Cummings Graduate Institute Celebrates Its Newest Behavioral Health Doctors in a Ceremony of Innovation

Celebrating Innovation in Behavioral Health

On September 12, 2024, the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) hosted a momentous graduation ceremony in Chandler, Arizona, to honor seven new Doctors of Behavioral Health (DBH). This event marked a significant milestone not only for the graduates but also for the future of integrated behavioral healthcare. The graduates, each with unique backgrounds and transformative projects, are set to advance the field through innovative solutions aimed at improving patient care.

Honoring Visionaries in Behavioral Health

CGI’s graduates are not just equipped with knowledge; they possess a vision for a more integrated and compassionate approach to behavioral health. Among the graduates is Dr. William Chum, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has dedicated his career to serving underrepresented communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. His project, known as the AANHPI Resilience Project, advocates for culturally appropriate mental health screenings to ensure equitable healthcare access. By addressing issues like language barriers and cultural stigma, Dr. Chum's work is paving the way towards more inclusive healthcare practices.

Another notable graduate, Dr. Rachel Grimes, serves as a Clinical Supervisor and trauma therapist at a Cystic Fibrosis care center in Texas. Her culminating project, which investigates the trauma experiences of adult cystic fibrosis patients, highlights the critical need for trauma-informed care in medical settings. Dr. Grimes’s insights stress the importance of regular trauma screenings and tailored support to enhance patient wellness.

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Support

Dr. Kristin McQueeney brings a wealth of knowledge from her background in educational psychology. She developed The Eclipse Project, a curriculum designed to support young patients transitioning from pediatric to adult mental health services. This program emphasizes health literacy and self-advocacy, aiming to create a smoother transition during a time often fraught with service gaps.

Focusing on substance use challenges, Dr. Juan Sanchez crafts solutions tailored for Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. He proposes a model of integrated care that bridges detoxification and recovery, specifically addressing the high rates of overdose in the community he serves.

Dr. Selena Schmidt, a board-certified Holistic Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, introduces the Continuous Educational Opportunities (CEO) platform. This innovative online resource aims to democratize access to professional education and enhance the skills of healthcare providers, ensuring they are equipped to provide holistic care.

Similarly, Dr. Jennifer Wims-Madden collaborates on the CEO platform, focusing on delivering user-friendly, trauma-informed content that aligns with the evolving needs of healthcare employees.

Lastly, Dr. Jason Young turns his personal experience into advocacy through his project on Integrative Care in Oncology. He focuses on the healthcare disparities faced by Latina women and champions a more integrated approach to support their unique health needs.

A New Era of Behavioral Health Leaders

Dr. Cara English, CEO and CAO of CGI, commended the graduates, stating, “CGI graduates are different. They understand the importance of placing the individual seeking care at the center of health design. Their relentless pursuit to pinpoint root causes of health issues is critical for fostering better, more effective healthcare.”

The DBH program at CGI equips graduates with the necessary skills to enact transformative change in integrated healthcare delivery. By combining education, research, and collaborative efforts, these new leaders are poised to tackle complex health challenges across diverse settings.

For those interested in learning more about the graduates and the DBH program, additional information is available at cgi.edu.

About Cummings Graduate Institute

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is a nonprofit organization focused on providing advanced, online education in integrated behavioral healthcare. Its mission aligns with addressing the industry's urgent need for skilled professionals capable of serving diverse patient populations with innovative approaches.