Behavioral Health
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Health is a program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills 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 provides a solid foundation for further education in related fields.
Stackable certificates allow students to continue credentialed learning in small, bite-size steps toward greater qualifications. Coursework from these certificates fit into the curriculum of future AAS and BAS degrees.
The Behavioral Health + certificate prepares students with foundational behavioral health knowledge, entry-level crisis management and de-escalation skills, applicable to a variety of settings, such as nursing or medical assisting. This credential serves as an excellent addition to many role/degrees already completed (E.g., Certified Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, Criminal Justice, etc.). The Behavioral Health + certificate is designed to ensure students develop foundational behavioral health knowledge, in addition to entry level crisis management and de-escalation skills. Note: This certificate of completion is not eligible for financial aid. Scholarships may be available.
Certificate Outcomes
Upon earning the Behavioral Health + certificate of completion, students should be able to:
- Identify warning signs of mental health distress
- Distinguish mental health disorders in behavioral health settings
- Crisis management and de-Escalation skills
- Communication, motivational interviewing, and rapport building skills
- Legal, Professional, and Ethical Considerations in Behavioral Health
Curriculum
Students complete 6 credits of course work (two courses):
- PTE 1010: Introduction to Behavioral Healthcare and Wellness (3 credits) - Explores basic principles of behavioral health and wellness care in behavioral health settings. This course develops interpersonal and technical skills while working with clients in psychiatric care settings.
- BEH 1001: MHCI: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 credits) - Focuses on the skills necessary to recognize and assess warning signs of mental health distress and crisis intervention through evidence-based practices. This course also emphasizes trauma-informed care, non-violent crisis intervention, and interventions for diverse populations. This course will prioritize preparation for becoming a compassionate and skilled crisis intervention professional.
Coming Fall 2025!
The Behavioral Health Assistant certificate ensures students develop entry-level behavioral health knowledge and competencies. Upon completion of this coursework, they will be a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant as outlined by the Behavioral Health Administration. The curriculum includes entry-level skills and foundational knowledge about behavioral health and wellness, intercultural competency, therapeutic communication, case management, and crisis intervention. Note: This certificate of completion is not eligible for financial aid. Scholarships may be available.
Certificate Outcomes
Students who complete the Behavioral Health Assistant certificate are equipped with skills and competencies from this pathway that include:
- Understanding of Behavioral Health and Healthcare Systems
- Empathy and Healthy Boundaries
- Therapeutic Communication Skills
- Case Management and Documentation
- Crisis Intervention and Wellness
- Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Competency
Medicaid Competencies - Under supervision, these individuals will be able to do elements of: Wellness Promotion, Education, Community Needs Assessment, Screening, Referral, Crisis Management, Case Management, Orientation to Services, and Individual & Group Interventions.
Curriculum
Students complete 10 credits of course work (four courses):
- PTE 1010: Introduction to Behavioral Healthcare and Wellness (3 credits)
- BEH 1001: MHCI: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 credits)
- BEH 1030: Case Management and Clinical Documentation (1 credit)
- BEH 2030: Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (3 credits)
Coming Fall 2025!
The Behavioral Health Assistant II certificate builds upon the Assistant I micro-credential through service-learning experience and a deeper analysis and understanding of diversity. It 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.
Certificate Outcomes
Students who complete the Behavioral Health Assistant II certificate are equipped with skills and competencies from this pathway that include:
- Experience with Behavioral Healthcare Systems
- Empathy and Healthy Boundaries
- Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills
- Case Management and Documentation
- Crisis Intervention and De-escalation skills
- Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Competency
Medicaid Competencies - Under supervision, these individuals will be able to do elements of: Wellness Promotion, Education, Community Needs Assessment, Screening, Referral, Crisis Management, Case Management, Orientation to Services, and Individual & Group Interventions.
Curriculum
Students complete 16 credits of course work (six courses):
- PTE 1010: Introduction to Behavioral Healthcare and Wellness (3 credits)
- BEH 1001: MHCI: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 credits)
- BEH 1030: Case Management and Clinical Documentation (1 credit)
- BEH 2030: Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (3 credits)
- SOC 2018: Sociology of Diversity (3 credits)
- SWK 1100: Social Welfare and Community Agencies with Service Learning (3 credits)
Coming Fall 2025!
The Addiction Recovery Assistant certificate is designed to provide students with skills to support individuals in their treatment of substance abuse or dependence, as well as coursework focused on socio-emotional skills and knowledge. This curriculum includes the required course credits for the Certified Addiction Technician Certification.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students should be equipped with skills and competencies that include:
- Demonstrated client-centered skills to help individuals with substance abuse or dependence
- Entry-level counseling skills
- Ability to distinguish mental health disorders in behavioral health settings
- Demonstrated legal and ethical decision-making skills in addiction counseling
- CPR and Assessment of Basic Vital Signs
- Demonstrated understanding of behavioral health and healthcare systems
- Ability to apply cultural competence in the treatment setting
Curriculum
Students complete 20 credits of course work (twelve courses):
- PSY 1001: General Psychology (3 credits)
- BEH 1001: Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 credits)
- HPR 1000: Introduction to Health ( 3 credits)
- 9 CSL Courses totaling 11 credits
Coming Fall 2025!
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Health is a program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills 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 provides a solid foundation for further education in related fields. There are two pathway options available with the AAS: Mental Health and Wellness Pathway and Addiction Recovery Pathway.
Pathway Options:
Addiction Recovery
The emphasis on Addiction Recovery focuses on providing education for careers as certified addiction technicians, peer recovery specialists, prevention specialists, or in residential treatment centers. Graduates are prepared to complete the remaining requirements to become Certified Addiction Technicians through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
Mental Health and Wellness
The emphasis on Mental Health and Wellness focuses on preparing students for careers in the mental health and social services fields. Students are taught foundational behavioral health knowledge, as well as the ability to apply 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.
Curriculum
General Education Courses | Total Credit Hours: 25
- COM 2063 - Conflict Resolution (1 credit)
- ENG 1021 - English Composition I (3 credits)
- MAT 1260 - Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)
- PSY 1001 - General Psychology I (3 credits)
- PSY 2440 - Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
- PSY 2552 - Psychopathology (3 credits)
- SOC 1001 - Introduction to Sociology I (3 credits)
- SOC 2018 - Sociology of Diversity (3 credits)
- SWK 1100 - Social Welfare and Community Agencies (3 credits)
Additional Required Courses: Mental Health and Wellness Emphasis | Total Credit Hours: 67
- BEH 1001 - Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy
- BEH 2001 - Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Advocacy, Intervention, & Resilience
- BEH 2030 - Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills
- PTE 1010 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Care and Wellness
- PTE 1017 - Theoretical Concepts of Psychiatric Care II
- PTE 1020 - Application of Behavioral Health Care & Wellness
- HPR 1000 - Introduction to Health
- HPR 1008 - Law & Ethics for Health Professions
- HPR 1038 - Introduction to Medical Terminology
- SOC 2031- The Sociology of Deviant Behavior
- PSY 1002- General Psychology II
- SWK 1000- Introduction to Social Work
- BEH 1020- Cultural Competence in Behavioral Health
- BEH 1030- Behavioral Health Case Management and Clinical Documentation
- BEH 1040- Child, Adult, and Family Advocacy
- BEH 1060- Registered Behavioral Technician Training OR BEH 1050- Peer Support Specialist Training
Additional Required Courses: Addiction Recovery Emphasis | Total Credit Hours: 67
- BEH 1001 - Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy
- BEH 2001 - Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Advocacy, Intervention, & Resilience
- BEH 2030 - Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills
- CSL 2046 - Ethical Practice in Addiction Treatment
- CSL 2048 - Advanced Case Conceptualization
- CSL 2050 - Motivational Interviewing I
- CSL 2051 - Pharmacology I for Addictions Counselors
- CSL 2052 - Pharmacology II for Addictions Counselors
- CSL 2053 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- CSL 2054 - Trauma Informed Care
- CSL 2055 - Infectious Diseases for Addiction Counselors
- CSL 2056 - Co-Occurring Disorders
- CSL 2058 - Group Counseling Skills
- CSL 2059 - Advanced Professional and Ethical Practice
- CSL 2061 - Case Conceptualization and Documentation
- CSL 2065 - Culturally Informed Treatment
- CSL 2068 - Addiction Counseling Skills
- CSL 2069 - Principles of Addiction Treatment
- HPR 1000 - Introduction to Health
- HPR 1008 - Law & Ethics for Health Professions
- HPR 1038 - Introduction to Medical Terminology
- PTE 1010 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Care and Wellness
- PTE 1017 - Theoretical Concepts of Psychiatric Care II
- PTE 1020 - Application of Behavioral Health Care & Wellness
Academic support is provided through CCD’s Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building.
The Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers a variety of modalities including in-person, online, and hybrid learning. Each course may have different modality options.
Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.
Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu
The Behavioral Health+ and Behavioral Health Assistant (QBHA) certificates are not eligible for financial aid.
The Behavioral Health Assistant II and Addiction Recovery Assistant certificates and the Behavioral Health AAS are eligible for financial aid.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Learn More!
What Can I Do with My Major?
Students who successfully complete the Associate's Degree in Behavioral Health can work in Addiction Recovery as a Certified Addiction Technician, as well as other Addiction Recovery roles. Students can also work in the behavioral health field as Intake Coordinators and Liaisons, as well as Case Managers for a diverse group of individuals.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
Students who complete the AAS can expect to earn a median salary of $44,000-55,000 depending on the role they enter.
All Behavioral Health certificates seamlessly transfer to the Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health. Complete a certificate and start working while you study and finish your associate degree.
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