Consumer Information Disclosure

General Information

Name of Institution: Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
Address: 2111 East Baseline Road, Suite E1, Tempe, AZ 85283
Year Founded: 2015
First Accredited: 2019
First Accreditation Renewal: 2022
Second Accreditation Renewal: 2027

CEO: Cara English, DBH

Accreditations and Agency Contact Information:

Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), 1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808, Washington, D.C. 20036, Phone: (202) 234- 5100, Email: info@deac.org, https://www.deac.org

View the DEAC Student Achievement Disclosure for the Public.

State Approval and Contact Information:

Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, 1740 West Adams Suite 3008, Phoenix, AZ 85007, Phone: (602) 542-5709, Fax: (602) 542-1253, www.azppse.gov or www.ppse.az.gov.

State Licensure:

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is currently authorized, licensed, registered, exempt or not subject to approval regarding student enrollment as outlined on the State Authorization and Accreditation page. Cummings Graduate Institute works with states directly to ensure that authorization or licensure is necessary and that required approvals are secured. While we do monitor the laws in each state, authorization of distance education is a dynamic environment and prospective students should check Cummings Graduate Institute’s website often for updates.

CGI cannot confirm whether the DBH Program meets educational requirements for professional licensure in any state at this time. Students are advised to contact state licensing boards to determine whether the DBH program meets educational requirements for licensure in the state where the student resides. Students understand that they are responsible for researching their state laws and workplace/site policies related to use of the Doctor title as a Doctor of Behavioral Health.

Government Authorized Foreign Student Programs:

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies does not participate in any student visa/I-20 program.

Participation in Funding Programs:

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Cummings Graduate Institute is not qualified for Title IV funds at this time and does not have a IFAP School Code.

Cummings Graduate Institute Scholarship Programs:

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies offers scholarships to both returning and first-year students enrolled in degree-seeking programs. Scholarships are available on a limited basis each academic term. Funding is based on academic merit and consideration is given to all students who apply.

Scholarship information is outlined on the Scholarships page. Questions about institutional scholarships can be directed to scholarships@cgi.edu.

Mission & Description:

Mission:

Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies is dedicated to disrupting healthcare by preparing entrepreneurial integrated care professionals through innovative & affordable quality distance education programs, grounded in the Biodyne Model, and focused on delivering human-centered care, population health improvements, and medical cost savings.

Areas of Special Focus:

Behavioral Health, Integrated Healthcare

Description of Institution:

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is a private, nonprofit, DEAC-accredited institution offering graduate and professional behavioral health education through a virtual online campus. Cummings Graduate Institute takes great pride in awarding the unique and innovative Doctor of Behavioral Health degree, referred to hereafter as the “DBH.”

Student Demographic Profile:

Ethnicity:

American Indian or Alaskan Native – 1.00%
Asian – 4.00%
Black or African American – 45.00%
Hispanic – 13.00%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander – 1.00%
Two or more races – 4.00%
White – 32.00%

Courses/Programs/Degrees:

Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH)
Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Adult Certificate
Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Gerontology Certificate
Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Leadership Certificate
Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Military Families and Veterans Certificate
Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Women’s Health Certificate
Trauma Informed Care (TIC) Certificate

Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH)

DBH Program Outcomes

Consult effectively with the medical team as a behavioral health expert using knowledge of medical culture and acute, chronic, and comorbid conditions.
Deliver evidence-based screening, assessment, and behavioral interventions appropriate for primary care and specialty medical settings.
Design cost-effective population health approaches to treating chronic and comorbid conditions while addressing social determinants of health.
Design and evaluate evidence based practice for behavioral conditions in medical settings based on principles of quality improvement.
Create a business case based on a population health approach to improving access to quality, integrated healthcare.

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Adult Certificate

IBH – Adult Program Outcomes

Certificate graduates will consult effectively with the medical team as a behavioral health expert using knowledge of medical culture and acute, chronic, and comorbid conditions.
Certificate graduates will deliver evidence-based screening, assessment, and behavioral interventions appropriate for primary care and specialty medical settings.
Certificate graduates will design cost-effective population health approaches to treating chronic and comorbid conditions while addressing social determinants of health.
Certificate graduates will design and evaluate evidence-based practice for behavioral conditions in medical settings based on principles of quality improvement
Certificate graduates will create a business case based on a population health approach to improving access to quality, integrated healthcare.

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Gerontology Certificate

IBH – Gerontology Program Outcomes

Certificate graduates will consult effectively with the medical team as a behavioral health expert using knowledge of medical culture and acute, chronic, and comorbid conditions.
Certificate graduates will deliver evidence-based screening, assessment, and behavioral interventions appropriate for primary care and specialty medical settings.
Certificate graduates will design cost-effective population health approaches to treating chronic and comorbid conditions while addressing social determinants of health.
Certificate graduates will design and evaluate evidence-based practice for behavioral conditions in medical settings based on principles of quality improvement

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Leadership Certificate

IBH – Leadership Program Outcomes

Certificate graduates will consult effectively with the medical team as a behavioral health expert using knowledge of medical culture and acute, chronic, and comorbid conditions.
Certificate graduates will deliver evidence-based screening, assessment, and behavioral interventions appropriate for primary care and specialty medical settings.
Certificate graduates will design cost-effective population health approaches to treating chronic and comorbid conditions while addressing social determinants of health.
Certificate graduates will design and evaluate evidence-based practice for behavioral conditions in medical settings based on principles of quality improvement
Certificate graduates will create a business case based on a population health approach to improving access to quality, integrated healthcare.

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Military Families and Veterans Certificate

IBH – Military Families and Veterans Program Outcomes

Certificate graduates will consult effectively with the medical team as a behavioral health expert using knowledge of medical culture and acute, chronic, and comorbid conditions.
Certificate graduates will deliver evidence-based screening, assessment, and behavioral interventions appropriate for primary care and specialty medical settings.
Certificate graduates will design cost-effective population health approaches to treating chronic and comorbid conditions while addressing social determinants of health.
Certificate graduates will design and evaluate evidence-based practice for behavioral conditions in medical settings based on principles of quality improvement

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) – Women’s Health Certificate

IBH – Women’s Health Program Outcomes

Certificate graduates will consult effectively with the medical team as a behavioral health expert using knowledge of medical culture and acute, chronic, and comorbid conditions.
Certificate graduates will deliver evidence-based screening, assessment, and behavioral interventions appropriate for primary care and specialty medical settings.
Certificate graduates will design cost-effective population health approaches to treating chronic and comorbid conditions while addressing social determinants of health.
Certificate graduates will design and evaluate evidence-based practice for behavioral conditions in medical settings based on principles of quality improvement

Trauma Informed Care (TIC) Certificate

TIC Program Outcomes

Certificate graduates will consult effectively with the medical team as a behavioral health expert using knowledge of medical culture and acute, chronic, and comorbid conditions.
Certificate graduates will deliver evidence-based screening, assessment, and behavioral interventions appropriate for primary care and specialty medical settings.
Certificate graduates will design cost-effective population health approaches to treating chronic and comorbid conditions while addressing social determinants of health.

Average Program Tuition/Cost per credit hour:

Degree: DBH
Tuition per credit Hour: $400
Total number of credit hours: 60
Tuition Total (tuition + fees, dependent upon number of transfer credits and military status): $21,750-$24,150

Degree: IBH – Adult Certificate
Tuition per credit Hour: $400
Total number of credit hours: 16
Tuition Total (tuition + fees, dependent upon number of transfer credits and military status): $5,910-$6,550

Degree: IBH – Gerontology Certificate
Tuition per credit Hour: $400
Total number of credit hours: 13
Tuition Total (tuition + fees, dependent upon number of transfer credits and military status): $4,830-$5,350

Degree: IBH – Leadership Certificate
Tuition per credit Hour: $400
Total number of credit hours: 13
Tuition Total (tuition + fees, dependent upon number of transfer credits and military status): $4,830-$5,350

Degree: IBH – Military Families and Veterans Certificate
Tuition per credit Hour: $400
Total number of credit hours: 12
Tuition Total (tuition + fees, dependent upon number of transfer credits and military status): $4,470-$4,950

Degree: IBH – Women’s Health Certificate
Tuition per credit Hour: $400
Total number of credit hours: 14
Tuition Total (tuition + fees, dependent upon number of transfer credits and military status): $5,190-$5,750

Degree: TIC Certificate
Tuition per credit Hour: $400
Total number of credit hours: 12
Tuition Total (tuition + fees, dependent upon number of transfer credits and military status): $4,470-$4,950

Graduation Rate

Graduation Rate: 60%
Methodology: Cummings Graduate Institute’s second cohort enrolled in 2016. Three of the five students enrolled in this cohort graduated within the 5-year maximum time-frame for completion.

Students Employed within the Field of Behavioral Health Rate

Students Employed within the Field of Behavioral Health: 100%
Methodology: Cummings Graduate Institute surveys all alumni on an annual basis. In the most recent Alumni Survey, all alumni have reported that they currently work in the field of behavioral health or within an integrated care setting.

2024 Student Satisfaction Rate

CGI uses student end-of-term surveys to measure the satisfaction of students on a term-by-term basis. In addition to specific course-related questions, CGI asks the following three questions in every end-of-term survey:
1. Did you achieve, or will you have achieved upon completion of your studies, the goals you had when you started this course or program?
2. Would you recommend these studies to a friend?
3. All things considered, were you satisfied with your studies with us?
In the academic terms of Spring I 2024, Spring II 2024
1. Did you achieve, or will you have achieved upon completion of your studies, the goals you had when you started this course or program? 99.5% answered yes
2. Would you recommend these studies to a friend? 100% answered yes
3. All things considered, were you satisfied with your studies with us? 100% answered yes

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 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

“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 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

“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 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