Mind-Body Medicine, Specialization in Integrative Mental Health, Ph.D.

Many hospitals and clinics are now marketing “integrative care” for mental health disorders, yet there are few graduates of accredited university programs trained in the wide array of complementary and integrative therapies. Pharmacotherapies are often a necessary component of treatment, yet many persons suffer adverse medication effects, or a failure of medication to produce sufficient relief from mental and emotional disorders. Many patients do not adhere to medication therapies over the long-term. The addition of evidence-based behavioral, nutritional, and spiritual/transpersonal interventions can supplement and sometimes replace medication regiments for individuals with acute and chronic mental health disorders.

The Integrative Mental Health specialization is oriented for licensed mental health practitioners, and individuals who have a licensable mental health degree. Eligible disciplines include psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, psychiatric nursing, and expressive arts therapy (when licensable). Students in the IMH specialization learn a core of evidence-based complementary therapies and mind-body science courses.

Practicing within the scope of their professional license, graduates will be able to provide clinical treatment augmented with a variety of complementary therapies and integrative medicine interventions.

Specialization Requirements - 15 credits

MBM 5663 - Advanced Integrative Psychotherapy 3 credit(s) 2 day RC
APH 5351 - Clinical Psychopharmacology 3.0 credit(s)
MBM 5524 - Contemporary Neuroscience-Psychology and the Brain 3 credit(s)
MBM 5635 - Spirituality and Health 3 credit(s) 2 day RC
OR:
MBM 5655 - Mindfulness and Meditation in Health 3 credit(s) 2 day RC
IFN 5661 - Nutritional Foundations of Mental Health 3.0 credit(s)
Or
IFN 5705 - Psychobiology of Eating 3.0 credit(s)

Notes:

Degree Requirements for the 2018-2019 Academic Year were approved by the CIMHS Degree Program Committee.

The average time to complete the 76-79 degree requirements with or without a specialization is 4.5 to 5.5 years.
A listing of acceptable CIMHS courses and electives is available in the university catalog and online Master Index. Students may also choose electives from other academic departments.
The PhD MBM degree does not qualify graduates for medical licensure.
Students also may choose to pursue a nationally recognized certificate in clinical hypnosis, biofeedback, or integrative wellness coaching. Refer to the departments of Applied Psychophysiology and Integrative Wellness Coaching to learn more about these certifications.

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