ASU alum elevates human side of behavioral health in practice

Driven by a desire to make a real impact through health care, Kamal Ghazi pursued his Doctorate of Behavioral Health at Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions. From facing multiple rejections to juggling a doctorate program and family life, Ghazi's career exemplifies perseverance and purpose. 

Ghazi worked as a clinician while completing his doctorate, applying what he learned in real time. Now, he is a faculty member at Jackson College, a licensed clinician and a councilman in Perry, Michigan. After applying three times, he was finally accepted after completing his doctorate. 

Today, his work as an educator, clinician and community leader continues to reflect his dedication to the health care industry. 

Below, Ghazi shares more about his time at ASU and the role his education played in helping expand his career. 

Question: Was there a class, lecturer or project that transformed your perspective on health care while pursuing your Doctorate in Behavioral Health at the College of Health Solutions?

Answer: One of the most memorable experiences for me was working on a project about staff burnout. It brought me closer to leadership and offered me a new perspective on how the systems work. It wasn't just about theory, it was about applying what I was learning in a real-world context. That method required persistence, going back, editing and working through feedback, but it altered my approach to problem-solving in health care.

Q: What is the most fulfilling part of your career?

A: The most fulfilling part is seeing growth, especially in others. When I had the opportunity to be a teaching assistant, it allowed me to focus on coaching and improvement. Being able to support students and see their development over time is something that continues to stand out to me.

Q: What role do you believe behavioral health professionals will play in defining the future of health care over the next 10 years?

A: Behavioral health professionals are going to play a key role in maintaining the human aspect of care. As health care continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of AI, we can’t lose sight of the lives being impacted — not just individuals, but families and communities as well. That includes underserved populations, such as individuals in the prison system. Our role is to make sure care stays grounded in understanding people, their experiences and the broader impact on those around them.

Q: What advice would you give to students interested in health careers at ASU?

A: The biggest thing is persistence. There are going to be times when the door is closed; you need to keep knocking on doors until one opens. You can’t give up. The next piece of advice would be to involve yourself in activities. Don’t turn down opportunities; even if they don’t seem like exactly what you want at the time, that might just be the opportunity you need. And focus on building relationships. The connections you make can really shape your path.

Q: You mentioned that you are currently a councilman for the city of Perry. How did your doctorate prepare you for this role?

A: The doctorate helped shape how I think and approach challenges. It strengthened my ability to think critically, understand different perspectives, and make decisions in a structured and ethical way. Those skills translate directly into public service and being able to effectively serve the community.

At the same time, completing the program while raising a family helped me build resilience and discipline, both of which are important attributes in leadership. Balancing both roles necessitated intentionality and support, and it strengthened my ability to remain engaged under pressure. That event continues to shape how I approach public service and professional work.