- Applications for the 2026 summer program are now open! Apply by May 15, 2026.
🧭 About the Program
The Introduction to Behavioral Health (IBH) summer program at Loma Linda University gives high school graduates a firsthand look at careers in counseling, psychology, social work, and related fields. Through hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and career presentations, participants gain the knowledge and experience to make informed decisions about their professional futures.
A key goal of IBH is to cultivate the next generation of behavioral health professionals to better serve our local community, the nation, and the world. We especially encourage applications from students of all backgrounds who feel called to a career in service.
📚 Program Structure & Course Information
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 22–25, 2026, Monday through Thursday, from 9 AM–12 PM and 1–3 PM daily (5 hours each day).
Tuition for this 2-unit course is free for accepted participants.
Note: The tuition waiver applies only to PSYC 204 and cannot be transferred to other LLU courses or deferred to a future 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, and substance use
- Working with children, sleep disorders, and responding to trauma
- Integrating spirituality, resiliency, stress management, and self-care
- Behavioral health integration with primary care and other health care systems
- Integrated practice activities and demonstrations
- Career path presentations and mentoring
📝 Application Information
Applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent (graduating in 2026). Applications from students who graduated in 2025 will be considered if space is available.
✅ Applications for the 2026 course are due May 15, 2026.
The following application items must all be submitted:
- IBH Application Form: Complete the online application, which includes applicant information and a brief personal statement.
- Applicant information includes basic contact information, the academy or high school attended, and the name of your recommender.
- The personal statement is a 250-word statement describing your future college and career plans, how this program would support those plans, and your commitment to serving others.
- Recommendation Letter: One letter of recommendation from your academy or high school principal or school counselor. Letters must be on official school letterhead, signed, saved as a PDF, and emailed directly from the recommender's email account to [email protected].
Acceptance is based on a completed and approved application. Enrollment is limited to the first 20 qualifying applicants.
Accepted applicants will receive an acceptance letter from Dr. Beverly Buckles, Dean of the School of Behavioral Health, with instructions for registering for PSYC 204 as a non-degree student. Acceptance letters will be sent to the email address provided in your application.