Behavioral Health, AAS

Additional information available on the Behavioral Health Department website.

Recommended basic skills courses are

College Readiness in English
College Readiness for Quantitative Literacy

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Health program is 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 Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Behavioral Health degree program, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to assess the behavioral health needs of individuals, taking into consideration cultural, social, and environmental factors.

• Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams.

• Apply crisis intervention techniques and strategies to support individuals in times of distress.

• Recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives of individuals and integrate cultural competence into behavioral health practice.

• Adhere to ethical and legal standards in behavioral health.

• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with industry standards.

Emphasis Areas

Mental Health and Social Work

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. Course work 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.

General Education Courses

COM 2063 - Conflict Resolution 1 Credit Hour(s)
ENG 1021 - English Composition I CO1 3 Credit Hour(s)
MAT 1260 - Introduction to Statistics MA1 3 Credit Hour(s)
PSY 1001 - General Psychology I SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
PSY 1002 - General Psychology II SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
PSY 2440 - Human Growth & Development SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
PSY 2552 - Abnormal Psychology SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
SOC 1001 - Introduction to Sociology I SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
SOC 2018 - Sociology of Diversity SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
SOC 2031 - The Sociology of Deviant Behavior SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
SWK 1000 - Introduction to Social Work 3 Credit Hour(s)
SWK 1100 - Social Welfare and Community Agencies 3 Credit Hour(s)

Total Credit Hours: 34

Additional Required Courses

BEH 1001 - Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy 3 Credit Hour(s)
BEH 1020 - Cultural Competence in Behavioral Health 1.5 Credit Hour(s)
BEH 1030 - Behavioral Health Case Management and Clinical Documentation 1 Credit Hour(s)
BEH 1040 - Child, Adult, and Family Advocacy 1.5 Credit Hour(s)
BEH 1060 - Registered Behavioral Technician Training 4 Credit Hour(s)
or
BEH 1050 - Peer Support Specialist Training 4 Credit Hour(s)
BEH 2001 - Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Advocacy, Intervention, & Resilience 3 Credit Hour(s)
BEH 2030 - Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills 3 Credit Hour(s)
HPR 1000 - Introduction to Health 3 Credit Hour(s)
HPR 1008 - Law & Ethics for Health Professions 2 Credit Hour(s)
HPR 1038 - Introduction to Medical Terminology 1 Credit Hour(s)
PTE 1010 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Care and Wellness 3 Credit Hour(s)
PTE 1017 - Theoretical Concepts of Psychiatric Care II 2 Credit Hour(s)
PTE 1020 - Application of Behavioral Health Care & Wellness 5 Credit Hour(s)

Total Credits for Mental Health and Social Work Emphasis 67

Addiction Recovery

The AAS degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on Addictions and Addiction Recovery focuses on 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).

General Education Courses

COM 2063 - Conflict Resolution 1 Credit Hour(s)
ENG 1021 - English Composition I CO1 3 Credit Hour(s)
MAT 1260 - Introduction to Statistics MA1 3 Credit Hour(s)
PSY 1001 - General Psychology I SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
PSY 2440 - Human Growth & Development SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
PSY 2552 - Abnormal Psychology SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
SOC 1001 - Introduction to Sociology I SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
SOC 2018 - Sociology of Diversity SS3 3 Credit Hour(s)
SWK 1100 - Social Welfare and Community Agencies 3 Credit Hour(s)

Total Credit Hours: 25

Additional Required Courses

BEH 1001 - Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy 3 Credit Hour(s)
BEH 2001 - Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Advocacy, Intervention, & Resilience 3 Credit Hour(s)
BEH 2030 - Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills 3 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2046 - Ethical Practice in Addiction Treatment 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2048 - Advanced Case Conceptualization 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2050 - Motivational Interviewing I 1.5 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2051 - Pharmacology I for Addictions Counselors 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2052 - Pharmacology II for Addictions Counselors 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2053 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2054 - Trauma Informed Care 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2055 - Infectious Diseases for Addiction Counselors 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2056 - Co-Occurring Disorders 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2058 - Group Counseling Skills 1.5 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2059 - Advanced Professional and Ethical Practice 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2061 - Case Conceptualization and Documentation 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2065 - Culturally Informed Treatment 1 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2068 - Addictions Counseling Skills 1.5 Credit Hour(s)
CSL 2069 - Principles of Addictions 1.5 Credit Hour(s)
HPR 1000 - Introduction to Health 3 Credit Hour(s)
HPR 1008 - Law & Ethics for Health Professions 2 Credit Hour(s)
HPR 1038 - Introduction to Medical Terminology 1 Credit Hour(s)
PTE 1010 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Care and Wellness 3 Credit Hour(s)
PTE 1017 - Theoretical Concepts of Psychiatric Care II 2 Credit Hour(s)
PTE 1020 - Application of Behavioral Health Care & Wellness 5 Credit Hour(s)

Academic Catalog

Behavioral Health, AAS

Emphasis Areas

Mental Health and Social Work

General Education Courses

Total Credit Hours: 34

Additional Required Courses

Total Credits for Mental Health and Social Work Emphasis 67

Addiction Recovery

General Education Courses

Total Credit Hours: 25

Additional Required Courses

Total Credits for Addiction Recovery Emphasis 67