School of Behavioral Health and Human Services

About Us

At the UNT Dallas School of Behavioral Health and Human Services (BHHS) our mission is to promote human development through education, research, and service in the profession of counseling and human services. 

Through education, the department prepares highly competent, counseling, human service, child development, and family studies professionals to work in culturally unique agencies, schools, and communities. Through research, the department creates, applies, and disseminates innovative knowledge to improve children, adolescents, adults, seniors, agencies, schools, and communities. Through service, the department provides leadership in professional and community organizations, training to professionals, and services to individuals, schools, and agencies in our community.

Our Academic Program Impact

BHHS offers two undergraduate degree programs and a graduate degree program: 

• Master of Science degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical School Counseling. 
• Bachelor’s degrees in Human Services Management and Leadership (HSML) and Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS)

Degrees in these fields are vital for the Southern Dallas and Greater North Texas communities. In a recent article, the Texas Tribune (2024) noted that a federal report identified 246 of Texas' 254 counties are experiencing mental health services shortages. Through a curriculum grounded in experiential service learning, our graduates gain exposure to diverse field-based experiences, preparing them for success in the human services industry.

Community Youth Development: Rising Blazers Program

Rising Blazers at UNT Dallas provides mentorship, youth leadership, and after-school programs to children and youth in South Dallas and Oak Cliff. Our goal is to help students develop academically, socially, and emotionally today, equipping them to be change-makers in their communities tomorrow. 

We partner with various organizations in the community to serve local youth. Our service providers (subcontractors) serve youth who exhibit at least two priority, high-risk characteristics. Program services reflect a mix of intensive services that assist a limited number of youth (such as one-on-one mentoring) and lower-intensity services that a larger number of youth (like group recreation). 

To date, the program has served over 1180 youth annually and over 600 youth monthly at 20 different programming sites. 

Visit Our Website

Alumni Testimonials

(2023) Alumna, Jessica Armstead's success story.

Read More

(2017) Alumna, Stephanie Sierra's success story.

Shawana Carter, interview with WFAA on her work as the Founder of Carter's House. 

Support Our Students

Contributions from generous supporters like you can ensure that we continue to offer our students rigorous academic and experiential learning opportunities, so they can be change-makers in the southern Dallas and North Texas communities.