In behavioral psychology, there are two types of doctoral degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Traditionally, a PhD in Psychology leads successful graduates into careers in academia, theory, and research. However, a PsyD degree, sometimes called a PsychD degree, takes a more cross-disciplinary approach, preparing candidates for varied careers in psychology,1 including leadership and managerial roles in mental and behavioral health.

Some of the many skills and knowledge areas covered in a Psy doctorate program include:

In particular, in a PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership program, you will learn how to impact behavioral and mental healthcare for the better. Striving to normalize mental health treatment, the behavioral health leadership field supports efforts to improve individuals’ mental health while working to remove real or perceived barriers to access.¹

Uniting healthcare, health and behavioral psychology, management, and policy disciplines, this doctoral-level health psychology degree can prepare you for varied career roles including:

A PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership enables you to cultivate your abilities for work in a diverse array of settings including nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, healthcare agencies, hospitals, community health centers, and group homes. Your degree in behavioral health leadership could lead you to a role managing mental and behavioral health programs for military personnel returning from combat, professionals in high-stress occupations, parolees, or those suffering from substance abuse.

With the pressures and issues affecting today’s society, attention to and treatment for mental health is more critical than ever. With a PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership, you can add to your leadership and project management skills in order to develop, supervise, and execute mental health programs for audiences that need them most. In Walden’s online PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership degree program, future mental health leaders learn to manage behavioral health programs while empowering others to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

If you’re interested in a career in behavioral psychology or mental health, Walden University, an accredited institution, offers online psychology degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels.

¹Source: psydprograms.org/what-is-a-psyd-in-behavioral-health-leadership/

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Note on Licensure: The Doctor of Psychology in Behavioral Health Leadership is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional.