Community-Centered Solutions: Dr. Jerrika Henderson on Bridging Mental Health Disparities

Dr. Jerrika Henderson, a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) alumna from Cummings Graduate Institute, has extensive experience in clinical mental health counseling and business development. Passionate about improving health outcomes for diverse communities in Memphis, TN, she has dedicated her career to delivering high-quality, patient-centered mental health services. With a focus on integrating mindfulness and holistic approaches into care, Dr. Henderson works with individuals, families, and organizations to enhance behavioral health outcomes and foster lasting wellness. Committed to health equity, she continues to drive meaningful change in the mental health landscape by promoting accessible, transformative care. In this interview, Dr. Henderson reflects on her journey through the DBH program, how it has shaped her career, and her experience completing all six IBH and TIC certificates alongside her degree.

How are you using your behavioral health expertise to impact your local community?

I actively contribute to the Greater Memphis area by leveraging my behavioral health expertise to create spaces for growth, education, and support. Through my private practice, Journey with Jerrika, I provide individual and group therapy, corporate wellness workshops, and retreats that promote mindfulness, self-care, and personal transformation. I also facilitate caregiver support groups for those raising LGBTQ youth, fostering understanding and resilience in families. Additionally, I organize youth and young adult empowerment sessions focused on essential life skills like financial literacy, social skills, and wellness practices. These initiatives reflect my commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and promoting holistic well-being at every level. It is my goal to continue doing the work by providing resources to develop and enhance mental health in all Memphis communities.

How has the DBH program influenced your approach to behavioral health?

One standout aspect of my learning experience in the DBH program was Dr. Baldwin’s class on health equity. His approach to teaching this critical topic was both transformational and deeply engaging. He highlighted the systemic disparities in healthcare and the importance of addressing social determinants of health to achieve equitable outcomes. Through case studies, discussions, and real-world applications, I was able to communicate my understanding of how bias, access, and privilege influence health outcomes with others changemakers who were enrolled in the course. This class reshaped my approach to behavioral health by emphasizing the need for culturally competent, patient-centered care that acknowledges and addresses these inequities. It inspired me to become a stronger advocate for underserved populations, integrating health equity principles into every aspect of my practice.

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

Looking back on my DBH journey, one of the most instrumental experiences was when Dr. English encouraged students to explore a Doula training offered by The Ladies of Hope Ministries. Inspired by this suggestion, I applied and was admitted to this Doula Initiative training program and became a certified Perinatal Educator while continuing my DBH studies. This experience broadened my perspective on integrated care by emphasizing the critical connection between physical, emotional, and mental health during the perinatal period. It equipped me with specialized skills to support individuals and families during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions. This dual journey enriched my professional development, allowing me to apply my behavioral health expertise in unique ways while reinforcing the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.

What inspired you to pursue all of the integrated behavioral health and trauma informed care certificates that CGI offers?

My decision to pursue all the certificates offered by Cummings Graduate Institute stems from my dedication to enhancing the well-being of diverse populations through innovative, patient-centered care. As a clinical mental health counselor, I strive to address the multifaceted challenges clients face in their mental health and overall well-being. Each certificate program provides specialized knowledge and practical tools that align with my commitment to delivering holistic and effective care. By advancing my education and expertise in all of the certificate programs offered, I aim to bridge gaps in the healthcare system and foster transformative outcomes for clients and communities. The comprehensive nature of these programs supports my goal of providing a higher standard of care, whether in private practice, corporate wellness, or community settings. Ultimately, these certificates enhance my ability to create sustainable, meaningful impacts in behavioral health, aligning with my passion for lifelong learning and professional development.

What was it like balancing these certificates while completing the DBH program?

Balancing the completion of these certificates while enrolled in the DBH program was both challenging and rewarding. It required strategic time management, discipline, and unwavering focus on my goals. I approached each certificate as an opportunity to deepen my understanding and immediately apply new insights to my academic and professional endeavors. The overlap in content often complimented my required DBH studies, enriching my learning experience. The process ultimately strengthened my ability to prioritize, stay resilient under pressure, and remain committed to my passion for advancing integrated behavioral health and patient-centered care.

How have these certificates enhanced your career and professional growth?

The certificates have significantly enhanced my career and professional development by equipping me with specialized skills and knowledge that extend beyond traditional mental health counseling. They strengthen my expertise in integrated behavioral health, leadership, and healthcare innovation, enabling me to address complex client needs with a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach. These credentials also enhance my credibility and marketability, positioning me as a versatile professional capable of influencing systemic change. By integrating these advanced competencies into my practice, I can deliver more effective care, foster collaboration across disciplines, and drive meaningful outcomes for individuals and communities.

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

My career goals within the behavioral health sector center on continuing to create innovative, community-focused solutions that address mental health disparities while promoting holistic well-being. A key aspect of this vision is expanding the impact of my private practice, Journey with Jerrika, while also building collaborative spaces like the Memphis Behavioral & Wellness Collective. A nonprofit created to focus on initiatives such as bringing together diverse professionals to provide accessible, integrative care and wellness services tailored to the Memphis community’s unique needs.

The DBH program has been instrumental in shaping this vision by equipping me with the skills to lead interdisciplinary teams, implement patient-centered care models, and advocating for positive change in low-income communities. Through the program, I have gained expertise in integrated behavioral health and developed the confidence to design sustainable interventions that improve outcomes for both providers and clients. With this foundation, I aim to drive systemic change and create spaces that empower individuals and communities to thrive.

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?

Leadership plays a crucial role in advancing behavioral health outcomes by setting the vision, fostering collaboration, and advocating for systemic changes that improve access to care, quality, and equity. Effective leaders in behavioral health not only influence the development of policies and practices but also inspire teams to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. They must navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and create environments that prioritize holistic well-being for individuals and communities.

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’s journey through the DBH program reflects her deep commitment to reshaping mental health care through innovation and advocacy. Her dedication to expanding access to integrated, patient-centered services has positioned her as a leader in the field. From broadening her clinical expertise to launching impactful community initiatives, Dr. Henderson is actively redefining behavioral health by addressing systemic gaps and championing holistic care. As she continues to create spaces for meaningful change, her work serves as a powerful example of how education and leadership can transform communities and improve lives.

Connect with Dr. Jerrika Henderson

Instagram: @journeywithjerrika and @jerrday_
Website: https://journeywithjerrika.square.site/

Check Out Dr. Jerrika Henderson on the Disruptors at Work Podcast

Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, episode: DBH Students on the Frontline: Serving Communities of Color with Rhea Hill, DBH, LPC, Shadiase Jack LCSW-C, Jerrika Henderson, Clinical Mental Health Counselor, CDR Sean K. Bennett, LCSW, MSWAC, BCD, Jennifer Wims-Madden, MSN, PMHNP-B, and Napoleon Harrington MA, LPC.

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Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, episode: DBH Students on the Frontline: Roe v. Wade Decision – Where do we go from here? with Jeny Rodrigue, LAC, SAP, SAE, Shadiase Jack LCSW-c, Jerrika Henderson, MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rhea Hill, DBH, LPC, CDR Sean K. Bennett, LCSW, MSWAC, BCD, and Pauline Tolentino Pablo, BCBA, IBA.

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Dr. Jerrika Henderson: Vice President of the CGI Alumni Association

The Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) Alumni Association continues to build a thriving network of graduates united by their commitment to integrated behavioral health. Founded with a vision of creating lifelong engagement, the Alumni Association serves as a cornerstone for supporting alumni, students, and the broader CGI community.

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Testimonials

“The totally online DBH program offered by Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies is focused on the professional I have grown into: a synergistic disrupter for the healthcare industry, who is passionate about Wholistic Healthcare (e.g., health, behavioral health, and Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health), rendered skillfully through interprofessional teams. The program pillars of medical literacy, integrated behavioral health interventions, and entrepreneurship resonate loudly with me. The healthcare industry will continue to change, with doctoral level professionals needed to play a major role in any successful transformation. My goal is to further advance my knowledge-base, professional standing, and industry commitment to be part of these transformational efforts. In this way I can heed the Quadruple Aim: assuring quality-driven patient-centric care is rendered at the right time, through the right population-based treatment processes, at the right cost, and by empowered professionals embracing the work and committed to their charge.”
Ellen Fink-Samnick MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CRPDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 11, 2020

“In the time that I have been a student at CGI, I have learned that integrated healthcare is no longer the exception; providers want behavioral health clinicians on their team. My courses demonstrate that the services that a DBH can offer are valuable and the opportunities abound. I’m learning that as a DBH, I can work to create a new norm in healthcare, one that promotes holistic care provided by a collaborative team delivering diverse services. I now view behavioral healthcare as a crucial piece of the medical care puzzle, rather than a separate entity. I can see the gaps in care that a DBH can fill and why including a DBH in treatment is critical. I am beginning to see how I will play a role in disrupting healthcare to provide quality treatment while advocating for my patients. Although I may still have to explain my role at times, I am learning that once I do, others will seek out my services. I am gaining confidence in what I bring to the medical team and am continuously expanding my knowledge of what else I can do.”
Jennifer KellyDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 26, 2020

“As a Social Worker, I believe my main mission includes advocating for and empowering patients. The DBH degree will allow me to fully integrate the “medical side of the house” with the “behavioral health side”. My experience working side-by-side with medical providers (PCM’s, ED docs, Hospitalists, etc…) has shown that most of them do not understand behavioral health issues nor how medical symptoms or diagnoses can effect a patients’ mental health and vice-versa. Alternatively, I have worked with a multitude of behavioral health providers who have very limited knowledge of how medical issues might affect their clients. I have often wondered how many patients I have had who were diagnosed with depression or anxiety or other DSM-V diagnosis when in reality the origin was medical. Earning a DBH will allow me to push the envelope when it comes to consulting with medical providers and promote the inclusion of “behavioral healthcare” within “healthcare” as its ALL healthcare! As Mahatma Ghandi said “be the change you wish to see in the world”; earning a DBH will enhance my ability to “change the world” – even if it’s one medical provider or one patient at a time.”
Diane Scott, MSW, LCSWDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - August 7, 2020

“My friend and I were talking about the challenges and frustrations that we face daily in our careers with the clear divide between mental health and physical health and how we wished we had the knowledge and skills to shake up healthcare and bridge the gap. She brought up researching doctorate programs and how interested she was in the DBH. My reponse was, “What on earth is a DBH?” She laughed and said it was a newer doctorate degree in behavioral health, that focused directly on integrated care and doing exactly what we were dreaming of doing….shaking up healthcare and bridging the gap and treating the person as a whole. I had a hard time believing her. It sounded too good to be true. How was there a degree out there that fit my goals and aspirations to a T without me knowing about it? I had been looking periodically throughout my 20 year journey in behavioral health for a program that resonated with me. It was here all this time? How had I missed it? I immediately spent hours scouring the internet to find any crumb of information that I could about the Doctorate of Behavioral Health and the programs associated with it. Then I hit the jackpot. I found the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.”
Amy McConnell, LCSWDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 18, 2020

“During my tenure as a student at CGI, I wrote a book review that was published in the International Journal of Integrated Care. One of my papers became a newsletter article, a pitch for my population health class became a poster presented at a CFHA conference, a book chapter was developed based on a paper I wrote for my independent study, and I am submitting my CP project to a journal this weekend. So, everything that you write during the program is potentially publishable! You have the advantage of having faculty read and give you feedback on it before submitting it. Take risks! The worst that can happen if you submit a paper for publication is receiving a rejection letter. Well, if you don’t send it you’re already acting as if the paper had been rejected. 😉 Plus, if you receive a rejection letter, it usually comes with feedback, so you can improve your paper and send it again!”
Dr. Liliane de Aguiar-Rocha, DBH, BCBADBH Alumni, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 9, 2020

“There is a substantial need for integrating care between our physical, and mental health. The gap between these domains are more so overlooked among those with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities – the very population I serve as a Behavior Analyst. Filling these gaps entails work that demands for a DBH who is competent, empathetic, and altruistic.”
Pauline Pablo, BCBADBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 11, 2020

“My interest in a DBH degree grew out of frustration and hope. On one hand, I grew frustrated with the quality of care my clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities were receiving. As members of a marginalized population who lack the skills to advocate for themselves, the clients I serve receive subpar medical care, mental health care, and behavioral health care. Many healthcare providers are not trained to address the unique language and cognitive challenges present when serving a person with Autism and I/DD.

On the other hand, as I learned more about the DBH program, a potential solution came into view. I believe this program will allow me to acquire the knowledge and skills to become a better advocate for my clients, and new job opportunities will open up in positions in which I will be able to make a bigger impact on a system level, thus improving quality of life for many clients. A DBH degree will command interest and respect from other healthcare professionals who are evaluating their practices and noticing areas in which they are not being effective, namely the behavioral health side of the equation. As we are learning in our first classes about the Biodyne Model, the Integrated Care Model is not widely accepted or known in the healthcare field, despite its proven track record. I believe a DBH degree provides the necessary tool to change the landscape of healthcare provision by arming my passion for this topic with knowledge and concrete strategies.”
Valeria ParejoDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 15, 2021

“As a Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) student my vision for healthcare is to disrupt the current model, close gaps to care and create healthcare improvements. In the evolving world of healthcare I believe behavioral healthcare providers (BCP) are essential to the development of integrative healthcare. Once I obtain a DBH degree, I know I will gain a leadership role and be able to add quality to the creation of integration efforts worldwide. I know I will graduate with the essential tools I need to stand at the forefront of integrated healthcare. I want to create healthcare improvements for marginalized populations that are typically underserved or forgotten. As an individual of two minority groups; woman and African American, I am very passionate about helping reduce cultural, ethnic, social economic and geographic disparities within healthcare systems.”
Ebony WatsonDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 30, 2021

“Since beginning my studies at CGI, I have been awakened to how much I truly did not know and understand despite my specialty training in Social Work and behavioral health needs. The classes at CGI allow me to explore topics that I may not have thought to investigate and encourage me to question and think outside the “normal” delivery of behavioral health services. Services that I previously thought were quality and designed to meet the needs of special populations, I now believe to be woefully inadequate to serve the needs of the patients. Patients cannot receive the best quality, efficient, and timely care they need and deserve within institutions that are not integrated. Institutions that continue to silo and do not encourage collaboration and integration are not focused on the needs of the patient.”
Amanda BarnardDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 30, 2021

“I believe, as a DBH, I will disrupt the current healthcare systemby promotingguaranteed health care for allasa right, not a privilege.I willadvocate fora national, rather than state, licensing of providers. This will allow clinicians (medical,behavioral health, etc…) to provide care across state lines using telemedicine.Finally, the skills I have learned at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies allow me to identify healthcare delivery concerns, propose alternative interventions and cost–effective solutions and evaluate theirreturn on investment.”
Diane ScottDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 29, 2021

“Since entering CGI, I have more confidence in discussing the need for healthcare systems to have a population health approach to care, and to put in place “upstream” programming. I have always been proud of working in a hospital and delivering care, working as a multidisciplinary team member, and making a difference. I now realize I have been part of healthcare’s focus of “treating the sick” rather than being an influencer for preventative care.

Preventative care can be part of service delivery from a hospital system; we should not rely only on public health programs to tackle social determinants of health. COVID-19 is not only impacting mental health but also how we are delivering medical care. Could COVID-19 be an unintended force for healthcare policy change? Apostolopoulos et al. (2020) reports the complexity presented to the health care system by COVID-19 has created change that will continue in healthcare for years to come. The needed changes to delivery and access will require a policy shift in all levels of healthcare (Apostolopoulos et al., 2020).”
Billie RatliffDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 13, 2021

“The DBH is exactly the type of doctorate degree that I’ve been searching for. A doctorate that is clinical focused is where my interest lies. I am motivated to pursue this degree, and courses like Pathophysiology, Psychopharmacology, Neuropathophysiology, only add to that excitement. One must be motivated to complete any degree program. The Doctor of Behavioral Health fits that bill for me. In fact, I would say that I am beyond motivated.”
Arthur Williams IIIDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 8, 2022

“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 ChumDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 16, 2022

“Pursuing a doctorate in behavioral health is essential in helping to transform my thinking as a healthcare provider; moving from a more traditional mindset, embracing change and a “different world view” of tools for successful client outcomes. This type of advanced study will equip me with the clinical and leadership skills to be a leader on the cutting edge of behavioral health. This type of training would make me an asset to the healthcare workplace; specifically to function effectively as a change agent for the successful outcomes of the workplace and its clients.”
Judith AllenDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 23, 2022 Previous Slide