The MPH in the Behavioral Health Concentration is offered jointly with the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. The primary focus of the Behavioral Health Concentration is the study of alcohol, drug abuse, and mental disorders from a population or public health perspective. As a MPH student with in the Behavioral Health Concentration, you will examine the organization, financing, services delivery, and outcomes of behavioral health services in addition to becoming well-versed on the topics of children's mental health, translational research and implementation sciences, epidemiology of mental disorders, and co-occurring mental and physical disorders and co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. You will also study the planning, evaluation and accountability of mental health and substance abuse services. Graduates will be prepared to work in alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health organizations.
The Behavioral Health Concentration (defined as the study of alcohol, drug abuse, and mental disorders from a population or public health perspective) at the University of South Florida is a very unique opportunity within an accredited College/School of Public Health in the United States that offers a Behavioral Health Concentration (Behavioral Health Focus) in the following degree programs: MPH; MSW/MPH; MA(Anthropology)/MPH; PhD(Anthropology)/MPH; MSPH; PhD; and DrPH. It is only 1 of 6 programs nationally offering a specialization in behavioral health within a college/school of public health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established four major objectives for the Comprehensive Mental Health Action plan: 1) Strengthen effective leadership and governance for mental health; 2) provide comprehensive, integrated mental health in community-based settings; 3) implement strategies for promotion and prevention; and 4) strengthen information systems, evidence, and research for mental health [and substance abuse].”*
*WHO/Resolution WHA66/8
Following the key principles of public health training, graduates from the MPH Behavioral Health Concentration will be able to:
MPH Behavioral Health Concentration program graduates will be qualified to serve in leadership roles in a variety of organizations: