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:

• Provide leadership in the community for mental health and substance abuse that is ethical, population focused, culturally appropriate, and uses innovative approaches to solve pressing public health and behavioral health problems;
• Demonstrate the application of public health and behavioral health skills and knowledge through the integration of physical and behavioral health services in community organizations;
• Apply knowledge, practices, and programs to improve the health and behavioral health well-being of all populations through health promotion and disease prevention; and
• Demonstrate a commitment to improve the health and behavioral health of communities by working with others to solve pressing public health and behavioral health problems through the implementation of evidence-based practices in services delivery.

MPH Behavioral Health Concentration program graduates will be qualified to serve in leadership roles in a variety of organizations:

• mental health organizations;
• substance abuse organizations;
• city, county, and state mental health and substance abuse departments;
• federal government organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as in the U.S. Public Health Service;
• case management organizations;
• military mental health and substance abuse services;
• managed health and behavioral health organizations;
• VA medical centers;
• Mental health and substance abuse services within hospitals and health and medical centers; as well as in many other organizational settings.

• Donna Burton
• Amber Gum
• Ardis Hanson
• Holly Hills
• Bruce Levin
• Tom Massey
• Roxann McNeish