Doctor of Behavioral Health
An emerging approach to patient-centered care is the integration of medical and behavioral health care. Combining behavioral care with medical care helps achieve the Quintuple Aim:
• Enhanced patient experience.
• Improved population health.
• Reduced cost of care.
• Improved work-life for the health care team.
• Advanced health equity.
The Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions prepares health care professionals, administrators and innovators to meet the growing demand for team-based, patientcentered and value-driven care.
Through a cutting-edge online curriculum taught by expert faculty, you will develop advanced skills in integrated care models, population health management and organizational leadership. Graduates are equipped to drive system-wide transformation, promote evidencebased practices and lead initiatives to improve health outcomes across diverse settings.
You can choose from two concentrations: clinical or management. The clinical concentration, open to health professionals with a state-issued license, prepares you to work directly with patients or to support organizations in integrating behavioral health care into their operations and financial models. The management concentration is designed for those interested in gaining leadership and administrative skills needed for the evolving health care environment.
With multiple start dates, flexible online learning and an applied project focused on integrated care, the DBH program offers an accessible path to career advancement while making a meaningful difference in health care.
Lead the movement for integrated health care.
$125k median salary for behavioral health directors and $93k median salary for clinical managers
Comparably.com
32% much faster than average job growth expected for medical and health services managers through 2029
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Doctor of Behavioral Health program
In both tracks of the DBH program, 15 credit hours from a previously awarded master’s degree are applied toward the 60 credit program requirement, leaving 45 credits to be completed through the curriculum. You will begin with core courses to establish a strong foundation in integrated behavioral health care.
Please note: The DBH program does not provide a pathway to clinical licensure.
Core courses for all students
HCD 501 Biostatistics and Data Management
IBC 586 Behavioral Health Professional Writing Style
IBC 601 Models of Integrated Primary Care
IBC 611 Population-Based Health Management
IBC 614 Quality and Performance Measurement, Improvement and Incentives
You will also complete elective courses to tailor your education to your specific interests. An applied project will demonstrate your mastery of integrated care principles.
Clinical concentration courses
IBC 603 Brief Interventions in Primary Care
IBC 604 Clinical Medicine and Pathophysiology for the Behavioral Care Provider
IBC 608 Clinical Psychopharmacology
IBC 609 Clinical Neuropathophysiology
Management concentration courses
HCD 602 Health Informatics for Health Care Professionals
IBC 626 Behavioral Health Management
IBC 630 Financial Management of Health Care
IBC 660 Health Care Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues
Applied project
In both concentrations, studies will culminate in an applied project. You will select a practical issue, such as improving care delivery, enhancing outcomes, reducing waste or minimizing provider burnout. Using a quality improvement model, you will design a proposal that applies your knowledge and skills to integrated behavioral and medical health care. Your applied project will demonstrate your ability to develop practical, evidence-based solutions for complex health care challenges.
The College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University translates scientific health research and discovery into practice. Its programs prepare students to address the challenges facing our populations to stay healthy, improve their health, and manage chronic disease — all toward improving health outcomes.
