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.

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Student Reyna Mejia Kot
Student Reyna Mejia Kot
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
Student Jacob Lui looks off-camera and smiles. He is standing on a bridge and wearing business casual attire. Trees are visible in the background.
Student Jacob Lui looks off-camera and smiles. He is standing on a bridge and wearing business casual attire. Trees are visible in the background.
Clinical Psychology PsyD
This program has given me the opportunity to learn alongside classmates who celebrate each other's successes and faculty who have modeled what compassionate, culturally responsive care looks like in practice. Those experiences have prepared me to become a pediatric psychologist who values collaboration, lifelong learning, and serving children and families with empathy and humility.
Jacob Lui, MA, MPhilEd, MSEd
Student Cameron Jordan
Student Cameron Jordan
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
Student Alice Donovan smiles at the camera in front of a railing at dusk, wearing a pink shirt and jeans. Behind her is a body of water with docks, buildings, and trees visible.
Student Alice Donovan smiles at the camera in front of a railing at dusk, wearing a pink shirt and jeans. Behind her is a body of water with docks, buildings, and trees visible.
Child Life Specialist MS
My hope for my career is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families by serving as an advocate and a source of support during some of their most challenging moments. That is why the supportive learning environment, hands-on clinical opportunities, and patient- and family-centered approach to healthcare made Loma Linda University the ideal place to pursue my education and professional goals.
Alice Donovan
Cherice Alce
Cherice Alce
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
Student Nikkole Harris
Student Nikkole Harris
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
Diana Marin, MA
Diana Marin, MA
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
Miranda Gustuson
Miranda Gustuson
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
Student Arlen Ramirez Perez
Student Arlen Ramirez Perez
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
Student Jeanie Wong
Student Jeanie Wong
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
Geraldine Pirdy
Geraldine Pirdy
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
Student Maurice Williams smiles at the camera, wearing a bright blue shirt, black vest, and black bowtie. In the background, some yellow walls and a door are visible.
Student Maurice Williams smiles at the camera, wearing a bright blue shirt, black vest, and black bowtie. In the background, some yellow walls and a door are visible.
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
Anne Leah D. Guía
Anne Leah D. Guía
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
Genova Hernandez
Genova Hernandez
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
Student Olivia Seheult smiles at the camera, wearing glasses and a blue shirt. In the background are green leaves.
Student Olivia Seheult smiles at the camera, wearing glasses and a blue shirt. In the background are green leaves.
Marital & Family Therapy MS (Online)
The online MFT program at Loma Linda University is flexible and has allowed me to succeed academically while also meeting the demands of my busy life. I am incredibly grateful for the professors, who all genuinely care about us and are invested in our success.
Olivia Seheult

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