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Bachelor of Applied Science, Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Pikes Peak State College's Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health provides the knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience needed to begin a career in behavioral health. Students learn to support individuals, families, and communities while developing the confidence and professional skills employers are looking for. Whether your goal is to enter the workforce or continue your education toward a bachelor's degree, the AAS in Behavioral Health provides a strong foundation for future success.

Emphasis Areas

Mental Health & Social Work

Graduates of the Behavioral Health AAS with an emphasis in Mental Health & Social Work are prepared for entry-level positions in a variety of community-based behavioral health settings. Career opportunities may include behavioral health technician, mental health technician, psychiatric technician, case management assistant, peer support specialist, community outreach specialist, residential counselor, patient navigator, intake coordinator, family support specialist, and social services assistant. Many graduates continue their education by completing the Behavioral Health BAS or pursuing bachelor's and graduate degrees in counseling, social work, psychology, or related fields.

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Addiction Recovery

Graduates of the Behavioral Health AAS with an emphasis in Addiction Recovery are prepared for entry-level positions supporting individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring disorders. Career opportunities may include addiction recovery technician, behavioral health technician, peer recovery specialist, recovery coach, residential counselor, case management assistant, patient navigator, intake coordinator, community outreach specialist, and substance use treatment support staff. The program also provides the educational foundation for students interested in pursuing Colorado addiction counseling credentials and continuing their education through the Behavioral Health BAS or other bachelor's degree programs.

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AAS Admission Requirements

Students begin by completing the general education and foundational and prerequisite coursework required for their selected emphasis. These courses provide the academic foundation and introductory behavioral health knowledge needed for success in the AAS cohort.

What is a Cohort?

A cohort is a group of students who begin the core Behavioral Health coursework together and complete the program in the same prescribed course sequence. This structured approach helps students build relationships with classmates, develop professional skills together, and stay on track for graduation.

Before You Enter the AAS Cohort

Students must:

  • Successfully complete a program-approved background check and drug screen through CastleBranch before enrolling in BEH 1001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy.
  • Successfully complete BEH 1001.
  • Complete all required pre-cohort general education, foundational, and prerequisite coursework.
  • Complete designated general education coursework during the cohort as outlined in the semester sequence.

Once these requirements have been met, students are eligible to begin the AAS cohort.

Program Requirements

Students pursuing a Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science degree must successfully complete a program-approved background check and drug screen through CastleBranch, at an approximate cost of $120–$130 (subject to change), before enrolling in BEH 1001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy.

The background check and drug screening requirement applies only to students pursuing Behavioral Health AAS and BAS degrees. Students pursuing Behavioral Health certificate programs or students enrolled in other academic programs that require BEH 1001 are exempt from this requirement.

Successful completion of BEH 1001, along with all required pre-cohort general education, foundational, and prerequisite coursework, is required before entering the AAS cohort

Getting Started in the AAS Program

The Behavioral Health AAS offers two areas of emphasis:

  • Mental Health & Social Work
  • Addiction Recovery

Each emphasis includes a unique sequence of general education, foundational, prerequisite, and cohort coursework designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in behavioral health.

Before Entering the AAS Cohort, Students Must:

  • Complete a program-approved background check and drug screen.
  • Successfully complete BEH 1001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy.
  • Complete all required pre-cohort general education, foundational, and prerequisite coursework. Designated general education coursework is completed during the cohort as shown in the semester sequence.

Mental Health and Wellness Emphasis

Addiction Recovery Emphasis

Mental Health and Wellness Emphasis

Learn about behavioral health careers, program options, admissions, and what to expect as a Behavioral Health student at Pikes Peak State College.

Behavioral Health Info Sessions are held virtually every third Thursday of the month at 12pm. 

Check for virtual event dates and sign up to attend

Students pursuing a Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science degree must successfully complete a program-approved background check and drug screen through CastleBranch, at an approximate cost of $120–$130 (subject to change), before enrolling in BEH 1001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy.

The background check and drug screening requirement applies only to students pursuing Behavioral Health AAS and BAS degrees. Students pursuing Behavioral Health certificate programs or students enrolled in other academic programs that require BEH 1001 are exempt from this requirement.

 

General Education Coursework

Depending on your previous college coursework, you may need to complete the following general education courses before entering the AAS cohort. Designated general education coursework may be completed during the cohort to support full-time enrollment and degree progression.

  • ENG 1021 – English Composition I (3 credits)
  • PSY 1001 – General Psychology I (3 credits)
  • SOC 1001 – Principles of Sociology (3 credits)
  • COM 2063 – Conflict Resolution (1 credit)
  • PSY 2440 – Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
  • MAT 1260 – Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)
  • PSY 2552 – Psychopathology (3 credits)

Foundational and Prerequisite Coursework

The following foundational and prerequisite coursework prepares students for success in the AAS cohort. Completion of all required foundational and prerequisite coursework is expected prior to entering the cohort.

  • PTE 1010 – Introduction to Behavioral Health Care and Wellness (3 credits)
  • HPR 1038 – Introduction to Medical Terminology (1 credit)
  • HPR 1000 – Introduction to Health (3 credits)
  • HPR 1008 – Law & Ethics for Health Professions (2 credits)
  • BEH 1001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 credits)
  • PTE 1017 – Theoretical Concepts of Psychiatric Care II (2 credits)
  • BEH 2001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Advocacy, Intervention, & Resilience (3 credits)

Prepare for success by reviewing program expectations, technology requirements, communication guidelines, and available student resources before beginning the cohort.

The Mental Health & Social Work AAS cohort is completed in two consecutive semesters (approximately one academic year). Students progress through the cohort together in the prescribed course sequence shown below.

Semester 1 – Foundations of Mental Health & Social Work Practice

  • SWK 1000 – Introduction to Social Work (3)
  • SWK 1100 – Social Welfare and Community Agencies with Service Learning (3)
  • BEH 2030 – Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (3)
  • BEH 1020 – Cultural Competence in Behavioral Health (1.5)
  • BEH 1030 – Behavioral Health Case Management and Clinical Documentation (1)
  • BEH 1040 – Child, Adult, and Family Advocacy (1.5)
  • SOC 2018 – Sociology of Diversity (3)

Total Semester Credits: 16

Semester 2 – Applied Practice & Workforce Preparation

  • SOC 2031 – Sociology of Deviant Behavior (3)
  • BEH 1060 or BEH 1050 – RBT Training or Peer Support Specialist Training (4)
  • PTE 1020 – Application of Behavioral Health Care & Wellness (5)

Total Semester Credits: 12

Addiction Recovery Emphasis

Learn about behavioral health careers, program options, admissions, and what to expect as a Behavioral Health student at Pikes Peak State College.

Behavioral Health Info Sessions are held virtually every third Thursday of the month at 12pm. 

Check for virtual event dates and sign up to attend

Students pursuing a Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science degree must successfully complete a program-approved background check and drug screen through CastleBranch, at an approximate cost of $120–$130 (subject to change), before enrolling in BEH 1001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy.

The background check and drug screening requirement applies only to students pursuing Behavioral Health AAS and BAS degrees. Students pursuing Behavioral Health certificate programs or students enrolled in other academic programs that require BEH 1001 are exempt from this requirement.

 

General Education Coursework

Depending on your previous college coursework, you may need to complete the following general education courses before entering the AAS cohort. Designated general education coursework may be completed during the cohort to support full-time enrollment and degree progression.

  • ENG 1021 – English Composition I (3 credits)
  • PSY 1001 – General Psychology I (3 credits)
  • SOC 1001 – Principles of Sociology (3 credits)
  • COM 2063 – Conflict Resolution (1 credit)
  • PSY 2440 – Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
  • SOC 2018 – Sociology of Diversity (3 credits)
  • MAT 1260 – Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)
  • PSY 2552 – Psychopathology (3 credits)

 Foundational and Prerequisite Coursework

The following foundational and prerequisite coursework prepares students for success in the AAS cohort. Completion of all required foundational and prerequisite coursework is expected prior to entering the cohort.

  • PTE 1010 – Introduction to Behavioral Health Care and Wellness (3 credits)
  • HPR 1038 – Introduction to Medical Terminology (1 credit)
  • HPR 1000 – Introduction to Health (3 credits)
  • HPR 1008 – Law & Ethics for Health Professions (2 credits)
  • BEH 1001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 credits)
  • PTE 1017 – Theoretical Concepts of Psychiatric Care II (2 credits)
  • BEH 2001 – Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Advocacy, Intervention, & Resilience (3 credits)
  • CSL 2068 – Addiction Counseling Skills (1.5 credits)

Additional Addiction Recovery Credentialing Opportunities

The Addiction Recovery emphasis incorporates stackable workforce credentials that support career advancement. Students interested in pursuing credentials such as the Addiction Recovery Assistant, Qualified Behavioral Health Associate (QBHA), Behavioral Health Associate II (BHA II), or other Colorado addiction counseling pathways may complete optional coursework identified in the program. Behavioral Health advisors can help students identify the coursework that best aligns with their educational and career goals.

Prepare for success by reviewing program expectations, technology requirements, communication guidelines, and available student resources before beginning the cohort.

The Addiction Recovery AAS cohort is completed in two consecutive semesters (approximately one academic year). Students progress through the cohort together in the prescribed course sequence shown below.

Semester 1 – Foundations of Addiction Counseling & Treatment

  • SWK 1100 – Social Welfare and Community Agencies with Service Learning (3)
  • BEH 2030 – Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (3)
  • CSL 2069 – Principles of Addiction Treatment (1.5)
  • CSL 2050 – Motivational Interviewing I (1.5)
  • CSL 2061 – Case Conceptualization and Documentation (1)
  • CSL 2048 – Advanced Case Conceptualization and Documentation (1)
  • CSL 2046 – Ethical Practice in Addiction Treatment (1)
  • CSL 2059 – Advanced Professional and Ethical Practice (1)
  • CSL 2058 – Group Counseling Skills (1.5)

Total Semester Credits: 14.5

Semester 2 – Advanced Addiction Recovery Practice

  • CSL 2051 – Pharmacology I for Addiction Counselors (1)
  • CSL 2052 – Advanced Pharmacology (1)
  • CSL 2053 – Cognitive Behavior Therapy (1)
  • CSL 2054 – Trauma Informed Care (1)
  • CSL 2055 – Infectious Diseases for Addiction Counselors (1)
  • CSL 2056 – Co-Occurring Disorders (1)
  • CSL 2065 – Culturally Informed Treatment (1)
  • PTE 1020 – Application of Behavioral Health Care & Wellness (5)

Total Semester Credits: 12