributing to your success?

My future career goals within the behavioral health sector are centered on driving systemic change through policy development, consulting, and leadership in healthcare organizations. I am deeply committed to advancing mental health care by bridging the gap between clinical practices and policy, advocating for evidence-based approaches, and creating environments where integrated, patient-centered care is the standard. Specifically, I see myself engaging in policy writing to influence national and regional legislation related to behavioral health, as well as consulting with healthcare organizations to optimize their behavioral health services.

How do you view the role of leadership in advancing behavioral health outcomes, and in what ways has the DBH program prepared you for leadership positions?

One of the ways the DBH degree has prepared me for leadership is through its emphasis on systems thinking. I’ve learned to view behavioral health as part of a larger ecosystem, where the interactions between individuals, families, healthcare providers, and institutions can either support or hinder mental health outcomes. As a leader, this perspective enables me to address systemic barriers, such as the fragmentation of services, lack of resources, and inequities in access to care. The ability to identify and intervene at these higher levels is essential for driving long-term, meaningful change.

The DBH program also focused on the business and policy aspects of healthcare, which are crucial for leadership in the behavioral health space. I’ve gained a strong foundation in healthcare economics, policy analysis, and management, which allows me to advocate for the necessary funding, policies, and infrastructure to improve behavioral health services. For example, advocating for policy changes that integrate mental health services into primary care settings or reduce the stigma around mental health treatment requires a deep understanding of both the healthcare landscape and the regulatory environment. These skills have made me more capable of driving initiatives that address both the clinical and operational challenges facing the behavioral health system.

What advice would you give to prospective students or professionals considering the DBH program?

The DBH program is not just for those who want to become therapists or counselors. It’s for individuals who want to shape the future of behavioral health through innovation, policy, and systems-based thinking. This degree is designed to address the growing need for professionals who can work within multidisciplinary teams to integrate behavioral health with other healthcare services. Before committing to the program, make sure you’re clear about how this degree aligns with your professional aspirations. Whether you’re interested in policy advocacy, organizational leadership, or developing new treatment models, the DBH can offer a broad platform to pursue these interests.

If you’re coming from a clinical background, the DBH offers a unique opportunity to take your hands-on experience and apply it at a higher level. You’ll likely learn strategies for addressing systemic barriers and improving care delivery that will complement your clinical skills. If you’re not from a clinical background, the DBH will provide you with the knowledge to collaborate effectively with healthcare providers, understand the challenges facing clinicians, and advocate for better integration of behavioral health services.

Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy exemplifies the dynamic role of a Doctor of Behavioral Health—blending clinical insight, systems-level thinking, and policy expertise to drive meaningful change and address gaps in care. Her commitment to transforming behavioral healthcare through advocacy, education, and legislative reform reflects the core mission of the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree—to lead system-level change through integrated, evidence-based solutions. As she continues to shape the future of healthcare from both the clinical and policy frontlines, her work stands as a compelling example of how DBHs are uniquely positioned to bridge gaps, challenge outdated systems, and build a more equitable, accessible model of care for all.

Connect with Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy

LinkedIn: Samantha Darnell-Tracy

Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy on Making an Impact with Her DBH Degree

Check Out Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy on the Disruptors at Work Podcast

Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, episode: Why Prisons Aren’t Treatment Centers guest host Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy, DBH, MS, LPC, and special guest Crystal Burts, MSW, LCSW, unpacks the complex history and present-day consequences of deinstitutionalization policies for individuals with severe mental illness.

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Testimonials

“As a member of the AAPI community, I’m very familiar with the barriers to mental health services and the need to break through the glass wall of cultural stigma that prevents many from receiving potentially life–saving treatment. I was the only Asian American person in my master’s cohort, the only Asian American person in many of my clinical work settings, the only Asian American person to walk into many of the professional settings that I pushed myself to show up to. In my current practice, I’m constantly reminded by my patients of how difficult it is to find an Asian American mental health provider, though this reminder constantly informs me that more needs to be done for my community. Day after day, I read stories of Asian American people who die by suicide as a consequence of our culture’s avoidance of mental health topics. As a DBH, my biggest goal is to use my expertise in whole–person care to amplify the conversation around mental health and help my community understand that mental healthcare is not a privilege that we are not entitled to, it is a crucial part of our healthcare that will manifest differently in us than what many Western psychology or psychiatry textbooks will describe, and that our unique experience of mental health issues are valid, important, and is time to be part of the larger conversation.”
Willam Chum, LMHCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 16, 2022

“The DBH represents something that I've always embraced in my professional career. And that's collaboration and working across a lot of different disciplines to make sure you’re delivering the best care for the patient. Everything is about being patient centered about finding innovative ways and creative ways to collaborate with other professionals.”
CDR Sean K. Bennett, LCSW, MSWAC, BCDDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 10, 2023

“This program will change how you present to the world, not just as a professional but as an individual. Understand this is work but the work is worth it and the journey is undeniably transformative. If you are seeking a doctorate for the title, this is not the program for you. If you are seeking a doctorate to interrupt and disrupt the course of healthcare, then this is the program for you. You won’t find a more supportive program with professors who are dedicated to your success and your education. This program is not about the regurgitation of information. It is about the appropriate applied application of knowledge and information to push forward and become an advocate for equitable and quality care for all.”
Brandy K. Biglow LMHC, CCTP, QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 5, 2024

“The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program has definitely transformed my understanding of behavioral health. Understanding the links between physical and mental health has taught how to make better treatment decisions. The DBH program has also given me insights that otherwise would not be possible and allows me to view individuals through a lens that I was previously ignorant of. This program has helped me grow into a more confident individual, provider, and parent.”
Cory H. Cannady, BCBA, LBADBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 13, 2024

“The DBH program has been a pivotal turning point in my understanding and application of behavioral health principles. Recently, the concept of ‘whole person health’ has gained widespread attention in healthcare circles, becoming somewhat of a buzzword. Like many others, I embraced this term, believing in my capacity to deliver comprehensive care.

Prior to my engagement with the program, my approach, albeit well-intentioned, lacked an appreciation for the intricate interplay between physical and mental health. More importantly, the role of unmet social needs as a catalyst for health disparities was a dimension I had not fully integrated into my practice. The DBH program illuminated these connections, offering me a robust framework to understand and address the multifaceted needs of individuals, especially within marginalized communities.

Additionally, the confidence I have gained through the DBH program extends beyond theoretical knowledge. My role as a connector and advocate for these individuals has become more pronounced, driven by a deep-seated commitment to fostering accessibility, equity, and comprehensiveness in care.”
Michelle Stroebel MA, NCC, LCMHC, NADD-CCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - June 12, 2024

“I have worked in behavioral health for the entirety of my professional career starting with college internships up to my current role as Deputy Executive Commissioner of Behavioral Health for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. While I have years of experience in the field, the DBH program at Cummings has framed my perspective as leveraging therapy as a first line of intervention. As a public servant, much of the work I do is usually in the aftermath of crises or when the system is being forced to respond to a service gap. However, the DBH program takes a much more proactive and integrative approach to health. This perspective/approach has the potential to positively shape policy in Texas in my role as a public servant charged with addressing the safety net needs of the most vulnerable constituents in Texas.”
Trina K. Ita, MA, LPCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 10, 2024

“CGI feels like a community of long-lost cousins that finally met as adults and we realized that we share the same goals. The support from the faculty and classmates have been nothing short of amazing. I can reach out to my advisor at any given time to discuss course work, career endeavors, or to just vent about life. There is a feeling of closeness and belongingness at CGI that is just unmatched. I am very happy to be a member of the family and will continue to spread the word of how great this DBH program is.”
Michelle Francis, LCSW/LICSW-QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 10, 2024

“The DBH program’s mission, purpose, and objective say it all: We strive for intentional care outcome improvement practices that exemplify whole person-centered integrated healthcare advanced competency. The program of study drives insights and awareness of the ever-changing patient population and multidisciplinary practice environments to change how the world experiences healthcare. This is further reinforced by the pillars of medical literacy, integrated behavioral health intervention, and entrepreneurship skills and expertise. Development growth is needed to prepare the aspiring DBH for the future of the shifting healthcare marketplace through international networking in a growing community of disruptive innovators and an evolving movement toward systemic healthcare change. I feel that I will be positioned alongside a fellowship of like-minded professionals trying to improve the quality of healthcare service delivery value and outcome sustainability.”
Jose Mathew, LCSW, LAC, ACS, EMDR-T, CCTP-IIDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 8, 2024

“The DBH program has reinforced my vision of viewing behavioral health (BH) as an integrated component of the healthcare system rather than a siloed service. As a practitioner in the focused BH realm of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, I observe on a regular basis how identifying and serving SUD patients is often missed, ignored and stigmatized in primary healthcare, despite the fact that early intervention at these check-points often has the potential to intervene earlier and lessen the negative SUD outcomes frequently seen by the time a patient reaches specialty SUD services. Reinforcement received in my DBH program has motivated me to promote integration as a leader in my workplace and is a primary factor in considering the long-term trajectory of my individual career path.”
Kenneth L. Roberts, MPS, LPCC, LADCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 5, 2024

“By becoming a DBH, I have found that I am able to have different conversations with different people. Before having my doctorate degree, I was able to speak to certain items in behavioral health, but was only seen as a licensed therapist where as a doctor, I am able to speak to the changemakers and policy makers in a more collaborative manner which then allows us as a group to enhance the services we are providing. I also found that as a DBH, my confidence in the treatment room has improved immensely and cases that may have been more difficult for me before are no longer as difficult due to the training I have received in the program.”
Dr. Allison Earl, DBH, LPC-SDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 13, 2024

“I think the DBH is quite groundbreaking, it allows you to study from anywhere in the world. The support is fantastic, and you can make out of the DBH what you want. Unlike standard professional doctorates, the DBH was trying to break new ground, not trying to go over just old ground. It greatly encourages its students to be those people who break new ground.

As a person who actually has a disability, I found CGI staff to be very supportive, very accommodating. If I need extensions, they are always there. In fact the staff will reach out and check on you, if they haven’t heard from you in a very short period of time. Which I have never had from any other university.

I find the community of fellow DBH students absolutely wonderful, we reach out across numerous social media platforms, we email each other. Doesn’t matter where I am in the world or where they are in the world, everyone is supportive. Its support, support and encouragement with the DBH.”
Jason P. Sargent, B Policing, GDip Psych, MSW, JPDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 10, 2024

“Graduating from the DBH program has influenced and enhanced my approach to addressing behavioral health challenges and making a difference in the field by preparing me to become a serious business owner. Through the DBH program, I understand now that becoming a business owner not only assists me in reaping the financial benefits of working for myself, but the program also offers me a sense of freedom to make a difference in an individual’s life.”
Dr. Rebecca K. Wright, DBH, LBA, BCBA, QBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 18, 2024

“I have always wanted to pursue a higher degree but never found a program that met my needs. When I investigated the DBH program, I can honestly say I was excited. It was a program that would expand my knowledge in behavioral health but also how it relates to physical health. The philosophy of treating the whole person was exactly what I was looking for.”
Elizabeth Nekoloff, M.Ed., LPCC-S, NCCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 16, 2025

“Prior to obtaining my DBH, I practiced behavioral health within the boundaries of behavior analysis. The DBH degree has given me the ability to broaden my scope of competence allowing me to provide a higher quality of care to my clients through a person-centered approach, while still staying within my scope of practice. I was in the beginning stages of opening my business when I enrolled in the DBH program which set my trajectory towards being a stronger leader. The program equipped me with essential healthcare leadership and entrepreneurial skills, allowing me to ensure high-quality services for my clients and foster a supportive work environment for our staff. It has also given me the confidence to expand my business and pursue other healthcare ventures, reaching a broader range of patients in need.”
Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 21, 2025

“Although I have worked with many patients who have mental health diagnoses, or behaviors which make managing their medical diagnoses and day to day life difficult, the DBH program at CGI is broadening that knowledge and providing a deeper understanding of behavioral health and how best to help these individuals manage their health and improve their quality of life. This will allow me to provide and advocate for more meaningful and seamless integrated care, providing new tools for my intervention toolbox, and the confidence and skills to collaborate within and lead whole person focused interdisciplinary teams. I also anticipate building upon my knowledge as a nurse case manager and long time caregiver, as well as my personal passions and professional vision, learning about processes and operations, to be in position to start up and lead my own company one day, offering the services and care I know every person should have access to.”
Hollie Wilson, MSN, RN, CCMDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 11, 2025

“The Doctor in Behavioral Health (DBH) program has changed my understanding of the subject and career path. Before this academic journey, my knowledge of behavioral health was primarily theoretical, including essential ideas and methods. However, the DBH curriculum combined intense academic research with practical application, helping me understand behavioral health from multiple angles. Recognizing mental health as part of total health changed my perspective. The biopsychosocial model, which showed how biological, psychological, and social variables affect mental health, was stressed in the DBH curriculum. This comprehensive approach made me realize how complex human behavior is and how important it is to address mental health issues. Effective interventions must target the individual’s surroundings, relationships, and life experiences, not just symptoms. The curriculum also gave me enhanced evidence-based practice training to execute successful solutions. Studies methods and data analysis classes improved my critical thinking and allowed me to evaluate and apply behavioral health studies. This gave me the confidence to contribute to the field’s knowledge base through practice and research.”
Dr. Rhea Hill, DBH, LPCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 17, 2025

“The DBH program will open opportunities for me to contribute to healthcare system innovation, particularly through trauma-informed care and integrated behavioral health settings. I will be better positioned to advocate for and implement holistic care models that improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Ultimately, this program will help me transition into higher-level roles, such as a director or consultant in behavioral health, where I can influence broader system changes and contribute to the future of healthcare delivery.”
DeKyn Rashad Peters, MPH-CHES,BSW/BA,APCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 4, 2025

“The DBH program has been integral in preparing me for leadership roles by providing a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership within the behavioral health sector. Through coursework, case studies, and hands-on experiences, I have learned to lead with empathy, data-driven decision-making, and strategic planning. The program has also honed my skills in organizational development, communication, and policy advocacy, equipping me to effectively lead teams, drive impactful change, and foster environments that promote positive behavioral health outcomes. With this training, I am confident in my ability to lead initiatives that address systemic barriers and improve care delivery.”
Dr. Jerrika Henderson, DBH, CMHCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 18, 2025

DBH Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Samantha Darnell-Tracy, DBH, MS, LPC