Instead of waiting to start your capstone, Walden’s online PsyD embeds elements of the capstone throughout your program. With this structured approach built into every course, you’ll make progress every term—with plenty of support along the way.
EXPERT FACULTY
Learn from esteemed faculty who are scholars in their field, preparing you to make an impact.
TWO RESIDENCIES
Prepare for your doctoral capstone course and gain hands-on consulting practice during two engaging academic residencies.
INTERACTIVE LEARNING
Apply your new skills to real-life problems and issues with interactive learning tools.
Program Details
Take a Closer Look
Learn more about Walden’s PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership program, from admissions requirements to the immersive curriculum.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Walden’s PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership is a career-focused program designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to make an impact in the field.
Featured PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership Courses
Management in modern healthcare organizations has become increasingly more complex and challenging. Leaders in behavioral healthcare management can expect their roles and responsibilities to be multifaceted. In this course, students will explore the commonalities and differences between healthcare management in general and behavioral healthcare in particular. They will also consider what it means to be an effective leader and an effective manager and how to apply theories of leadership to the behavioral healthcare setting. Additionally, the range of management roles and functions will be identified and applied to a behavioral healthcare setting.
Effective leadership requires the ability to facilitate positive change, lead others in efforts to effect similar change, and work through challenges when met with resistance to change. Students in this course are provided with an extensive overview of leadership theories. Students explore definitions of leadership, major theoretical leadership models, and contextual and situational factors related to leadership and change. Students also examine various perspectives on leadership and the role of leadership in the achievement of organizational, group, and team goals. Students engage in practical assignments and discussions, focusing on effective leadership issues and practices during the process of organizational change.
This course introduces students to the concept of social entrepreneurship and how it can be applied to create behavioral health business sustainability through strategy-focused solutions, market insight, and operational excellence. Students will gain an understanding of how sustainable development and sustainability principles are used as drivers for innovation, collaboration, and transformation. Topics also include creating a business plan and using management principles and strategic planning for organizational sustainability. The course uses case examples to discuss and analyze key issues related to the management of social entrepreneurial organizations.
In an increasingly complex world, leaders and managers in public, private, and nonprofit organizations need to be strategic in planning and creating effective, collaborative programs and services. Students in this course explore the role and process of strategic planning, with an emphasis on collaboration, cooperation, and coordination within and among organizations. Students apply these concepts to real-life situations and organizations.
This course is the first capstone course in a series of two that represents the final phases of study for Walden University doctoral students enrolled in the Behavioral Health Leadership program. Walden requires the doctoral study to reflect a high level of scholarly effort and to either expand existing knowledge or contribute to professional practice. In the capstone, doctoral students have the opportunity to integrate their academic learning with their applied skill set by demonstrating their ability to conduct an in-depth examination and/or assessment of a behavioral health practice problem. Students complete an applied practice-based study independently, with the guidance of their doctoral study supervisory committee chair and committee members, in a learning platform classroom in which weekly participation is required.
Admissions
Work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to paying for your doctorate.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Once you decide to pursue your doctorate in behavioral health leadership online at Walden, take the next step with our simple and straightforward admission process. We’ve made it easy with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No test scores or essay required
Program Admission Considerations:
- An official transcript of a master’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. school accredited by a regional, professional/specialized, or national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, or from an appropriately accredited non-U.S. institution.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in post-baccalaureate degree coursework.
- Completed application form.
- The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request the names and contact information for two persons, professional or academic, qualified to comment knowledgeably on the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
- Official transcript(s) of highest degree or coursework completed to date.
- Access to a computer and the internet.
More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
We know costs are a big consideration when you’re exploring online PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership programs. Walden offers several ways to reduce your total tuition through:
Transfer of credit opportunities
Scholarship and federal/state grants for those who apply and qualify
Alumni tuition savings
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition - Coursework | 46 quarter credits | $645 per quarter credit | $29,670 |
| Tuition - Doctoral Capstone | 10 quarter credits | $645 per quarter credit | $6,450 |
| Behavioral Health Leadership Intensive | $1,420 | ||
| Virtual Residency | $1,420 | ||
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,110 | |
$40,070* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE® SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,225 | ||
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included.
†This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt and reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship based on current tuition. For additional Believe & Achieve scholarship information, see Grants and Scholarships.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your PsyD degree is no easy feat—it takes drive, dedication, and perseverance. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
Create a real-world capstone project that demonstrates your ability to turn data into actionable plans that drive sustainable change.
DOCTORAL CAPSTONE
Walden’s Capstone for Professional Doctorates
Instead of beginning at the end of your online PsyD coursework, elements of the capstone project are integrated directly into your courses. Get an early start exploring potential topics, researching, and building your doctoral skill set. Progress toward your final capstone project step by step as you move through your program.
Create a meaningful, purpose-driven capstone project that connects directly to the real work you do every day. Develop and demonstrate cross-disciplinary knowledge across the fields of mental health, management, and business to create a capstone reflective of the real world.
As part of your final course, you’ll also create a scholarly article ready for submission to a professional conference, association newsletter, or peer-reviewed journal—an opportunity to contribute to the broader healthcare conversation and showcase your expertise.
You’re never on your own—as you progress in your online PsyD program capstone project, you’ll be guided by a dedicated mentor who helps you stay on track to successfully complete your project. You’ll also have access to Walden’s robust doctoral support resources including 24/7 technical support, academic writing and research assistance, and our extensive digital library.
Career Opportunities
Create positive change and pave new paths to your future with our career-driven PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership.
General and Operations Manager
Coordinate the operations of organizations, overseeing multiple departments and/or locations.
Expected growth: 4%
Estimated annual wage: $47,420–$164,130
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (as of May 2024). Percentile wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentiles. The 10th percentile figure reasonably represents entry-level wages. BLS wages are national estimates and are not specific to graduates of Walden University. Wages may vary by state or region. No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls at Walden will obtain a job or earn the estimated salaries.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership online program will be prepared to:
Assess behavioral healthcare and leadership in a variety of societal contexts and organizational settings.
Analyze effective management and leadership to improve behavioral health programs for diverse populations.
Employ critical thinking to solve problems in a real-world context for behavioral health settings.
Apply leadership and consulting principles to the management of mental and integrated health delivery systems.
Evaluate key factors of social determinants of health in behavioral healthcare settings.
Describe how legal and regulatory policies in behavioral healthcare impact a variety of stakeholders.
Synthesize theories and research to support objective-based decision-making for the management of mental health delivery systems.
Evaluate key concepts of health economics in assessing the long-term economic viability of healthcare organizations.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s faculty includes scholar-practitioners and subject matter experts who are committed to helping you grow as a behavioral health professional.
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PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership FAQ
A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is typically pursued by individuals interested the practical application of psychology, rather than focusing on research or academia. Like a PhD in psychology, the PsyD prepares students to work in a wide range of settings.
The Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership program can prepare you with the professional skills and academic background to pursue leadership or management positions in public or private organizations, or to start your own organization.
To apply, you will need a master’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. school accredited by a regional, professional/specialized, or national accrediting organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, or from an appropriately accredited non-U.S. institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in post-baccalaureate degree coursework.