Navigating Trauma’s Complexities: Dr. Rhea Hill’s Vision for Equine-Assisted, Integrated, Trauma-Informed Therapy

February 17, 2025

Dr. Rhea Hill’s journey in behavioral health is driven by a deep passion for understanding and addressing the connection between trauma and autoimmune disorders. With a strong foundation in psychology and mental health counseling, she has dedicated over 25 years to healing modalities, transitioning from a licensed massage therapist to mental health counseling, and ultimately to integrated behavioral health. After earning her Doctor of Behavioral Health from Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies in 2024, Dr. Hill has focused her work on understanding the connection between trauma and autoimmune diseases, as well as the impact of equine-assisted therapy on treatment outcomes. Inspired by her own health journey following a systemic sclerosis/scleroderma diagnosis in 2010, she is now pioneering programs that integrate equine-assisted therapy with healthcare providers. With a vision to establish an equine-assisted treatment center specializing in women’s health and holistic care, Dr. Hill is paving the way for transformative advancements in behavioral health. In this interview, Dr. Hill discusses how the DBH program shaped her career path, broadened her expertise in integrated behavioral healthcare, and enhanced her perspective on effective leadership to drive meaningful advancements in behavioral health outcomes.

How has the DBH program transformed your understanding of behavioral health and influenced your career?

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.

What innovative approaches or strategies do you believe have the potential to revolutionize the behavioral health landscape?

After the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become essential for rural and underprivileged patients. Mobile apps offering CBT, mindfulness, and real-time mood tracking can empower people to manage their mental health actively beyond video sessions. Wearable gadgets that detect physiological signs like heart rate variability can alert users to mental health problems in time.

Physical, social, and environmental aspects affect behavioral health, and integrating mental health with basic care can meet all individual needs. Collaboration between behavioral health professionals and primary care clinicians improves communication and treatment. Community dynamics influence behavioral health concerns, and innovative community-based peer support and outreach programs help fill care shortages. Training community members as mental health advocates can eliminate stigma and provide vital support.

Preventive education is key to changing behavioral health, and school and workplace mental health awareness programs can teach people how to cope before problems emerge. Policy advocacy and systemic change are essential for increasing mental health insurance coverage, community mental health financing, and primary care behavioral health integration.

Researching new therapies, such as equine-assisted therapies, can lead to new treatments for PTSD and severe depression. Strong research methodologies and ethical frameworks are needed to understand and use developing medicines. To transform mental health, technology, care integration across disciplines, community involvement, and push for systemic change are necessary.

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

My experience in mental health (DBH) has given me many insights and skills that have molded my career. This path has enhanced and transformed me, helping me comprehend and handle mental health issues. Cultural competency in mental health was one of the things I learned the most. I realized from my experiences that cultural, social, and economic settings strongly influence mental health difficulties. My practice has benefited from understanding varied perspectives and client cultures. This information has improved therapy interactions by enhancing communication and trust. I now see that cultural humility—acknowledging one’s limits in understanding others’ experiences—is necessary for courteous and effective care.

I have excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competence for client involvement. I base client relationships on active listening, empathy, and validation. Creating a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where people feel heard has transformed healing. I’ve learned that open-ended questioning and reflecting feelings empower clients and encourage self-discovery.

Developing clinical evaluation abilities has also helped me progress. I can evaluate customers’ mental health issues thanks to my skill in numerous assessment tools and methods. I use interviews, self-reports, and standardized assessment data to create customized treatment programs. This analytical approach has improved my capacity to identify underlying issues and offer appropriate remedies, improving patient outcomes. Working with social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, and community organizations has enabled a more comprehensive approach to patient care. It has also highlighted the significance of lobbying for organizational, systemic changes to increase service access and quality.

Working in mental health may be emotionally draining, so I’ve learned to take care of myself to help others. Regular supervision, social support, and mindfulness help manage stress and prevent burnout. My DBH experience taught me cultural competency, interpersonal skills, clinical evaluation, evidence-based practices, collaborative care, and self-care. These factors have improved my professional skills and reinforced my dedication to helping mental health patients.

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

My future career goals within the behavioral health sector are deeply rooted in my passion for understanding the complexities of trauma and its physical manifestations, particularly concerning autoimmune diseases. I am particularly interested in exploring the underlying factors that contribute to these conditions, especially among trauma survivors. My aim is to advance my understanding and contribute to the collective knowledge within the field, ultimately helping to develop more effective interventions for those affected.

In addition to my research interests, I envision establishing an inclusive equine-assisted therapy center. This center would provide specialized services for individuals aged nine and above, emphasizing addressing women’s health issues. Women face unique challenges in mental and behavioral health, and I am committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where they can explore innovative therapeutic options. Equine-assisted therapy, in particular, holds great promise as it combines physical activity, emotional connection, and a unique form of engagement that can foster significant healing experiences. Ultimately, my goal is to establish a legacy of healing that empowers trauma survivors, particularly women, to reclaim their health and well-being through accessible, holistic therapies.

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 drives behavioral health results by articulating the vision, promoting cooperation, and executing innovative solutions to complicated problems. Behavioral health providers help organizations handle policy advocacy, community involvement, and care integration concerns that affect mental health services. DBHs must inspire and motivate teams to achieve a common goal. Leaders must promote teamwork, inclusivity, and diversity because diverse perspectives improve problem-solving and innovation. The DBH program taught me the value of transformational leadership. Self-awareness and empathy help me support clients and coworkers, improving outcomes and satisfaction.

Effective local, state, and federal advocacy is needed to improve mental health outcomes. The DBH program taught me about healthcare policy and the socioeconomic determinants of health. As a result, I can effectively advocate for neglected groups and influence policymaking. The degree teaches behavioral health leadership ethics and emphasizes ethical decision-making, giving me the foundations to handle these circumstances appropriately.

Collaboration is another key to behavioral health leadership. Modern mental health issues require a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare experts, organizations, and community resources. My DBH education stresses collaborative care approaches and allows me to build cross-sector alliances. Learning to connect with varied stakeholders will help me form strong coalitions that improve service delivery and provide comprehensive support networks.

DBHs must also actively promote evidence-based approaches and quality improvement. I’m committed to lifelong learning and data-driven decision-making. I can lead projects that meet client goals and advance the field by examining outcomes and modifying treatments based on empirical evidence. My training has enabled me to implement client-centered care plans that are flexible and responsive to individual needs.

What advice would you give to prospective students or professionals considering the DBH program?

Before starting your DBH program, know your motivation and career goals. Consider how this degree fits your interest for behavioral health and systemic change. Your educational experience will depend on your ambitions, whether you want to work in clinical settings, policy development, or community participation.

Building relationships during your studies can broaden your connections. Use opportunities to collaborate with instructors. Their advice can help you manage the field’s intricacies. In addition, peer connections can promote cooperation, support, and shared learning throughout your program.
Behavioral health requires both theoretical and practical knowledge. Look for conference opportunities or applied projects linked to your interests. This practical experience will strengthen your studies and create networking possibilities. Real-world scenarios bridge theory and practice, preparing you for future challenges.

Behavioral health leaders must develop leadership abilities. Develop leadership and teamwork through courses or extracurriculars. Strong leadership may inspire change and promote collaboration and creativity in organizations, benefiting the communities you serve. Public policy affects behavioral health. Stay current on the latest laws, advocacy efforts, and industry trends. Understanding the policy landscape can help you advocate for systemic changes that increase access to mental health care and reduce disparities.

Dr. Rhea Hill’s journey—from hands-on healing modalities to groundbreaking research in trauma and autoimmune disorders—exemplifies how the Doctor of Behavioral Health program can expand expertise, enhance leadership preparedness, and inspire transformative change. Her vision for equine-assisted therapy, combined with her dedication to integrated behavioral health, is reshaping how providers approach holistic healing. As she continues to turn her visionary ideas into reality, her work serves as a shining example of innovation, compassion, and resilience. Dr. Hill’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the limitless potential of behavioral health professionals to create meaningful, lasting change. For aspiring Doctors of Behavioral Health and leaders within the field of healthcare, her path serves as both inspiration and a call to action—reminding us all that the future of healthcare is built by those who dare to think differently and lead with purpose.

Connect with Dr. Rhea Hill

Instagram: @iamdrrhea and @blissedbeing
Facebook: @blissedbeing
LinkedIn: Dr. Rhea Hill
Website: www.blissedbeing.com

Dr. Rhea Hill on Making an Impact with Her DBH Degree

Check Out Dr. Rhea Hill 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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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

DBH Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Rhea Hill, DBH, LPC