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Degrees Offer Behavioral Health Focus in Public Health

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Are you interested in a job that helps improve the health and quality of life for entire communities, specific populations such as the homeless, or those struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues? Whether interested in organizing systems, planning services, conducting research or educating others, USF offers five graduate programs that will prepare students for leadership roles within local, state or federal mental health organizations, faculty and research positions within academic settings, as well as a variety of positions in community and social services agencies.

USF’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) and College of Public Health (COPH) jointly offer a specialty concentration in behavioral health as part of the Master and Doctoral programs in the COPH Department of Community & Family Health (DCFH). The Graduate Studies in Behavioral Health Program examines community and family issues in policy, evaluation, systems performance, and outcomes of alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services.

“The Graduate Studies in Behavioral Health Program has blossomed over the years and proves to be one of our more popular degree programs in the department,” said Julie A. Baldwin, PhD, DCFH Professor and Chair. “I am truly thankful to the FMHI faculty, under the aegis of Bruce Lubotsky Levin. They have done a remarkable job of providing leadership in emphasizing, to both faculty and students in the COPH, the importance of examining behavioral health problems within a public health perspective.”
Degrees Offer Behavioral Health Focus in Public Health

From Employee to Student

Amy Green found her way to USF as an employee first. Although beginning the PhD program this fall, she has worked within the Department of Child & Family Studies (CFS) since 2009 as a statistical data analyst, a job she feels was written just for her. Amy is currently coordinating research activities for several projects, including an IES funded project that is looking at the feasibility of an intervention aimed at increasing the engagement of families in the broad educational development of their children.

Amy received her undergraduate degree in Psychology ten years ago, and soon after began working toward a PhD in clinical psychology.

“I realized I had a greater interest in addressing children’s mental health issues at the population level, rather than the individual level, where prevention efforts can have a broader impact,” said Amy. “I switched to a PhD in Epidemiology at Virginia Commonwealth University, and then life happened. I had twins, my husband was transferred, and eventually we ended up in Orlando. My academic career was put on hold.”

Amy started surfing the web for jobs, and came across a posting at USF working with Drs. Krista Kutash and Al Duchnowski in CFS. She was told during the interview that the position would allow her the ability to take classes. When she mentioned her interests in children’s mental health services, epidemiology and the pursuit of a PhD degree, she was introduced to Dr. Bruce Levin, Head of the USF Graduate Studies in Behavioral Health Program. Amy spent the last year taking prerequisite courses, and is now on her way toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Focus in Behavioral Health. “I am looking forward to the knowledge and skills I will gain by being a part of a program that will allow me to examine mental health from a public health perspective.”

Students Share their Interests

The Graduate Studies in Behavioral Health program draws interest from both undergraduates seeking higher education degrees and professionals who have been in the field for years and want to advance their skills and degrees.

“For me to have this exposure goes above and beyond my expectations,” said Donna Burton, who began the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Focus in Behavioral Health program in 2007. Before deciding to pursue the degree, Donna spent 15 years as a practitioner and administrator – first in a residential setting working with adults with substance abuse and mental disorders – and later with adolescents, where her main interests are now focused.

Donna shared her concern about what is happening with youth today.

“With many extracurricular school programs being dropped and fewer intact families, kids have fewer protective factors. They often have little sense of belongingness or accomplishment as a person – and no way to explore who they are. We take kids at risk and help eliminate risk factors, such as substance abuse, and help them to explore personal interests and develop skills and talents.”

Donna’s dissertation research involves implementation of evidence-based drug abuse prevention programs in schools. She is working with CFS’s Dr. Tom Massey on one of his projects within Hillsborough County schools.

“I am looking at how practice can influence research. We need to listen to professionals in the field, and understand what works for them. Practitioners need to be engaged in the research, and both sides seen as mutual partners.”

“The advisors are great,” added Donna. “In terms of my personality and my focus, they took the time to match us so that we are better guided in the process for research dissemination.”

Dr. Roger Casey, the first doctoral graduate in public health with a behavioral health focus and Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs/National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, recently shared his thoughts.

“Students have the opportunity to study the complex delivery issues unique to the field of behavioral health services research. The program provided me with expanded insights and greater opportunities within the VA. I credit the existence of the Graduate Studies in Behavioral Health Program for greatly influencing my ability to develop my dissertation topic and providing courses which allowed me to expand my knowledge base in the areas of homelessness and mental disorders.”

The curriculum at the doctoral level is designed to be individualized based upon the student’s career goals and previous experiences.

“I took the first course to see what it was about and found the material was so immediately transferrable to the field and so relevant to what was really happening,” said Donna Burton. “It’s an intensive program that requires lots of time and attention, but I have not had the feeling at all that the content isn’t useful.”

http://home.fmhi.usf.edu/Education/GraduateStudiesBeHealth.cfm