Meet Our Students | School of Behavioral Health

Hear It From Our Students

Wondering what it's really like to study at the School of Behavioral Health? Don't just take our word for it. The students below represent a wide range of programs—from clinical psychology and social work to marital and family therapy, child life, and more. Their stories reflect what we hear time and again: that the SBH experience is challenging, transformative, and deeply rewarding. We hope their words inspire you to take the next step.

Ready to connect with current students directly? Join our community on ZeeMee to ask questions, get a feel for student life, and see what it's really like to be part of SBH. Learn more

Request Information Apply Here Questions? Message us!

Systems, Families, & Couples PhD

The Systems, Families, and Couples PhD program has been the missing piece in my professional journey. It has expanded the foundation I built as a clinician and prepared me to step confidently into research and academia. Our dedicated faculty have recognized the potential in my ideas and guided me in refining them, helping me transform early concepts into research that is both rigorous and purposeful. With their balance of support and challenge, I’m moving into the next chapter of my career with clarity and purpose.

Reyna Mejia Kot

Clinical Psychology PsyD

My experience at Loma Linda University has been transformative. The professors are knowledgeable, passionate, and supportive. Their enthusiasm for their work has been infectious and their encouragement and mentorship has been crucial to my professional development. The program, including a robust array of training experiences, has equipped me to be a well-rounded, culturally sensitive, and competent clinical psychologist.

Amanda Feigin

Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing)

The Loma Linda University advanced standing MSW program has provided a rich, God-centered academic experience for many students, including myself! I have grown to appreciate the small class sizes and emphasis on student participation, as these factors contribute to a positive learning environment where students can grow in both the knowledge and understanding of behavioral health. Though the curriculum is quite challenging and there are many "sleepless nights," I have seen the love of Christ expressed through the professors' compassion, empathy, and grace.

Cameron Jordan

Child Life Specialist MS

The Child Life Specialist MS program at Loma Linda University has enriched me with more than academic knowledge alone—it's given me a strong foundation of clinical skills, mentorship, and a sense of community. I have grown in ways I wouldn't have imagined, both professionally and personally. Most of all, I've been challenged to stretch beyond my comfort zone, reflect deeply, and grow into a more intentional and prepared professional. This program has provided the space for me to turn my passion into a profession—where play, advocacy, and healing come together.

Jasleen Kaur

Marital & Family Therapy MS (On-Campus)

Being a part of the Marital and Family Therapy MS program at Loma Linda University has been an incredibly transformative and rewarding experience. The program offers an opportunity to develop a systemic understanding of human behavior and relational dynamics. The supportive community and collaborative learning environment have been invaluable, fostering personal growth and deepening my understanding of myself as both a clinician and an individual.

Cherice Alce

Master of Social Work (On-Campus)

The Loma Linda University MSW program with Play Therapy Certificate has challenged me in new ways, significantly supporting my professional development while providing an incredibly supportive environment, including faculty and staff, my cohort, and alumni. This experience, alongside the invaluable knowledge from my courses and faculty, is precisely what I need to pursue my passion: helping children develop the skills for a brighter future.

Nikkole Harris

Clinical Psychology PhD

I am truly grateful to be part of the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Loma Linda University. The faculty genuinely want to see the students succeed and I feel genuinely cared for. My experience thus far has been a dream come true.

Diana Marin, MA

Doctor of Marital & Family Therapy

I began my journey at Loma Linda University in the Marital and Family Therapy MS program and have continued my academic growth in the DMFT program. The DMFT program has allowed me to grow in my professional and academic development in ways I never knew possible. Each student has the opportunity to work creatively towards their passions. This is made possible by the amazingly supportive faculty.

Miranda Gustuson

Counseling MS

Through the faculty in the Counseling and Family Sciences Department, I have experienced God's guiding hand in my life and career journey. It has been a blessing to learn from dedicated clinicians, therapists, advocates, and directors who not only teach the Counseling MS program but also share a part of themselves in their work. This program has been deeply healing for me and has prepared me to serve others with compassion, hope, and purpose.

Arlen Ramirez Perez

Master of Social Work (Online)

My experience at Loma Linda University has been so meaningful. All of the professors in the MSW program are both knowledgeable educators and practicing clinical social workers who bring real-world experience into every class. Their support has made such a huge difference in my learning. I know LLU's academic rigor and clinical focus will provide me with a strong foundation that will carry over into my future career in the social work field. I am incredibly proud to be a student at LLU and part of such an amazing community.

Jeanie Wong

Drug & Alcohol Counseling Certificate

Through collaboration and education from the Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate program, I've learned to factor in the varying aspects of substance use disorders in helping clients and members of their relational systems. Both faculty and fellow students are compassionate in their roles of walking with clients through the recovery process.

Geraldine Pirdy

Doctor of Social Work (Clinical Leadership)

The DSW program at Loma Linda University is preparing me to become a transformative clinical leader, ready to drive social justice initiatives. This program is dedicated to fostering both personal and professional growth, equipping students with advanced research skills to create meaningful change on a global scale, particularly within diverse communities. The faculty and staff are experts in field of social work research and provide unparalleled support and guidance, empowering students to become compassionate and effective change agents across a wide range of communities.

Maurice Williams

Play Therapy Certificate

The Play Therapy Certificate program at Loma Linda University helped me understand how to work with children and families. As an early childhood educator, I wanted to see how theories of play and play therapy intersected, and how play could support children going through difficult times in their lives. LLU's program enhanced my understanding of children, youth, and behavioral health, and how to guide young ones toward wholeness.

Anne Leah D. Guía

Counseling MS with Marital & Family Therapy MS with Drug & Alcohol Counseling Certificate

The dual Counseling MS and MFT MS program has allowed me to grow as a person and professionally. This program emphasizes personal exploration and reflection while acquiring experience in the field, which makes it a unique and complete experience as a therapist. I'm grateful for the help and guidance I've received from caring faculty who are genuinely dedicated to help students succeed. Through this program I've met many important people that I won’t forget, including professors, staff, and colleagues who've created a supportive environment for me during this time at Loma Linda University.

Genova I. Hernandez Lizardo

Marital & Family Therapy MS (Online)

My time at Loma Linda University has been transformative, and the journey into behavioral health has been challenging in the best of ways. My professors' support allowed me to be vulnerable and grow. I'm grateful for the lasting support, rigorous education, and clinical experience that have shaped my professional path.

Armin Tchami

💫 Ready to start your own story? Request information or apply today.