This year is our largest incoming class in the history of the School of Behavioral Health, and we are excited that so many new students have chosen Loma Linda University Health as their academic partner in success.
For many students, both new and continuing, this Fall marks their first time on campus. It was so wonderful to meet with everyone during our orientation and Welcome Back Bash. Instead of running from this nation's mental health needs, our students felt a call to help those in need in our local and global communities. Their very presence is a sign of natural resilience, and I have no doubt that they can reach their professional goals.
As a way to help the transition back to campus, we are maximizing flexibility in our programs by offering online and face-to-face options. We encourage everyone to actively engage in self-care throughout this time of adjustment. We look forward to a successful year together!
—Dr. Adam Aréchiga, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs
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International Behavioral Health Trauma Team (IBHTT) continues to provide support remotely |
Although travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have halted face-to-face interventions for the IBHTT, online resources and consultative support have continued to be provided to global colleagues and partners. With the transition to online, the IBHTT has discovered new ways to provide global support that will continue post pandemic as another way to provide resiliency and trauma-informed outreach. The IBHTT, will however, resume international in-country support once the global pandemic conditions change enough to support safe face-to-face interventions and travel. |
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Social Work Department and Promotores Academy receive grant to support community health workers |
We're excited to share that the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology and the Promotores Academy from the San Manuel Gateway College were together awarded the Peer Personnel Grant from OSPHD for 2021-23! Our program addresses a unique need for professional leadership development to work with community health workers (CHWs).
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Dr. Zephon Lister receives grant to improve quality of life for patients at new Sickle Cell Center |
Nearly 100,000 people in the United States live with Sickle Cell Disease—a rare, inherited blood disease that primarily impacts African- and Hispanic-Americans. Dr. Lister has received a one-year grant which seeks to better understand and improve the quality of life and patient care experience of adult patients living with SCD.
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Researchers aim to study impact of melatonin use in teens with sleep problems—now enrolling participants |
Dr. Tori Van Dyk from SBH and Dr. Sunitha Nune from the School of Medicine are partnering to conduct an experimental examination of melatonin to better understand potential side effects and impact on sleep and daytime functioning in healthy, typically developing teens.
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Latinas share secrets to losing weight and staying healthy during the pandemic |
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are sharing Latinas' personal insights into and recommendations for a healthy lifestyle following their participation in the Full Plate Living intervention.
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This year we had hoped to be fully back to campus for our graduation services but once again COVID-19 had other plans… In an effort to see as many of our students as possible during graduation we decided to hold a hybrid event. We chose to have a drive through Commencement where family and graduates waited together in cars and then the graduate would walk onto the stage for pictures.
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SBH provides flexible learning with new online options |
Read about our first MFT MS online cohort, our first DSW cohort, and the new online format for medical family therapy courses!
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Child Life alumna publishes educational storybook for children of healthcare professionals |
Like many students, Sam Ochse's clinical training came to a temporary halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While it was a difficult few months of uncertainty, she used this time to work toward her dream of writing a children's book.
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Alumnus testifies before California State Senate on temporary professional licenses for military spouses |
"As a licensed marriage and family therapist who is married to an active duty Air Force officer with the requirement to move every 2-4 years, looking for employment can feel like a game of Tetris. Navigating my way through various licensing boards is like playing Tetris while blindfolded."
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CFS department sponsors Gottman Level 1 Training |
The Counseling & Family Sciences department recently collaborated with The Gottman Institute to provide Gottman Level 1 Training to students, faculty, and alumni from the School of Behavioral Health. Participants received online access to the training at a significantly discounted rate and were able to complete the training within their own time frame. We had 82 participants sign up for the first training, which not only introduces the fundamentals of The Gottman Method Couples Therapy, but also prepares participants to continue on to subsequent Gottman Method Couples Therapy trainings. In the near future, the CFS department plans to offer the Gottman Level 2 Training for a discounted rate as well. Stay tuned!
—Sarah Beaver, Systems, Families, & Couples PhD Student
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Awards and Accomplishments |
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Dr. Susanne Montgomery receives Distinguished Investigator Award |
Susanne Montgomery, PhD, MPH, MS, Associate Dean for Research, Head of the Interdisciplinary Studies Division, and Professor, has received the 2020-2021 Distinguished Investigator Award.
The award is given in honor of Dr. Montgomery's invaluable contributions to research in the fields of public health and mental health, her outstanding efforts for impacting underserved populations from a research-based perspective, and her extensive and active research pursuits.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Montgomery on this well-deserved recognition!
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Heather Beeson, DMFT, MA, LMFT
Dr. Beeson has experience teaching in the areas of diversity, therapeutic treatment models, MFT administration, and systemic organizational consultation, among other topics. Clinically, she has worked primarily with the LGBTQ+ community in both individual and couples therapy.
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Christi Bell, MSW, LCSW
Professor Bell brings seven years of experience with San Bernardino County Children and Family Services. During her time there, she worked as an investigating social worker, a mentor on the training team, and finally a supervisor at the After-Hours Response Center.
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Announcements and Updates |
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Expansion of SBH facilities to support research and students' clinical experiences |
SBH is in the process of renovating space at the University's Mt. View Plaza that will support its externally funded research and the establishment of a student clinic. Translational research and practice innovation provide the integrative focus of this new learning facility.
The first phase of renovation of both the research and clinic spaces should be completed by the beginning of the 2021 Fall term. Additional renovations will be completed during the Fall term, with the goal of full occupancy by the end of December 2021—with an open house to follow.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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Professor Lorraine Thompson retires |
Lorraine Thompson, MA, EdS, PPS, who served as School Counseling Field Experience Coordinator in the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences, retired at the end of June. She had filled this role since 2015.
Professor Thompson plans to enjoy retirement by traveling, visiting her daughter, and starting new adventures. We are all grateful for the opportunity we have had in working with Lorraine and wish her all the best for a long, healthy, and well-deserved retirement.
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Dean's Office welcomes new staff member |
We are delighted to introduce you to Victoria Anguiano, who is replacing Joanna Cuadras in the School of Behavioral Health Records Office.
Please join us in welcoming Victoria to the School of Behavioral Health and Loma Linda University!
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Take a virtual tour of the new hospitals |
This summer, Loma Linda University Health officially opened the Dennis and Carol Troesh Medical Campus, home to a state-of-the-art adult hospital and Children's Hospital tower expansion—a momentous occasion years in the making.
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Dr. Bryan Cafferky and family welcome new baby |
Phoenix Dahlia (7 lbs 4 oz, 20.5 inches) was welcomed with love on June 23, 2021 at 17:49 by her parents Jenny and Bryan, and big sister Penelopi. |
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13th Annual SBH Food Drive!
SBH Alumni, Students, Faculty, and Staff are all invited to participate in our annual food drive!
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SBH Operation Christmas Child!
SBH Students, Faculty, and Staff are invited to participate once again in Operation Christmas Child. Boxes are due 11/18. Check your email for more details!
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This issue's recommendations are from our newest faculty members in SBH! |
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"One of my favorite podcasts is 'The Place we Find Ourselves' with Adam Young. He is a licensed clinical social worker and he has his master's degree in divinity. His podcast is very thoughtful and insightful and provides a good balance of trauma informed practice, neurobiology and spirituality. His interview guests include experts in the field of trauma and neurobiology along with Christian thought leaders. It's a very inspiring and informative podcast."
Prof. Christi Bell, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Ecology
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"I recommend using a planner for more than just work and professional obligations; a planner can also be a helpful way to be accountable to oneself for personal goals, self-care, and overall wellness. This planner in particular includes tools to support goal setting, activity tracking, and journaling. In addition, there are an array of free resources online through the Passion Planner website that can be used personally and professionally in academic and clinical settings."
Dr. Heather Beeson, Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Family Sciences
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"Another favorite podcast of mine is 'Being Well' with Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson. This is a great podcast that covers a wide range of topics, including overcoming personal difficulties, improving your thoughts and mood, and incorporating spirituality into your daily practices. This is one of those 'something for everyone' podcasts that focuses on wellness and provides evidenced-based solutions to becoming and being our best selves."
Prof. Christi Bell, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Ecology
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LLU School of Behavioral Health
Our mission is to provide a spiritually supportive context for teaching, clinical practice, and research innovation that pursues integrative behavioral health aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting social justice in a global context locally and globally.
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