Behavioral Health
This track can enhance your ability to recognize, diagnose, and manage psychiatric disorders.
The Behavioral Health Track is a specialized elective program designed for Physician Assistant (PA) and other health professional students who wish to gain advanced knowledge and skills in addressing mental health concerns.
Highlights
This track is ideal for students passionate about improving mental health care access, especially in underserved areas or settings where mental health services are limited. Students who enroll in this program will become well-equipped to work in specialized psychiatric settings. This track offers:
- A Comprehensive Approach: Training emphasizes the integration of psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and social factors affecting mental health.
- Flexibility & Practicality: Course grading prioritizes participation, skill demonstration, and reflective assignments over traditional exams.
- Direct Advancement Opportunities: Earn advanced credits toward our Direct-Admission Doctorate Program, allowing seamless continuation of your education.
Curriculum Features
- Specialized Didactic Coursework
Two seminar-style courses during the didactic year provide a robust foundation in behavioral health concepts:
- Behavioral Health Seminar I: Introduction to core psychotherapy principles, comprehensive mental health evaluation, and treatment strategies in various medical settings.
- Behavioral Health Seminar II: Advanced exploration of longitudinal care, case studies, and treatment planning for complex psychiatric presentations.
- Focus on Hands-On Learning
Students engage in practical exercises to develop essential skills, including diagnostic problem-solving, therapeutic communication, and behavioral intervention techniques. In-class participation and reflective journaling assignments reinforce learning and personal growth. - Behavioral Health Elective Rotation
During the clinical year, students gain real-world experience by completing a dedicated elective rotation in behavioral health. This rotation enhances their ability to integrate mental health care into clinical practice confidently. - Certificate of Completion
Graduates of the track receive a Certificate of Completion in Behavioral Health, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to excellence in mental health care.
Outcomes
The Behavioral Health Track equips students with the tools to:
- Build advanced diagnostic and treatment strategies for psychiatric conditions.
- Gain practical experience in psychotherapy principles and motivational interviewing.
- Develop skills to support patients holistically, addressing social determinants of health and cultural influences on care.