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important update
  • Applications now open for our 2024 program!

Join our Introduction to Behavioral Health (IBH) program at Loma Linda University to learn about behavioral health and see if a career in one of the related professions is right for you!

A key goal of the Introduction to Behavioral Health program is to increase diversity and the number of youth and young adults pursuing professional careers in behavioral health to better serve our local community, the nation, and the world. To achieve this goal, we encourage applications from graduating seniors from academies and high schools—from all backgrounds, but particularly students from groups that are nationally underrepresented in the delivery of behavioral health services.

Apply soon to reserve your spot. See Application Information below.

Summer Program

Accepted participants enroll in our 2-unit PSYC 204 Introduction to Behavioral Health as non-degree students in Loma Linda University's School of Behavioral Health. This is a short-term course that runs from June 17-20, 2024, Monday through Thursday, from 9 AM-12 PM and 1-3 PM (5 hours each day).

Tuition for this 2-unit course is free for accepted participants. The cost of the course is provided through a tuition waiver at the time of registration. This tuition waiver is not transferable to any other Loma Linda University courses and cannot be deferred for enrollment in the IBH for a different year.

The content and structure of this course supports participants' learning from advanced and emerging behavioral health professionals and surveying the knowledge, skills, and practice perspectives used in the delivery of behavioral health services. Course content includes:

  • Interventions for depression and anxiety, suicide prevention, substance use, working with children, sleep disorders, integrating spirituality, responding to trauma, resiliency, stress management self-care, and how behavioral health is integrated with primary care and other health care systems;
  • Integrated practice activities and demonstrations that strengthen students' understanding of the interventions and skills used in behavioral health; and
  • Career path presentations and mentoring.

Application Information

Requirements

Individuals interested in applying to Loma Linda University's Introduction to Behavioral Health must be high school graduates, or equivalent (graduating in 2024). Applications from individuals who graduated with their high school degree or equivalent in 2023 will be considered if space is available.

Application Process

The following application items must all be submitted:

  • IBH Application Form: Complete and email the IBH Application (see application form link below), which includes applicant information and a brief personal statement. The completed application form is to be signed by the applicant, saved as a PDF document, and emailed to kboyd@llu.edu.
    • Applicant information includes basic identifying and contact information, the academy or high school attended, and the name of the person providing recommendation for the applicant.
    • The personal statement is a 250-word statement that describes your future college and career plans, how this program would help you in the pursuit of your plans, and your commitment to serve others.
  • Recommendation Letter: Completed applications must include one letter of recommendation and support from the applicant's academy or high school principal or school counselor. Letters of recommendation must be on academy/high school letterhead, signed, saved as a PDF document, and emailed to kboyd@llu.edu directly from the recommender's email account.

Notification of Acceptance

Acceptance is based on the completion of the IBH application process. Enrollment is limited to the first 20 completed and approved applications.

Accepted applicants will receive an acceptance letter from Dr. Beverly Buckles, Dean of the School of Behavioral Health. This acceptance letter will provide students with additional information on how to register for PSYC 204 Introduction to Behavioral Health as a non-degree student. Acceptance letters will be emailed to the applicant's email address as provided, with a hard copy mailed to the applicant's residence.