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CGI Expands DBH Curriculum with New Courses

By March 25, 2026No Comments5 min read

CGI Enhances DBH Program with Courses on Women’s Health, Rural Health, Data Analysis for Decision-Making, and Integrated Care for the LGBTQ+ Population

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the need for professionals who can navigate complex systems, advocate for policy change, improve patient care, and contribute to scholarly research has never been greater. Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) remains at the forefront of innovation by continuously updating its curriculum to meet these emerging demands. To further equip its students with critical, future-ready skills, CGI has expanded the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program curriculum to include four new courses focused on women’s health, rural health, data-informed decision-making, and integrated care for LGBTQ+ populations.

“In integrated behavioral health, stagnation is not an option. Continuously refining the DBH curriculum guarantees our graduates remain competent, confident, and ready to meet the evolving challenges of modern practice.” said Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., DBH, Director of the DBH Program.

Expanding Knowledge and Skills in Key Areas

The newly introduced courses reflect CGI’s proactive commitment to addressing emerging challenges and evolving needs across integrated care, behavioral health, and healthcare delivery. Each course strengthens students’ ability to lead, innovate, and implement evidence-informed solutions that improve access, quality, and outcomes.
DBH 9035: Women’s Health in Integrated Care Settings
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the intersection of women’s physical, mental, and behavioral health within integrated care environments. Using a gender-informed and population health lens, students examine complex and often under-addressed topics such as perinatal mental health, hormonal transitions, chronic and comorbid conditions, and the effects of trauma and co-occurring disorders. Emphasis is placed on consultation, early identification, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions in primary care. Students also apply market analysis strategies to identify gaps in women’s healthcare access and develop integrated care plans responsive to local needs and social determinants of health.

DBH 9036: Rural Health

This course explores the unique challenges, strategies, and leadership approaches associated with healthcare delivery in rural communities. Students examine socio-economic, cultural, and logistical barriers—including workforce shortages, access limitations, and financial sustainability—and assess the roles of administrators, policymakers, and community stakeholders in shaping effective solutions. By the end of the course, students are equipped to design and implement strategies that strengthen rural health systems and improve outcomes in underserved populations.

DBH 9037: Data Analysis for Decision-Making

This course builds advanced competencies in data analysis, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making in healthcare. Students use statistical software such as Excel Analysis ToolPak or SAS to analyze datasets that inform operations, policy, and clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on data interpretation, visualization, and reporting to support improvements in access to care, population health, cost containment, clinician and patient satisfaction, and health equity. Students also evaluate regulatory, legal, and ethical considerations in data collection and use.

DBH 9038: Integrated Care for the LGBTQ+ Population

Behavioral health care for LGBTQ+ populations is shaped by trauma, policy, stigma, and structural inequities. This course examines how these forces influence care delivery and outcomes within primary care and integrated settings. Students focus on consultation, cultural safety, and evidence-informed practice, while applying co-design approaches that engage stakeholders with lived experience to develop equity-centered improvements in integrated behavioral health care.

“These course enhancements ensure that DBH professionals are not only prepared for today’s challenges but are positioned as innovators and leaders in the next era of healthcare delivery.” said Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., DBH, Director of the DBH Program.

Preparing DBH Graduates for the Future of Healthcare

With these curriculum enhancements, CGI continues to advance its mission of disrupting healthcare by preparing entrepreneurial integrated care professionals through innovative and affordable quality distance education programs. Grounded in the Biodyne Model, the DBH program emphasizes human-centered care, population health improvement, and medical cost savings. These new courses ensure graduates are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and skills aligned with industry demands, financial sustainability, and effective policy advocacy.

“Doctors of Behavioral Health are essential to modern healthcare, bridging disciplines, improving care coordination, and ensuring that mental and physical health are treated with equal rigor and attention,” said Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., DBH, Director of the DBH Program.

CGI’s Commitment to Continuous Learning and Industry Leadership

As healthcare continues to evolve, CGI remains committed to refining and expanding its curriculum to meet the dynamic needs of behavioral health professionals. These new courses exemplify CGI’s dedication to providing a comprehensive, relevant, and forward-thinking education. For professionals seeking advanced preparation in integrated care, healthcare policy, and value-based practice, CGI’s DBH program offers an educational experience designed to shape the future of healthcare.

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

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