Doctorate in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health vs. Doctor of Behavioral Health

If you’re currently working in the behavioral health field, you might consider enrolling in a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health degree program. Another option is a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree. What’s the difference between an EdD and a DBH, and which could be the right fit for you? You can explore these degrees further below and reflect upon your desired career outcome.

In This Article: 

• What Is a Doctor of Organizational Leadership Degree? 
• What Is a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) Degree? 
• Which Terminal Degree Is Right for You? 
• Careers in Organizational Leadership To Consider 
• Careers With a DBH Degree 
• What To Expect From GCU’s Organizational Leadership Degree

What Is a Doctor of Organizational Leadership Degree? 

Technically, the name of the degree in question is a Doctor of Education degree that focuses on organizational leadership rather than a Doctor of Organizational Leadership degree. Many Doctor of Education, or EdD, specialization degrees focus on preparing their graduates to step into leadership positions within the education field. The EdD in Organizational Leadership is different, as it can be applicable to graduates in a wide range of fields and in different sectors, including government agencies.¹

This degree focuses on organizational science, management and leadership skills. It guides professionals toward prioritizing the best interests of various stakeholders, including employees. The goal is to prepare graduates to pursue leadership positions in their field.¹

The EdD is often referred to as a practitioner's degree because it's designed for individuals who wish to continue working directly in their respective fields rather than conduct research work in academia. (In contrast, the PhD focuses on research and is generally a good fit for individuals who wish to enter academia to conduct research.¹) With an EdD, students may be taught skills that are applicable in the field.

There are different specializations available for EdD degrees. For example, at Grand Canyon University, you can choose an organizational leadership degree that focuses on behavioral health. This degree is designed specifically for individuals who work within the behavioral healthcare field and who are interested in the possibility of advancing their careers through graduate education.

Who should consider earning an EdD with a focus on behavioral health? This terminal degree program can be a way to cement one’s professional reputation after having worked as a licensed counselor, therapist, social worker or psychiatric nurse practitioner. Other practitioners within mental healthcare may find this degree relevant, as well. 

What Is a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) Degree? 

A DBH (Doctor of Behavioral Health) degree is a professional doctoral program that focuses on integrating behavioral health with primary care. It is designed for practitioners in the fields of psychology, social work and other related areas who want to enhance their skills in addressing mental health issues within a healthcare setting. The DBH program typically emphasizes evidence-based practices, health policy and the management of behavioral health services, preparing graduates to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. This degree can lead to roles in clinical practice, health administration and public health, among others.

An EdD and a Doctor of Behavioral Health, or DBH, degree are both types of terminal degrees, so-called because they represent the highest pinnacle of academic achievement. While both of these degrees may feature a behavioral health-focused curriculum, they aren’t the same type of program.

Whereas the organizational leadership degree is typically designed for behavioral health practitioners who wish to step into leadership positions, the DBH degree is usually intended for providers who wish to remain practitioners. A DBH graduate may also be prepared to pursue leadership positions in behavioral health; however, they may continue to work directly with mental health patients or clients.²

A DBH graduate may work with all types of clients, such as those suffering from depression, substance use and co-morbidities. In clinical DBH programs, there is generally an emphasis on integrated care. Practitioners consider how one's mental health affects physical health and vice versa, and they design integrated behavioral healthcare plans that aim to support the whole person.²

Which Terminal Degree Is Right for You? 

Not every terminal degree in behavioral health is right for every professional. It all depends on your interests and preferences, such as your intended career outcomes.

If you would like to remain an active behavioral health practitioner or pursue a patient-facing managerial role, then the DBH might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you aspire to step into a leadership role, then the EdD could be a good fit.

Earning any type of terminal degree represents a significant investment of time and resources. It's important to take the time to reflect carefully on your options, your career goals and your academic interests. Consider exploring the curriculum for each program to get a better sense of what you can expect and spend some time determining which sort of career move could provide personal fulfillment.

Careers in Organizational Leadership to Consider 

If you’re leaning toward earning an EdD, there are many careers in organizational leadership to consider pursuing. These include:

Director of Mental Health 

With a graduate degree that prepares you for mental health administration, you might pursue a role as the director of mental health at a clinical facility. Typically, a director of mental health would report to the executive director. You would be charged with overseeing the staff members, including their professional development and training activities, and with supervising other operational activities.³

There are many work settings to consider in this role. A director of mental health may find work at hospitals, public or private mental health facilities, for example.³

Social and Community Services Manager 

If you’re currently working as a counselor or social worker, you might prefer to pursue a job as a social and community services manager. In this role, you would likely supervise a team of licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Your team would provide counseling services and community referrals for clients.³

Careers With a DBH Degree

If you feel that a DBH degree could be the best fit for you, you’ll generally continue to work as a practitioner, albeit potentially in a senior or managerial role.² Some career options can include:

Behavioral Health Provider 

A DBH can provide opportunities to deepen your behavioral health knowledge and clinical skill set, allow you to position yourself for potential advancement to senior practitioner roles.² There are many types of behavioral health providers, including counselors and therapists. Some behavioral health providers focus on a particular area of mental health, such as substance use disorders and addiction or marriage and family therapy.

Behavioral Healthcare Manager 

A behavioral healthcare manager’s role can vary from one facility to the next. In many cases, managers may continue to provide client care tasks, including psychotherapy, while also tackling managerial duties.² They would be responsible for care coordination, daily operations and staff supervision.

What To Expect From GCU’s Organizational Leadership Degree 

At GCU, aspiring leaders in behavioral health can earn an EdD in Organizational Leadership that focuses on behavioral health. Our EdD degree examines organizational science, leadership styles and skills, professional ethics in behavioral health and the management of behavioral health facilities. Students will also explore the behavioral health field from an entrepreneurial perspective, guiding potential future business owners through topics such as business plan formation and venture capital.

GCU integrates the dissertation process directly into the curriculum. This means you will not need to wait to begin your own original research until you’ve finished all of your classes. Rather, you’ll work with your faculty to begin formulating your research plans soon after starting the program. During residencies on or near the GCU campus, you’ll have opportunities for in-person collaboration and guidance.

When you’re ready to pursue the next stage of your career pathway through a terminal degree, you can reach out to a university counselor at Grand Canyon University. Learn more about the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health degree program offered by the College of Doctoral Studies and immerse yourself within our Christian learning environment.