Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) proudly highlights Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) student Jose Mathew, who has stepped into a new role as Director of Healthcare Access at Diversus Health. This achievement reflects his deep commitment to expanding equitable, timely, and integrated access to behavioral healthcare for diverse communities.
For Jose, this next step carries both personal and professional meaning. “For me, taking on the role of Director of Healthcare Access is both a responsibility and an opportunity. It reflects my long-standing commitment to reducing barriers to care, improving integrated service delivery, and ensuring that individuals, regardless of background or circumstances, can access timely, high-quality behavioral health support. This position aligns closely with my values of equity, collaboration, and person-centered care.”
He is particularly energized by the chance to lead access-focused innovations. As he explains, “What excites me most is the opportunity to build systems that truly make access easier for our community. I look forward to expanding same-day access, improving care coordination across service lines, and advancing innovative models like mobile and integrated care.” Jose adds, “Ultimately, I am eager to lead initiatives that close gaps, strengthen continuity of care, and ensure people receive the support they need when they need it most.”
Jose credits the DBH program with shaping his leadership, sharpening his systems thinking, and preparing him for high-impact decision-making.
“The DBH program has played a key role in shaping my approach to leadership, integrated care, and system-level change. The program enhanced my ability to think beyond individual clinical encounters and to develop solutions that address broader operational, financial, and population-health concerns.”
He also emphasizes the program’s applied, innovation-driven training. “What has prepared me most for this role is the program’s emphasis on applied practice and innovation… Through the DBH curriculum, I developed skills in quality improvement, program development, data-driven decision making, and value-based care, all of which directly inform my work as Director of Healthcare Access.”
Jose shares that several DBH competencies show up in his day-to-day work. “One of the most valuable is the systems-thinking mindset, being able to see how operational workflows, clinical processes, access points, and workforce dynamics all intersect.” He continues, “Another key skill is the focus on data-driven, value-based care… that analytical approach is crucial.”
Jose encourages DBH students to embrace the purpose of the degree. “My biggest advice… is to stay grounded in the purpose behind the degree, driving meaningful change in healthcare.” Jose reminds students to take risks, grow as leaders, and stay curious,
“The DBH is designed for innovation… invest in your leadership identity… Your effectiveness depends on your willingness to adapt, keep learning, and collaborate with others to improve care and access for the communities we serve.”
Jose’s new role reflects exactly what DBH professionals are trained to do, strengthen systems, increase access, and ensure care works better for every community. His leadership demonstrates how integrated care principles come to life when barriers are removed and collaboration is prioritized. We’re proud to celebrate his achievement and the future impact he will continue to make.
Learn more about the DBH program and how it prepares leaders like Jose at cgi.edu/dbh/
