Newest school approaches milestone year
Photo by UTHealth Houston
This fall, UTHealth Houston School of Behavioral Health Sciences reaches a milestone that is years in the making. For the first time, admitted students from all six of the school’s graduate degree programs will come together under one academic home.
What began with the inaugural cohort of students pursuing a master of science in cognitive and behavioral sciences has grown into a vibrant academic community representing all six graduate degrees.
- Master of Science in clinical psychology
- Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology
- Master of Science in cognitive and behavioral sciences
- Doctor of Philosophy in cognitive and behavioral sciences
- Master of Social Work in clinical social work
Together, these admitted students reflect the school’s expanding role in preparing the behavioral health workforce at a time when demand for services continues to grow.
Leadership perspective
This year’s milestone represents both the school’s growth and its purpose, according to Jair C. Soares, MD, PhD, founding dean of the School of Behavioral Health Sciences, vice president for Behavioral Sciences at UTHealth Houston, and executive director of the UTHealth Houston Behavioral Sciences Campus.
“As we welcome a new academic year, we celebrate a defining moment for the UTHealth Houston School of Behavioral Health Sciences as students from all of our programs come together for the first time,” said Soares, the Pat R. Rutherford, Jr. Chair in Psychiatry at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “This milestone reflects the remarkable growth of our school and our commitment to preparing the next generation of professionals who are critically needed to meet the growing demand for behavioral healthcare. Our students are preparing to become clinicians, researchers, educators, and leaders who will shape the future of behavioral healthcare, and we are proud to support them as they embark on this important journey."
Student voices
For many students, joining the school means becoming part of something larger than themselves.
For Yasiva Canga-Gonzalez, an admitted clinical psychology doctoral student, the opportunity represents the realization of a lifelong dream.
“Becoming a clinical psychologist is both my childhood dream and my most important professional goal,” she said. “Life has a way of testing our resolve, but as I look toward our upcoming coursework and clinical experiences, I am stepping onto the road ahead with an open heart and total certainty for the future.”
That same sense of purpose can be found throughout the School of Behavioral Health Sciences as students prepare for careers dedicated to improving lives and expanding access to care.
“I’m excited to be part of the first cohort of the MSW in clinical social work group of the School of Behavioral Health Sciences,” said Louisa Pokua Owusu-Afriyie. “I look forward to gaining new experience and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of mental health care.”
Growth and momentum
The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the school in 2022 to help address a growing shortage of behavioral health professionals and strengthen the workforce needed to meet increasing demand for care. Today, that vision is becoming reality through the students preparing to serve communities as clinicians, researchers, educators, social workers, and leaders in behavioral health.
As students arrive on campus this fall, they will do more than begin a new academic year. They will help shape the future of a workforce that communities across Texas and beyond increasingly depend on.
