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Doctor of Behavioral Health Admissions

Review the program specific admissions information on this page in addition to the general admissions information and policies on the Admissions page prior to applying for admission to the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at CGI.

Learn more about our academic programs at an upcoming event, schedule a call with our Admissions team, or start your application today.

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Degree Seeking Admissions

Degree-Seeking Admissions Requirements – Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) Program

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average) or better in the field of Behavioral Health or similar* (Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy).* See Exception for Admissions policy.
  2. Two (2) or more years of experience in the Behavioral Health field.
  3. Technology equipment and basic computer skills to be successful in the online Doctoral of Behavioral Health Program. View Technology Requirements.

No competency examinations are required for admission.

Professional Licensure and Admissions

The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree is an academic degree program, not a certification or licensure program. Currently, there is no licensure for the DBH degree in any state or nation. Practicing as a DBH does not require a professional license; however, billing for reimbursement as a clinician typically requires licensure as a behavioral health professional.

Students are strongly encouraged to contact their state licensing boards to determine whether the DBH program aligns with educational requirements for licensure in their state. It is the student’s responsibility to research state laws, workplace policies, and the local healthcare landscape to ensure informed decisions about career pathways.

Professional licensure is not an admissions requirement for the DBH program at CGI or any other institution offering the degree. However, legislation and professional standards evolve rapidly. Students eligible for licensure should verify their scope of practice with their state’s health professional licensing office.

Use of the Title “Doctor”

The use of the “Doctor” title may be restricted in some regions. Laws, regulations, and employer policies regarding the title vary by state, country, organization, and employer. Students should thoroughly research the regulations in their local area and workplace to ensure compliance.

Before enrolling, evaluate these considerations carefully to determine whether the DBH program aligns with your professional goals.

Degree-Seeking Admissions Process – Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) Program

Complete the online admissions application form, including the following documentation:

  1. Copy of a government-issued ID
  2. Resume or CV
  3. Statement of Intent
  4. Unofficial transcripts reflecting highest degree earned
  5. Official transcripts reflecting highest degree earned
  6. Contact information for four (4) professional references to provide a recommendation in support of your application (three (3) total recommendations needed)*
  7. Application Fee ($50)**

* Professional references will be contacted at the email address provided to request completion of a recommendation form.
** Waived for students eligible for Military Tuition. Documentation of military status is required during the application process.

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After Submitting a Application

Completed applications are reviewed to determine the applicant’s eligibility for admission. Eligible candidates are contacted by the Admissions Coordinator to schedule an interview and detailed instructions are shared on how to participate in the interview. The interview is the final step in the admissions application process.

Upon completion of the interview, an admissions decision is rendered by the admissions committee, and the applicant will be accepted or declined admission into the DBH program. Notification of the admissions decision is sent to the applicant via email post interview.

After Admittance

Within ten (10) calendar days of a student’s accepted admission to the Doctor of Behavioral Health Program or non-degree program, the admitted applicant receives an enrollment packet via DocuSign that includes a Program Enrollment Agreement, Catalog, and Program Fee Payment information.

Once the student signs the Program Enrollment Agreement they are required to submit payment for their one-time Program Fee of $150. Once that is all completed the student will meet with their Advisor, first-term tuition will be billed to the student’s account, and the student will be registered in their courses. Every time after the initial term, students will be billed for tuition following the close of course registration.

Exceptions for Degree-Seeking Admissions Policies – Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) Program

A completed application demonstrating that the candidate meets all admission requirements may advance to interview eligibility with the following exceptions:

  1. An applicant who completed a master’s degree in a non-Behavioral Health field (e.g. Allied Health fields) must have their transcripts evaluated to determine if previous coursework meets the standard curriculum requirements.
  2. Candidates who have completed the application, paid the application fee, and submitted required documentation minus the Official Transcript for admission may be eligible for an interview.
  3. Candidates who have completed the application, paid the application fee, and submitted required documentation minus a third professional recommendation, may proceed to an interview if the first and second recommendations have a rating of average, above average, or outstanding in all evaluation areas and a final recommendation of “enthusiastically recommend this applicant.

An application may advance to admission with the following exceptions:

  1. Provisional admission may be granted to an applicant who submits and is admitted with a completed application, paid the application fee, and required documentation minus the Official Transcript for admission. A student provisionally admitted under this circumstance must submit the Official Transcript by the end of their first enrolled term in order to enroll in courses for a second term. Failure to submit an Official Transcript under this circumstance revokes the admissions acceptance, and the student may not proceed with the coursework.
  2. Provisional admission may be granted to an applicant per the discretion of the Director of the DBH Program if the applicant demonstrates the potential to succeed in the interview and interview eligibility review.

Transfer Credits

Transfer Credit Max

The maximum amount of transfer credits awarded for the DBH program is nine (9) credits. Transfer credits are not accepted for non-degree programs.

To learn about transfer credit policies, process, and conditions, view the Transfer Credits section in the Admissions page.

To learn about program specific transfer credit requirements, procedures, and how to apply to transfer credit review, view the DBH Program Transfer Credits overview page.

Concurrent Program Enrollment

Concurrent Program Enrollment

Concurrent programs are defined as two or more academic programs that may be pursued at the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) by a student resulting in completion of the requirements for two or more degree-seeking and or non-degree seeking programs. Enrollment in concurrent programs is regulated by CGI. Overlap of credits allowed (i.e., where credit hours can count towards more than one program) is governed by the Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy.

Visit the Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy to verify the requirements and steps for pursuing concurrent program enrollment at CGI as a prospective student, currently enrolled student, alumni, or withdrawn student. Concurrent enrollment questions can be directed to the Admissions office at admissions@cgi.edu.

View the Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy

Start your DBH program application.

Complete the form below to begin your application to the Doctor of Behavioral Health program.

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

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