NewsPress

Investing in the Future of Behavioral Health: Supporting DBH Students Through Scholarships

By March 17, 2026No Comments3 min read

Healthcare systems across the United States and around the world are working to address growing behavioral health needs and expand access to whole-person care. At Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), students in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program are preparing to lead this work, integrating behavioral health into healthcare systems and improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

For many DBH students, scholarships play an essential role in making this doctoral journey possible.

As a nonprofit institution dedicated to advancing integrated care and behavioral health leadership, CGI proudly participates in Arizona Gives Day, April 7, 2026. This statewide day of giving supports nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact, and donations to CGI help fund scholarships that support DBH students as they continue their education while serving their communities.

Reducing Barriers to Doctoral Education

Many DBH students are experienced professionals working in healthcare, counseling, social services, and community health settings. They often balance demanding careers, family responsibilities, and doctoral studies while remaining committed to improving healthcare delivery.

Doctor of Behavioral Health student Jose Morell, a bilingual licensed mental health counselor, seated in his counseling office.“Receiving this scholarship not only eased the financial pressures associated with tuition costs, but it has also allowed me to fully concentrate on my goals and growth as a behavioral health leader, clinician, and future entrepreneur. With this support, I have been able to invest more deeply in my professional development, purposefully meaningful opportunities for expansion, but most importantly, focus on the impact I hope to make in the communities I serve.” – Jose Morell, LMHC, LPC, LADC-I, DBH Student

Scholarships help reduce financial barriers so students can stay focused on advancing their education and expanding their impact.

“Receiving scholarships has provided me with the financial security to concentrate on my doctoral studies. Most importantly it has connected me to a network of like-minded, ambitious cohorts and mentors, who inspire me to strive for success! Thank you CGI!” – Kathleen McDonald-Gilfert, MA, ATR-BC, LPC, CATP, DBH Student

Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce

Graduates of the DBH program serve in healthcare systems, community organizations, hospitals, and integrated care settings across the country. They lead initiatives that connect behavioral health with medical care, develop innovative programs, and improve access to services for underserved communities.

Scholarship support helps ensure that dedicated professionals can pursue advanced training and continue their work strengthening the behavioral health workforce.

“A DBH degree will position me to move beyond solo practice and serve as a clinical provider, systems consultant, and population-health strategist advancing integrated care.” – Jose Morell, LMHC, LPC, LADC-I, DBH Student

The Impact of Giving

100% of every donation to the CGI Scholarship Fund supports students who are committed to improving healthcare systems and expanding access to behavioral health services.

When donors contribute to scholarships, they are investing in the future of integrated care, and empowering professionals who are working to create lasting change in healthcare.

Support DBH Students on Arizona Gives Day

On Arizona Gives Day, supporters can make a meaningful impact by contributing to scholarships for DBH students at CGI. Every gift helps reduce financial barriers and supports students working to advance behavioral health leadership in their communities.

Make your Arizona Gives Day gift and help support the next generation of behavioral health leaders.

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

Accreditation & Affiliates

Partners