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DBH Student Profile: Shabria Latae Mayne, MS, NCC, LPC, LCMHC

By August 6, 2025No Comments7 min read

Empowering Communities, Elevating Care: Shabria Latae Mayne’s Vision for System Impact

Shabria Latae Mayne holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA, and is a National Certified Counselor with specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, where her research centers on women’s health and the influence of social determinants on comorbidities that impact quality of life for diverse populations. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Shabira has served in roles across higher education, case management, intensive outpatient services, and community mental health. She owns and operates Mayne Counseling Services, PLLC, serving clients in Virginia and North Carolina. Her work is driven by a vision to support the mental and physical well-being of women and youth, while advocating for equitable, integrated care. In this interview, Shabria shares how her DBH training is deepening her impact on local communities, her commitment to integrated and equitable care, and her vision for transforming behavioral health through education, advocacy, and entrepreneurial innovation.

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

As a Doctor of Behavioral Health candidate, my education and research are concentrated towards improving the quality of patient healthcare through fostering integrative care, developing cost-effective treatment options, and creating programs to improve access to quality care for all. Even prior to beginning the DBH program, I actively sought opportunities to provide volunteer behavioral health services to students at schools in my community. With increased autonomy in pursuing the aforementioned mission, and by leveraging opportunities offered by this program, I proactively participate in community events and meetings. My aim is to continue establishing relationships with local nonprofits to offer low-cost services to members of my community.

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

A significant aspect of professional experience that has influenced my approach to behavioral health comes from a prior job at a community practice in Charlotte, NC. This role provided valuable insights into both therapy and business operations. Team collaboration and a healthy workplace environment were shown to positively influence productivity. Support from other therapists and leadership facilitated my professional growth as a clinician. The owner of the practice served as my mentor, and his assistance helped me establish my own business. This overall experience laid the foundation for the development of my business practices and taught me innovative approaches to delivering behavioral health services to a community.

What challenge have you encountered in the behavioral health field, and how do you plan to address it?

One challenge I have encountered in the behavioral health field is addressing the over-diagnosis and over-prescription of patients, particularly among youth from communities of color. These issues can complicate the provision of care for various reasons and raise concerns about the integrity of certain aspects of the medical field. My approach to addressing this issue includes educating others on DSM diagnostic criteria and empowering them to advocate for their medical and mental health needs. Additionally, connecting individuals to quality support within their communities can significantly impact their treatment experience.

Can you share an experience that shaped your understanding of integrated behavioral healthcare?

I often reflect on my previous work experience when considering professional development. One significant environment that enhanced my understanding of integrated care alongside behavioral health was my tenure as a psychotherapist at Kaiser Permanente’s medical group. Although I had previously worked in integrated health settings, my experience at KP demonstrated interdisciplinary collaboration on a larger scale. It also highlighted the advantages of providing services in real time within the same facility. The display of teamwork in a high-volume medical setting, combined with the structured service delivery, significantly shaped my comprehension of the benefits of offering behavioral health services in an integrated care environment.

How do you envision making a lasting impact in behavioral healthcare?

As a behavioral health practitioner, my vision extends beyond traditional office consultations. While these sessions are effective, expanding service methods can better serve a wider population and create a more significant impact. My efforts to extend support will include conducting research, producing diverse written materials, volunteering, advocating for mental health in various communities, and collaborating with professionals from different disciplines to develop comprehensive support and resources.

What inspired you to pursue the DBH program?

I pursued the DBH program to advance my studies as a licensed therapist, focusing on innovative areas aligned with my career goals, rather than teaching or typical counseling paths. The DBH program seemed a perfect fit for this ambition. After researching and learning about how a Doctorate in behavioral health aligned with my pursuits in the healthcare field, I applied and have gained so much professionally from the decision.

How has the DBH program influenced your career?

CGI’s DBH program provides essential knowledge in entrepreneurship. The courses are designed to support healthcare professionals at various career stages, including healthcare business owners. For example, this program offers me guidance on managing private practice, covering both clinical and business aspects. Due to the knowledge I have gained in the program thus far, I can better assist my clientele, not solely as a therapist but also as a healthcare advocate. Furthermore, CGI’s instructors have pushed me to evolve from a clinician to a leader, researcher, specialist, and disrupter in this healthcare industry.

 

Through her dedication to service, innovation, and advocacy, Shabria Latae Mayne exemplifies the transformative potential of behavioral health professionals in today’s complex healthcare landscape. Her work demonstrates how advanced education, community engagement, and a commitment to equity can converge to create meaningful, lasting change. As Shabria continues her journey in the DBH program, her efforts are not only shaping her own practice, but also helping to redefine how behavioral health can be delivered, accessed, and experienced in diverse communities.

Connect with Shabria Latae Mayne

Check Out Shabria Latae Mayne on the Disruptors at Work Podcast

Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, Episode: Redefining Care Through Connection and Community, with Shabria Mayne, LPC and
Jessica Harris, LPC.

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Explore Shabria Latae Mayne’s Research

Comorbid Disorders Among Women: The Impacts of Trauma on Women’s Health and Applied Treatment Strategies using the Biodyne Model

Abstract

The relationship between physical and mental health is explained by direct and indirect effects of past mental and physical health (Ohrnberger et al., 2017, p.43). The prevalence of traumatic experiences throughout developmental years has a significant impact on the manifestation of future comorbid conditions, particularly among women. Exposure to trauma progresses into biological changes and stress responses. For instance, various studies indicate women to have an increased prevalence of mental health diagnosis such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other internalizing disorders like depression and anxiety. Correspondingly, this correlates to higher rates of diagnosed medical conditions such as high blood pressure/hypertension, thyroid diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and substance abuse related disorders. A practical therapeutic encounter will be examined for the purpose of exploring this notion. Additionally, examples of effective, ongoing treatment planning employed using the Biodyne Model within integrated healthcare will be provided.

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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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