Behavioral Health

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.

Upon completion of the Behavioral Health AAS 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.
*All courses are hyperlinked to course descriptions, Course Learning Outcomes, and Topical Outlines as well
as noted if Guaranteed Transfer (GT).

Behavioral Health AAS Core: 50 credits

Red – General Education Credits = 25

Blue – CTE Credits = 25

Upon completion, students will be a QBHA as outlined by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and eligible to serve as part of a Medicaid-reimbursed care team. Skills and competencies include:
● Understanding of Behavioral Health & Healthcare Systems

● Therapeutic Communication Skills

● Trauma-Informed Care and Cultural Competency

● Case Management and Documentation

● Crisis Intervention and Wellness

● Empathy and Healthy Boundaries Medicaid Competencies: Under supervision, QBHAs 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.

Coursework: 10 credit hours

Blue – CTE Credits = 10

Aligned Employment Opportunities
Behavioral/Mental Health or Social Services Assistant/Specialist/Technician/Associate, Patient Access Specialist, Intake Assistant/Specialist/Technician/Associate, Crisis Intervention Specialist, etc.

Earns the QBHA and builds on it through service-learning and further analysis/understanding of diversity, culminating in the BHA II. Theoretical and experiential knowledge and practice of behavioral health care within diverse settings. Skills and competencies from the QBHA, plus:
● Applied experience: Systems, Therapeutic Communication, Crisis Intervention, and De-escalation

Coursework: 16 credit hours

Blue – CTE Credits = 10

Red – General Education Credits = 6

Aligned Employment Opportunities
Behavioral/Mental Health or Social Services Assistant/Specialist/Technician/Associate II, Intake Coordinator, Behavioral Health Lead/Coordinator, Community Corrections Technician, Crisis Intervention Specialist, etc.

The Behavioral Health Plus is an effective addition to any role. Skills and competencies include:
● Communication, Interviewing, Empathy, and Rapport

● Crisis Management and Documentation

● Legal, Professional, and Ethical Considerations

● Knowledge of Mental Health Disorders

Coursework: 6 credit hours

Blue – CTE Credits = 6

Aligned Employment Opportunities
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic, Firefighter, Early Childhood Educator, etc.

Focused on promoting client health and wellbeing through connection to needed services. Skills and competencies include:

● Understanding of Behavioral Healthcare Systems

● CPR and Assessment of Basic Vital Signs

● Exceptional Interpersonal Communication Skills

● Empathy, Cultural Competency, and Boundaries

Coursework: 12 credit hours

Blue – CTE Credits = 9

Red – General Education Credits = 3

Aligned Employment Opportunities
Patient Navigator, Community Health Worker (applying to CDPHE to be a training provider using this curriculum), Care Coordinator, Patient Access Specialist, Care Navigator, etc.

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.

Red – General Education Credits = 9

Blue – CTE Credits = 12