The mission of the Center is to train, educate, mentor, and prepare a cadre of professionals to address mental health disparities, and serve culturally diverse individuals and communities locally and across the globe.
The Center's vision is to inspire and empower students, clinicians, educators, and other providers as agents of social justice with a passion for and commitment to serving historically marginalized populations.
CMGMH is comprised of academic programs at William James College that focus primarily on historically marginalized groups and underserved communities.
CMGMH offers transformative immersion experiences that will expose, inform, and deepen students' knowledge, cultural awareness and sensitivity, and cultural fluency.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I participate in the LMHP will I still have time to pursue my other interests

Understanding that students may have a variety of interests, we have tried to keep the requirements at a level to allow students the flexibility to still take other electives and/or complete other concentrations. For example, we have students in the clinical program who graduate with CFAR + LMHP, Neuropsych + LMHP, Forensic + LMHP and so on.

Similarly, while the doctoral project in the Psy.D. program must include a Latinx focus, students can investigate any topic of interest to them and simply highlight how the topic pertains to Latinx communities.

I am a person of Latinx descent - should I join LMHP - What is the added value

YES! The LMHP routinely admits both students who have a Latinx ethnic background as well as those who do not. The focus is on teaching the cultural competence through didactics that give students the opportunity to learn about the different Latin cultures and their unique socio-political and immigrant realities that impact their health and their functioning in different contexts in the United States. In addition, there are great benefits in belonging to a strong and supportive network and community with similar interests. We will be with you during and after your studies at WJC!

I have special needs and may not be able to complete two international immersion trips - Can I still participate in the LMHP

Ideally, we want everyone to experience the five week summer immersion program. We realize, however, that there are certain situations when that may not be feasible. The LMHP Director will review each case individually and make exceptions accordingly. The international immersion program may be waived and substituted by a local alternative, or the student will complete an ‘emphasis’ instead of a ‘major area of study.’

What if I am interested in some of the LMHP courses but do not want to commit

Anyone interested in the LMHP courses is welcome to take the courses as electives on a space available basis. We also invite you participate in our LMHP hosted events. We love visitors!

I speak some Spanish - How much do I really need to speak to participate in the LMHP

We aim to admit students who have an intermediate degree of Spanish fluency. The coursework is predominately in English, however the summer immersion experience includes work at institutions were little English is spoken, if any. Also, the immersion program provides intensive Spanish language instruction individually tailored to your level with the aim of finishing the program with a solid intermediate-advanced level of Spanish. Last, we proudly support your Spanish growth with classes offered at and outside of WJC (we contribute $200 towards your tuition for two semesters).

What might be an advantage of graduating with the LMHP certificate

There is a significant dearth of culturally and language competent clinicians available to provide services to the Latinx population which makes our students particularly marketable in competitive internships and National job markets.

Are there any LMHP classes run in Spanish or any Spanish classes so we can practice the language throughout the year

Given the diverse language levels of the students, most of the LMHP classes are conducted in English. The advanced level courses often involve a blend of Spanish and English and students have the option of completing oral and written assignments in Spanish. Last, we proudly support your Spanish growth with classes offered at and outside of WJC (we contribute $200 towards your tuition for two semesters).

Is it mandatory to live with families during the immersion trips or are there other lodging options

It is mandatory to live with the host families during the summer trips. We believe that this allows for a more intensive socio-cultural experience. Every attempt is made to place you in a host family setting that will meet your individual needs. For example, if you are a vegan we can assign you a family that can prepare meals in this manner.

Is there any matching process to decide with families the student will stay

Yes. During the preparation process, an ‘application’ form is completed. This application includes preferences and needs to match with a host family (food requirements, allergies, etc).

Can students bring their own kids to the immersion trips

We understand that the immersion trips can be difficult for students who have young children. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work this is not possible. Partners and spouses including children are welcome to consider going to Guayaquil during the student immersion program at their own expense and lodging. We encourage you to speak with the Director of the program to explore options.

Additional Questions

Q: What concentrations are offered through the Center for Multicultural & Global Mental Health (CMGMH)?

A: There are four CMGMH concentrations: African & Caribbean Mental Health, Asian Mental Health, Global Mental Health, and the Latino Mental Health Program.

Q: Can I enroll in more than one concentration?

A: Yes! Many of the students in CMGMH concentrations are enrolled in more than one concentration. In addition, concentrations can be completed at one of two levels: “Major Area of Study” or “Emphasis.”

Q: What’s the difference between a “Major Area of Study” and an “Emphasis”?

A: Students enrolled in a PsyD Program can complete a CMGMH concentration at the “Major Area of Study” level. This requires between 8-9 course credits, depending on the concentration. Students enrolled in a Master’s or PsyD Program can complete a CMGMH concentration at the “Emphasis” level. This requires between 4-5 course credits, depending on the concentration.

Q: Do I have to participate in an international immersion trip? I don't think I can spend that much time away from home.

A: No, you do not have to participate in an international immersion trip. There are opportunities for local immersions that won't require you leaving home and will still fulfill the concentration requirements.

Q: I am in the clinical program, if I declare a CMGMH concentration, will I have to do my Doctoral Project on that topic?

A: Students who are completing a concentration as a Major Area of Study are required to do a doctoral project on a topic germane to their concentration. It is recommended that at least one of their doctoral project committee members be a CMGMH faculty or a professional with substantial experience or expertise in the field. Students who are completing an Emphasis are encouraged (but not required) to choose a doctoral project with a focus on the population of interest.

Q: How will a CMGMH concentration affect my field placement choices?

Students in a CMGMH concentration will complete their practicum or internship placements at clinical training sites that have been approved by the concentration directors. The list of approved training sites is available. Also, at least 25% of the training experience (by time of graduation) will be with culturally diverse clients or organizations that serve the population of interest.

Q: Are there other requirements that I should know about?

A: To support students’ professional growth and development, CMGMH requires that all concentration students attend at least one Continuing Education (CE) event annually that is sponsored or approved by the Center for Multicultural & Global Mental Health.

Q: I saw the deadline to apply for a concentration. It is past the deadline but I still would like to declare a concentration. What do I do?

A: You may be able to declare a concentration up until registration for spring courses. There will be an additional opportunity to declare CMGMH concentrations in the spring. Contact the director of the concentration that you are interested in applying for to find out if you are still able to declare.

Q: What is the enrollment process?

A: CMGMH concentrations are open to all WJC students who have a strong interest in serving historically marginalized individuals, families and communities. To enroll, students should download and complete both the Concentration Application Form and the Concentration Declaration Form from the Registrar’s Office webpage, and submit it to the concentration director. The Concentration Declaration Form must first be reviewed by the student’s advisor. Students typically apply in the fall semester of their first year and begin courses during the second semester of their first year.

Q: I am interested in learning more about the international immersion programs. Who do I contact?

Students who are interested in the Ecuador immersion program should contact Dr. Mari Carmen Bennasar (mari_bennasar@williamjames.edu).
Students who are interested in the Guyana immersion program should contact Dr. Natalie Cort (natalie_cort@williamjames.edu).
Students who are interested in the Haiti immersion program should contact Dr. Gemima St. Louis (gemima_stlouis@williamjames.edu) and Dr. Jill Bloom (jill_bloom@williamjames.edu).
Students who are interested in the Kenya immersion program should contact Dr. Claire Fialkov (claire_fialkov@williamjames.edu) and Dr. David Haddad (david_haddad@williamjames.edu).
Students who are interested in the Trinidad & Tobago Service Learning program should contact Dr. Jill Bloom (jill_bloom@williamjames.edu)

Q: Where can I find additional information about CMGMH concentrations?

If you have any questions about the concentration requirements, please email cmgmh@williamjames.edu or contact the concentration directors:

African & Caribbean Mental Health: Dr. Shani Turner (shani_turner@williamjames.edu)

Asian Mental Health: Dr. Catherine Vuky (Catherine_vuky@williamjames.edu)

Global Mental Health: Dr. Jill Bloom (jill_bloom@williamjames.edu)

Latino Mental Health: Dr. Mari Carmen Bennasar (mari_bennasar@williamjames.edu)