The University of Arizona Summer Institute for Behavioral Health (UA-SIBH) is a four-week intensive educational experience for students that are educationally and financially disadvantaged. The program has four main components: preparation for graduate school, visits to local behavioral health care facilities, exposure to research, and instruction in psychotherapy. Students come out of this program ready to apply to graduate school in the field of behavioral health, equipped with information about degree options, programs and schools, accreditation, and an edited, final version of their personal statement and CV. Through visits to local behavioral health care facilities, students are exposed to the breadth of career options within the field and get a taste of the wide variety of career trajectories. They are also exposed to diverse patient populations and, in some cases, have participated in direct observation of care. Beyond that, students have been able to network and make connections for future volunteer or employment opportunities. With two research labs in the spotlight weekly, students have gotten a firm grasp on what types of research are currently being conducted at the University of Arizona and the many jobs, interests, and experiences that come with a career in this area. Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has taught students many therapeutic techniques and allowed them to understand the type and intensity of training that goes into pursuing a degree that involves direct therapy. They have learned about different therapies, skills such as building rapport with patients, ethics and confidentiality, and they have had the chance to engage in a simulated treatment training exercise. The UA-SIBH program adequately prepares students for schooling and ultimately a career in behavioral health via exposure, discussion, and hands-on experience.
