Policy Overview

Concurrent programs are defined as two or more academic programs that may be pursued at the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) by a student resulting in completion of the requirements for two or more degree-seeking and or non-degree seeking programs. Enrollment in concurrent programs is regulated by CGI. Overlap of credits allowed (i.e., where credit hours can count towards more than one program) is governed by the Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy.

Definitions

Overlap Credit – An overlap credit is a credit hour that counts toward more than one degree-seeking or non-degree program’s program of study.

Concurrent Enrollment – A concurrent enrollment exists when a student is simultaneously enrolled in any combination involving more than one degree seeking or non-degree seeking program.

Program of Study – A program of study outlines the course requirements of a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking program. A student enrolled as a degree-seeking or non-degree student at CGI has access to their program study from enrollment through degree completion or program withdrawal.

Alumni – Alumni are graduates of degree-seeking or non-degree seeking programs at CGI.

Withdrawn Student – A withdrawn student is an individual who has previously enrolled in a degree-seeking or non-degree program and withdrew their enrollment voluntarily prior to degree completion. A withdrawn student may or may not have completed course credits on their transcript.

Policy Responsibility

The Admissions Coordinator is responsible for following and enforcing this policy at all times during the admissions process.

The Registrar and Enrollment Coordinator is responsible for following and enforcing this policy at all times during the enrollment, student records, and degree conferral processes.

Program Directors are required to abide by this policy during admissions review processes, enrollment processes, and program oversight processes and in which they are involved.

Academic Advisors are responsible for following and enforcing this policy at all times during the advising and program of study processes for degree seeking students.

It is the responsibility of the Policy and Compliance Office to conduct random audits of program of study documentation in student records to ensure compliance with the Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy.

Policy Rules & Requirements

Prospective Students

Prospective students may apply for admission to two or more degree-seeking and or non-degree programs under the following conditions.

Prospective Degree Seeking Students

In the case of a prospective degree seeking student, who intends to obtain another degree seeking program.

During the admissions application process, the students must apply to each degree seeking program they wish to pursue via the Degree-seeking Admissions Application.
Only 25% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between degrees (count towards both programs). Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
- For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 25% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 25% of 60 credit hours = 15 credit hours; thus 15 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards other degree-seeking programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
The student must coordinate with their academic advisor to ensure their coursework is being tracked accurately within their program of study each academic term of enrollment their first year of enrollment and bi-annually thereafter.
When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree program.
As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu) to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a second degree-seeking program prior to enrolling in an additional program.

In the case of a prospective degree seeking student, who intends to obtain a non-degree graduate certificate:

During the admissions application process, the student should communicate their intent to enroll in one or more non-degree certificate programs in the Degree-seeking Admissions Application by indicating which non-degree certificate program they wish to pursue.
Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
Only 36% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between the degree and the Certificate. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
- For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 36% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 36% of 60 credit hours = 21 credit hours; thus 21 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs within the credit hour limit of the degree seeking program.
Even though a certificate is not a degree, the student must coordinate with their academic advisor for their degree seeking program to ensure their coursework is being tracked accurately within their program of study each academic term of enrollment.
When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree seeking and non-degree program.
As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu) to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a non-degree certificate program prior to enrolling in an additional program.

Prospective Non-Degree Students

In the case of a prospective non-degree student, who intends to obtain more than one non-degree graduate certificate.

During the admissions application process, the student should communicate their intent to enroll in more than one non-degree certificate program in the Non-degree Admissions Application by indicating which non-degree certificate program they wish to pursue.
100% of non-degree program credits can be overlapped between non-degree certificate programs. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
- For students enrolled in the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) certification program, 100% of program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: TIC program credit hours = 12; 100% of 12 credit hours = 12 credit hours; thus 12 credit hours earned in the TIC program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
- For students enrolled in the Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) certification program, 100% of program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Examples:
  - IBH, Speciality: Adult program credit hours = 16; 100% of 16 credit hours = 16 credit hours; thus 16 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Adult program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  - IBH, Speciality: Gerontology program credit hours = 13; 100% of 13 credit hours = 13 credit hours; thus 13 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Gerontology program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  - IBH, Speciality: Leadership program credit hours = 13; 100% of 13 credit hours = 13 credit hours; thus 13 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Leadership program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  - IBH, Speciality: Military Families and Veterans program credit hours = 12; 100% of 12 credit hours = 12 credit hours; thus 12 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Military Families and Veterans program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  - IBH, Speciality: Women’s Health program credit hours = 14; 100% of 14 credit hours = 14 credit hours; thus 14 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Women’s Health program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs within the credit hour limit of the degree seeking program.
Non-degree students should track their program of study each academic term of enrollment to ensure the required courses are completed within the maximum time frame.
When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each non-degree program.
As of Feb. 9, 2021, non-degree certificate programs are not eligible for VA Educational Benefits.

Enrolled Students

Enrolled students may pursue one or more additional degree-seeking and or non-degree programs under the following conditions.

Enrolled Degree Seeking Students

In the case of an enrolled degree seeking student, who intends to obtain a non-degree graduate certificate:

Degree seeking students can apply to participate in a non-degree certificate program after completing a minimum of 12 credits. To apply for non-degree certificate program admission, the student must complete the Non-Degree Admissions Application for Enrolled Degree Seeking Students.
Only 36% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between the degree and the Certificate. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
- For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 36% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 36% of 60 credit hours = 21 credit hours; thus 21 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs within the credit hour limit of the degree seeking program.
Even though a certificate is not a degree, the student must coordinate with their academic advisor for their degree seeking program to ensure their coursework is being tracked accurately within their program of study each academic term of enrollment.
When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree seeking and non-degree program.
As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu) to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a non-degree certificate program prior to enrolling in an additional program.

Enrolled Non-Degree Students

In the case of an enrolled non-degree student, who intends to obtain another non-degree graduate certificate.

Non-degree seeking students can apply to participate in a non-degree certificate program after completing a minimum of 4 credits. To apply for admission to an additional non-degree certificate program, the student must complete the Non-Degree Admissions Application for Enrolled Non-Degree Students.
100% of non-degree program credits can be overlapped between non-degree certificate programs. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
- For students enrolled in the Trauma Informed Care (TIC) certification program, 100% of program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: TIC program credit hours = 12; 100% of 12 credit hours = 12 credit hours; thus 12 credit hours earned in the TIC program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
- For students enrolled in the Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBH) certification program, 100% of program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Examples:
  - IBH, Speciality: Adult program credit hours = 16; 100% of 16 credit hours = 16 credit hours; thus 16 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Adult program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  - IBH, Speciality: Gerontology program credit hours = 13; 100% of 13 credit hours = 13 credit hours; thus 13 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Gerontology program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  - IBH, Speciality: Leadership program credit hours = 13; 100% of 13 credit hours = 13 credit hours; thus 13 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Leadership program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  - IBH, Speciality: Military Families and Veterans program credit hours = 12; 100% of 12 credit hours = 12 credit hours; thus 12 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Military Families and Veterans program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
  - IBH, Speciality: Women’s Health program credit hours = 14; 100% of 14 credit hours = 14 credit hours; thus 14 credit hours earned in the IBH, Speciality: Women’s Health program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs within the credit hour limit of the degree seeking program.
Non-degree students should track their program of study each academic term of enrollment to ensure the required courses are completed within the maximum time frame.
When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each non-degree program.
As of Feb. 10, 2021, non-degree certificate programs are not eligible for VA Educational Benefits.

Alumni

CGI Alumni may pursue one or more additional degree-seeking and or non-degree programs under the following conditions.

CGI Degree Program Alumni

In the case of an alumni of a CGI degree program, who wishes obtain a non-degree graduate certificate:

Alumni must apply for non-degree program admission. To apply for non-degree certificate program admission, the alumni must complete the Non-Degree Admissions Application for Alumni and be admitted to the program.
Only 36% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between the degree and the Certificate. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum cumulative GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
- For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 36% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 36% of 60 credit hours = 21 credit hours; thus 21 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs.
Alumni should track their program of study each academic term of enrollment to ensure the required courses are completed within the maximum time frame.
When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree seeking and non-degree program.
As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu) to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a non-degree certificate program prior to enrolling in an additional program.
Alumni who graduated prior to January 1, 2018, overlap credit is not permissible for non-degree certificate program foundation courses (DBH 1000 and DBH 9901).

Alumni of degree seeking or non-degree seeking programs at other institutions must apply for admission to CGI as indicated in standard CGI admission criteria and policies.

Withdrawn Degree-Seeking or Non-Degree Students

In the case of a withdrawal student of a CGI degree seeking program or non-degree program, who also wishes obtain a non-degree graduate certificate:

Students must apply as a new student through the Non-degree Admissions Application.
Only 36% of degree seeking program credits can be overlapped between a degree program or non-degree program and the non-degree certificate. (Overlap means where a course is counted towards both the degree and the Certificate.) Grade of B of higher required for a course to be considered for overlap. 3.0 Minimum GPA requirements. One retake permissible. Retakes exceeding one instance are not eligible for overlap. Credits must be completed within 7 years to count towards overlap.
- For students enrolled in the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program, 36% of the program credit hours are eligible for overlap. Example: DBH program credit hours = 60; 36% of 60 credit hours = 21 credit hours; thus 21 credit hours earned in the DBH program can count towards non-degree programs as overlap credits when concurrently enrolled.
Both programs must give approval for any overlap at all. Program directors must sign-off with approval prior to enrollment in concurrent programs.
Overlap credits can count towards any number of non-degree certificate programs.
Alumni should track their program of study each academic term of enrollment to ensure the required courses are completed within the maximum time frame.
When a student is nearing program completion, the student must declare intent to graduate via the graduation application process for each degree seeking and non-degree program.
As of Feb. 10, 2021, the Doctor of Behavioral program is the only program at CGI eligible for VA Educational Benefits. VA Education Benefits eligible students should work with the school certifying officer (email: veterans@cgi.edu) to confirm the credit limits and costs associated with adding a non-degree certificate program prior to enrolling in an additional program.
Withdrawn students with an outstanding balance on their financial account, must be current ($0 balance due) prior to their admissions application being processed.
Withdrawn students who successfully completed courses prior to January 1, 2018, overlap credit is not permissible for non-degree certificate program foundation courses (DBH 1000 and DBH 9901).

Forms

Degree-Seeking Admissions Application

Non-degree Admissions Application

Non-Degree Admissions Application for Enrolled Non-Degree Students

Non-Degree Admissions Application for Enrolled Degree Seeking Students

Non-Degree Admissions Application for Alumni

Approvals/Revision History

Policy was revised on: February 16th, 2021

Policy was approved by: Amanda Harrison, Chief Operating Officer

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 DBH represents something that I've always embraced in my professional career. And that's collaboration and working across a lot of different disciplines to make sure you’re delivering the best care for the patient. Everything is about being patient centered about finding innovative ways and creative ways to collaborate with other professionals.”
CDR Sean K. Bennett, LCSW, MSWAC, BCDDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 10, 2023

“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 been a pivotal turning point in my understanding and application of behavioral health principles. Recently, the concept of ‘whole person health’ has gained widespread attention in healthcare circles, becoming somewhat of a buzzword. Like many others, I embraced this term, believing in my capacity to deliver comprehensive care.

Prior to my engagement with the program, my approach, albeit well-intentioned, lacked an appreciation for the intricate interplay between physical and mental health. More importantly, the role of unmet social needs as a catalyst for health disparities was a dimension I had not fully integrated into my practice. The DBH program illuminated these connections, offering me a robust framework to understand and address the multifaceted needs of individuals, especially within marginalized communities.

Additionally, the confidence I have gained through the DBH program extends beyond theoretical knowledge. My role as a connector and advocate for these individuals has become more pronounced, driven by a deep-seated commitment to fostering accessibility, equity, and comprehensiveness in care.”
Michelle Stroebel MA, NCC, LCMHC, NADD-CCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - June 12, 2024

“I have worked in behavioral health for the entirety of my professional career starting with college internships up to my current role as Deputy Executive Commissioner of Behavioral Health for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. While I have years of experience in the field, the DBH program at Cummings has framed my perspective as leveraging therapy as a first line of intervention. As a public servant, much of the work I do is usually in the aftermath of crises or when the system is being forced to respond to a service gap. However, the DBH program takes a much more proactive and integrative approach to health. This perspective/approach has the potential to positively shape policy in Texas in my role as a public servant charged with addressing the safety net needs of the most vulnerable constituents in Texas.”
Trina K. Ita, MA, LPCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - July 10, 2024

“CGI feels like a community of long-lost cousins that finally met as adults and we realized that we share the same goals. The support from the faculty and classmates have been nothing short of amazing. I can reach out to my advisor at any given time to discuss course work, career endeavors, or to just vent about life. There is a feeling of closeness and belongingness at CGI that is just unmatched. I am very happy to be a member of the family and will continue to spread the word of how great this DBH program is.”
Michelle Francis, LCSW/LICSW-QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 10, 2024

“The DBH program’s mission, purpose, and objective say it all: We strive for intentional care outcome improvement practices that exemplify whole person-centered integrated healthcare advanced competency. The program of study drives insights and awareness of the ever-changing patient population and multidisciplinary practice environments to change how the world experiences healthcare. This is further reinforced by the pillars of medical literacy, integrated behavioral health intervention, and entrepreneurship skills and expertise. Development growth is needed to prepare the aspiring DBH for the future of the shifting healthcare marketplace through international networking in a growing community of disruptive innovators and an evolving movement toward systemic healthcare change. I feel that I will be positioned alongside a fellowship of like-minded professionals trying to improve the quality of healthcare service delivery value and outcome sustainability.”
Jose Mathew, LCSW, LAC, ACS, EMDR-T, CCTP-IIDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - October 8, 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

“By becoming a DBH, I have found that I am able to have different conversations with different people. Before having my doctorate degree, I was able to speak to certain items in behavioral health, but was only seen as a licensed therapist where as a doctor, I am able to speak to the changemakers and policy makers in a more collaborative manner which then allows us as a group to enhance the services we are providing. I also found that as a DBH, my confidence in the treatment room has improved immensely and cases that may have been more difficult for me before are no longer as difficult due to the training I have received in the program.”
Dr. Allison Earl, DBH, LPC-SDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 13, 2024

“I think the DBH is quite groundbreaking, it allows you to study from anywhere in the world. The support is fantastic, and you can make out of the DBH what you want. Unlike standard professional doctorates, the DBH was trying to break new ground, not trying to go over just old ground. It greatly encourages its students to be those people who break new ground.

As a person who actually has a disability, I found CGI staff to be very supportive, very accommodating. If I need extensions, they are always there. In fact the staff will reach out and check on you, if they haven’t heard from you in a very short period of time. Which I have never had from any other university.

I find the community of fellow DBH students absolutely wonderful, we reach out across numerous social media platforms, we email each other. Doesn’t matter where I am in the world or where they are in the world, everyone is supportive. Its support, support and encouragement with the DBH.”
Jason P. Sargent, B Policing, GDip Psych, MSW, JPDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 10, 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 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

“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

“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, DBH, CMHCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 18, 2025

Concurrent Program Enrollment Policy