Herzing Launches Doctor of Behavioral Health with Two Specializations
Herzing University
What is a Doctor of Behavioral Health degree?
Herzing University now offers a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) — a 54-credit, fully online applied doctorate with two specializations, Clinical and Management — designed for master's-prepared professionals ready to lead integrated behavioral healthcare systems, launching June 1, 2026.
Quick Facts
| Field | Detail |
| Program name | Doctor of Behavioral Health — Clinical; Doctor of Behavioral Health — Management |
| Credential | Doctorate (DBH) |
| Format | Online |
| Time to complete | 18 months full-time; up to 36 months part-time |
| Total credits | 54 per specialization |
| Instructional Start | September 8, 2026 |
| Specializations | Clinical (for behavioral health practitioners); Management (for leaders and administrators) |
| Accreditation | Institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC); no programmatic accreditor |
| Best for | Master's-prepared professionals in behavioral health, social work, counseling, nursing, public health or healthcare administration seeking doctoral-level leadership credentials |
Who this program is for
- Behavioral health professionals with a master's degree who want to lead at the system and organizational level
- Social workers, counselors, psychologists, nurses and public health professionals seeking an applied doctorate — not a research-focused PhD
- Leaders and administrators looking to build skills in financial management, data analytics, strategic planning and organizational transformation (Management specialization)
- Advanced clinical practitioners focused on integrated care, complex behavioral health conditions and psychopharmacology (Clinical specialization)
- Professionals who want to integrate their work experience directly into doctoral coursework and a capstone project
What you'll learn and what you can do
Both specializations share a core curriculum covering integrated behavioral health, healthcare policy, health equity and stigma reduction, population health, telehealth and digital behavioral health, AI-supported healthcare innovation and leadership and program development.
Clinical specialization adds
- Clinical pathophysiology for behavioral health professionals
- Evidence-based interventions for complex and co-occurring conditions
- Psychopharmacology in integrated care settings
- Addictive behaviors and neurophysiology
Management specialization adds
- Quality improvement and outcomes evaluation
- Data analytics for healthcare leaders
- Behavioral health financial management
- Strategic planning and change management
The program includes a capstone project built across all semesters. Students select a real behavioral health challenge early on, complete a literature review, conduct research and participate in an applied project.
The DBH does not provide a pathway to licensure and does not qualify graduates to prescribe medication. Graduates may use the title "doctor" in academic and professional settings.
Common job titles graduates may pursue:
- Director of Behavioral Health
- Behavioral Health Program Director
- Clinical Director
- Integrated Care Management Manager
- Behavioral Health Quality Manager
- Integrated Behavioral Health Consultant
- Professor
Frequently asked questions
What is a Doctor of Behavioral Health degree?
A DBH is a practice-focused doctoral degree designed for professionals who want to lead improvements in behavioral health, mental health and integrated care systems. It differs from a PsyD (psychology practice), DrPH (public health), DSW (social work) and PhD (research) in its emphasis on applied, systems-level behavioral health leadership.
How long does the DBH take?
The program takes 18 months to complete full-time (4.5 semesters). Part-time students may take up to 36 months. Total credits: 54.
Is the program available online?
Yes. All coursework is delivered 100% online, mostly asynchronously with some synchronous participation required.
What are the admission requirements?
Both specializations require a minimum 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, a personal statement and a review of professional work experience. The Clinical specialization requires a master's degree in a behavioral health-related field. The Management specialization accepts any master's degree from an accredited university. Licensure is not required.
Does the program require a practicum or internship?
No. The DBH does not require a practicum or internship. The capstone project serves as the applied learning component.
The bottom line
Herzing's Doctor of Behavioral Health is the right fit for master's-prepared professionals who want an applied, workforce-driven doctorate that builds leadership and systems expertise in behavioral health.
Related Herzing programs and resources
- Doctor of Behavioral Health at Herzing
Learn More About Our Doctor of Behavioral Health
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