BehavioralHealth
Start a career that makes a difference. Earn a credential, certificate, or AAS degree while gaining real field experience in mental health, crisis intervention, and community care.
What Is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral Health is an interdisciplinary field that explores the connection between behavior and the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. It encompasses the study, prevention, and treatment of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and life stressors that affect how individuals think, feel, and act.
TSC's program is unique because students don't just complete coursework—they gain real field experience, making them eligible for higher-paying jobs and faster advancement in a vital, growing field.
Every credential in this program is stackable: credits you earn in a microcredential count toward a certificate, which counts toward the AAS, which articulates into a BAS. You never lose progress.
Program Cost
Where You Can Study
This program is offered at the following TSC campus locations.
Degrees & Certificates
Every credential stands on its own—and stacks toward the next one. Choose the level that fits your goals and timeline.
AAS in Behavioral Health
The full degree with a Mental Health and Social Work emphasis. Combines general education, core behavioral health coursework, and applied field experience. The AAS articulates into the BAS. Learn about the BAS pathway ›
Behavioral Health Assistant II (BHA II) Certificate
Builds on the QBHA with service-learning and deeper cultural competency. Includes applied experience in therapeutic communication and crisis intervention.
Patient Navigator Certificate
Focused on connecting clients to needed services. TSC is applying to CDPHE to be an approved training provider for Community Health Workers using this curriculum.
Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant (QBHA) Certificate
Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant—recognized by the Behavioral Health Administration and eligible for Medicaid-reimbursed care teams.
Behavioral Health Plus (BHP) Microcredential
An effective add-on for CNAs, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, early childhood educators, and others already in human services roles.
AAS in Behavioral Health
The Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health blends general education with hands-on career-technical coursework to prepare graduates for entry-level roles in mental health, social services, and community care — with a built-in pathway to the BAS degree. The AAS in Behavioral Health is 67 total credits: 50 core credits plus a 17-credit emphasis.
Core Coursework
Click to see the full course list.
| Course | Title | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 1021 GT-C01 | English Composition I | 3 |
| PSY 1001 GT-SS3 | General Psychology I | 3 |
| PSY 2440 GT-SS3 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSY 2552 GT-SS3 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 1001 GT-SS3 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 2018 GT-SS3 | Sociology of Diversity | 3 |
| MAT 1260 GT-MA1 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| COM 2063 | Conflict Resolution | 1 |
| SWK 1100 CTE | Social Welfare and Community Agencies with Service Learning | 3 |
| HPR 1000 CTE | Introduction to Health | 3 |
| HPR 1038 CTE | Introduction to Medical Terminology | 1 |
| HPR 1008 CTE | Law & Ethics for Health Professions | 2 |
| PTE 1010 CTE | Introduction to Behavioral Health Care & Wellness | 3 |
| PTE 1017 CTE | Theoretical Concepts of Psychiatric Care II | 2 |
| PTE 1020 CTE | Application of Behavioral Health Care and Wellness | 5 |
| BEH 1001 CTE | MHCI: Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy | 3 |
| BEH 2001 CTE | MHCI: Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Advocacy, Intervention Strategies, and Resilience | 3 |
| BEH 2030 CTE | Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills | 3 |
Mental Health & Social Work Emphasis
The Mental Health and Social Work emphasis prepares students for careers in clinics, hospitals, community centers, and social service agencies. Choose one practicum/certification elective from the options below.
| Course | Title | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 2031 GT-SS3 | The Sociology of Deviant Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 1002 GT-SS3 | General Psychology II | 3 |
| SWK 1000 CTE | Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| BEH 1020 CTE | Cultural Competence in Behavioral Health | 1.5 |
| BEH 1030 CTE | Case Management and Clinical Documentation | 1 |
| BEH 1040 CTE | Child, Family, and Adult Advocacy | 1.5 |
| BEH 1060 or BEH 1050 CTE | Registered Behavior Technician or Peer Support Specialist | 4 |
Certificate Curriculum
Each certificate is a standalone credential. Click any certificate to see the full course list.
Behavioral Health Assistant II (BHA II)
Earns the QBHA and builds on it with service-learning and deeper diversity training. Includes applied systems, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and de-escalation experience.
| Course | Title | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| PTE 1010 CTE | Introduction to Behavioral Health Care & Wellness | 3 |
| BEH 1001 CTE | MHCI: Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Preparedness & Empathy | 3 |
| BEH 1030 CTE | Case Management and Clinical Documentation | 1 |
| BEH 2030 CTE | Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills | 3 |
| SOC 2018 GT-SS3 | Sociology of Diversity | 3 |
| SWK 1100 CTE | Social Welfare and Community Agencies with Service Learning | 3 |
Gen Ed: 6 credits · CTE: 10 credits · Aligned roles: Intake Coordinator, Behavioral Health Lead/Coordinator, Community Corrections Technician
Patient Navigator
Promotes client health and wellbeing through connection to services. TSC is applying to CDPHE to use this curriculum as an approved training path for Community Health Workers. Skills include behavioral healthcare systems, CPR, vital signs, interpersonal communication, cultural competency, and professional boundaries.
| Course | Title | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| HPR 1000 CTE | Introduction to Health | 3 |
| BEH 1001 CTE | MHCI: Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Preparedness & Empathy | 3 |
| BEH 2030 CTE | Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills | 3 |
| SOC 1001 GT-SS3 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
Gen Ed: 3 credits · CTE: 9 credits · Aligned roles: Patient Navigator, Community Health Worker, Care Coordinator, Patient Access Specialist
Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant (QBHA)
Upon completion, students earn the QBHA credential as outlined by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and are eligible to serve on Medicaid-reimbursed care teams. Competencies include therapeutic communication, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, case management, documentation, and crisis intervention.
| Course | Title | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| PTE 1010 CTE | Introduction to Behavioral Health Care & Wellness | 3 |
| BEH 1001 CTE | MHCI: Mental Health Crisis & Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy | 3 |
| BEH 1030 CTE | Case Management and Clinical Documentation | 1 |
| BEH 2030 CTE | Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills | 3 |
Gen Ed: 3 credits · CTE: 9 credits · Aligned roles: Patient Navigator, Community Health Worker, Care Coordinator, Patient Access Specialist
Behavioral Health Plus (BHP)
An effective add-on credential for professionals already working in care settings: CNAs, MAs, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and early childhood educators. Covers communication, crisis management, documentation, ethics, and mental health disorder knowledge.
Where You'll Go
Real job market data for the careers our graduates pursue, powered by Lightcast.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join a program designed to launch your career in one of Colorado's fastest-growing fields. Apply today or talk to an advisor.
Contact Us
Have questions about this program? Reach out to a faculty or staff member.
- TitleDean of Instruction
- DepartmentBUS, CIS, ECE
- LocationAlamosa, Colorado • 112 Main
- Emailemily.hammer@trinidadstate.edu
- TitleFaculty/Division Chair
- DepartmentCriminal Justice & Physical Education
- LocationTrinidad, Colorado • 110 Davis
- EmailSarah.Sloane@trinidadstate.edu
- TitleFaculty
- DepartmentPsychology and Sociology
- LocationAlamosa, Colorado
- EmailConstance.Brydges@trinidadstate.edu