Behavioral Health

The AAS degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on Mental Health and Social Work focuses on preparing students for careers in the mental health and social services sector. Coursework provides foundational behavioral health knowledge as well as the ability to apply a wide array of concepts and skills within diverse behavioral health settings with a particular emphasis on understanding and addressing mental health issues. Graduates are prepared to work in various mental health settings, such as clinics, hospitals, community centers, and social service agencies. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to make a positive impact on individuals and communities facing behavioral health challenges. This program blends academic coursework with applied training to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the field of behavioral health and provide a solid foundation for further education in related fields.

Program Outcomes

Students majoring in Behavioral Health will gain the following knowledge and skills upon completion of their degree:

1. Demonstrate the ability to assess the behavioral health needs of individuals, taking into consideration cultural, social, and environmental factors.
2. Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
3. Apply crisis intervention techniques and strategies to support individuals in times of distress.
4. Recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives of individuals and integrate cultural competence into behavioral health practice.
5. Adhere to ethical and legal standards in behavioral health.
6. Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with industry standards.

See the full catalog page for Behavioral Health, Mental Health & Social Work Emphasis, A.A.S

The Addiction Recovery Assistant micro-credential ensures students have the knowledge of addiction treatment and recovery support positions through a strength-based model. The curriculum includes the required course credits for the Certified Addiction Technician Certification as well as coursework focused on socio-emotional skills and knowledge.

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The Behavioral Health Assistant II micro-credential builds upon the Assistant I micro-credential through service-learning experience and a deeper analysis and understanding of diversity. lt ensures students have theoretical and experiential knowledge of behavioral health care and practice. Upon completion of this micro­-credential, students will have experience applying many concepts and skills within diverse behavioral health settings. The curriculum includes behavioral health and wellness, intercultural competency and inclusive practice, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and service-learning experience. Students who complete the Behavioral Health Assistant II micro-credential are equipped with skills and competencies from this pathway that include:

1. Experience with Behavioral Healthcare Systems
2. Empathy and Healthy Boundaries
3. Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills
4. Case Management and Documentation
5. Crisis Intervention and De-escalation skills
6. Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Competency

See the full catalog page for Behavioral Health Assistant II

The Behavioral Health Plus micro-credential is an effective addition to almost any role (Certified Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, etc.). It ensures students develop foundational behavioral health knowledge as well as entry­ level crisis management and de-escalation skills, which can be applied in a variety of settings. Behavioral Health Plus professionals are equipped with the additional behavioral health skills and competencies from this pathway that include:

1. Empathy and Rapport Building
2. Communication and Motivational Interviewing
3. Crisis Management and De-Escalation Skills
4. Legal, Professional, and Ethical Considerations in Behavioral Health
5. Knowledge of Mental Health Disorders and Clinical Documentation

See the full catalog page for Behavioral Health Plus

The Patient Navigator micro-credential ensures students are prepared to support clients in identifying resources as well as navigating behavioral healthcare services and systems. Patient navigators will focus on promoting client health and wellbeing. While not directly providing services, patient navigators are equipped with skills and competencies from this pathway that include:

1. Empathy and Cultural Competency
2. CPR and Assessment of Basic Vital Signs
3. Understanding of Behavioral Healthcare Systems
4. Exceptional Interpersonal Communication Skills
5. Boundaries around Self-Disclosure

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The Behavioral Health Assistant micro-credential ensures students develop entry-level behavioral health knowledge and competencies. Upon completion of this coursework, they wiII be a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant as outlined by the Behavioral Health Administration and eligible to serve as part of a Medicaid reimbursed care team. The curriculum includes entry-level skills and foundational know edge about behavioral health and wellness, intercultural competency, therapeutic communication, case management, and crisis intervention. Students who complete the Behavioral Health Assistant micro-credential are equipped with skills and competencies from this pathway that include:

1. Understanding of Behavioral Health and Healthcare Systems
2. Empathy and Healthy Boundaries
3. Therapeutic Communication Skills
4. Case Management and Documentation
5. Crisis Intervention and Wellness
6. Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Competency

See the full catalog page for Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant Certificate