Behavioral Health Support: AAS
Associate in Applied Science | 61 credit hours minimum
Area of Interest: Education, Public Service, and Social Sciences
Program Description:
The Behavioral Health Support Associate in Applied Science provides a pathway for entry-level positions within the helping professions. The program includes a general education component as well as a concentration in the skills necessary to work in mental health. The hands-on practicum experiences in community settings prepare students for Community Support Specialist positions in mental health settings, assisting clients with behavioral and mental health diagnoses. Graduates of this program are qualified for entry-level positions in state, county, and local human service agencies, substance use disorder facilities, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and other identified agencies. The Behavioral Health Support program is designed to prepare students for employment in the State of Missouri.
Prerequisites
-
Current GPA of 2.5 or better
-
PSC 101, or other civics course
NOTE: Applicants are required to complete a criminal background check and have a valid driver's license to participate in practicum experiences. Additional requirements such as drug screens, immunizations, and vaccinations may be necessary at some practicum sites.
Locations. This program is offered at Florissant Valley and Forest Park by taking a mixture of face-to-face and online courses.
Cost of Attendance. For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES.
Program Career and Salary Information. Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest.
The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.
Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.
At the completion of the program, students are expected to:
- collaborate in the development, revision, and execution of an individualized treatment plan that identifies specific, measurable, time-limited goals, and interventions.
- obtain certification in Mental Health First Aid.
- communicate with clients regarding internal and external resources for recovery.
- create documentation to support client and treatment plan.
- assist clients with various mental health needs within practicum settings.
- analyze potential legal and ethical issues as they relate to targeted populations.
- synthesize foundational knowledge of risk factors, treatment options, and recovery techniques to assist clients with a variety of mental illnesses.
- demonstrate an appropriate helping response for individuals in mental health crisis and/or with suicidal ideation.
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | ||
| BHS 200 | Introduction to Behavioral Health Support | 3 |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 |
| COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | 3 |
| or COM 107 | Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | |
| or COM 200 | Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101) | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) | 3 |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (or other designated Civics course) | 3 |
| General Education | ||
| MTH 108 | Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher, MTH 180 recommended for transfer) | 3 |
| or BIO 113 | Modern Aspects of Biology (MOTR BIOL 100) | |
| or BIO 151 | Biology of Human Health and Disease (MOTR LIFS 100D) | |
| ENG 103 | Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110) | 3 |
| or ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | |
| PSY 205 | Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200) | 3 |
| PSY 208 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 211 | Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence | 3 |
| PRD 128 | Mental Health First Aid | 1 |
| Program Requirements | ||
| BHS 205 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support | 3 |
| BHS 210 | Systems of Care | 3 |
| BHS 215 | Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment | 3 |
| BHS 220 | Integrated Health | 3 |
| BHS 230 | Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions | 3 |
| BHS 225 | Support for Youth and Families | 3 |
| BHS 260 | Evidence Based Treatment | 4 |
| BHS 250 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum I | 3 |
| BHS 270 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum II | 3 |
| BHS 251 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar I | 1 |
| BHS 271 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar II | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |
Expected Graduate Competencies
Behavioral Health Support education assists the student to think critically, problem solve creatively, manage crises, and practice from a caring, non-judgmental perspective. It is influenced by changes in the demographics of society, the healthcare delivery system, advances in medicine and science, and best practices in counseling and social services. Faculty facilitate educational opportunities, fashioned by the communities we serve, that meet diverse individual student needs and promote professionalism to help students reach their employment goals. Failing to meet the basic standards of professional care in any of the following areas will result in dismissal from the program. This degree is part training and part academic and as such both aspects of learning must be met to successfully work in mental health. As such, there are three benchmarks to admittance and retention in the program:
- Have a 2.5 GPA
- Students may be admitted on a probationary basis but must earn a 3.0 or higher in all current semesters until the GPA is raised or they will be dismissed from the program
- Probationary students must sign documentation indicating they are aware of their dismissal from the program if they do not meet the GPA requirements
Academic Plan Fall Start
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
Program Prerequisites
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BHS 200 | Introduction to Behavioral Health Support (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 |
| COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | 3 |
| or COM 107 | Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | |
| or COM 200 | Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101) | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) | 3 |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (or other designated Civics course) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ENG 102 or 103 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) or Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| PSY 208 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 205 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 210 | Systems of Care | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 215 | Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| PRD 128 | Mental Health First Aid | 1 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 220 | Integrated Health | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 225 | Support for Youth and Families | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 230 | Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions | 3 | BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 250 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum I | 3 | BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 251 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar I | 1 | BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| PSY 205 | Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200) | 3 | PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| SOC 211 | Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 260 | Evidence Based Treatment | 4 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Apply for graduation. |
| BHS 270 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum II | 3 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of 'C' and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 271 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar II | 1 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| MTH 108 | Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher) or Modern Aspects of Biology (MOTR BIOL 100) or Biology of Human Health and Disease (MOTR LIFS 100D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | MTH 180 is recommended for students who wish to transfer to a university. |
| Credit Hours | 11 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 46 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.
Academic Plan Spring Start
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
Program Prerequisites
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BHS 200 | Introduction to Behavioral Health Support (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 |
| COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | 3 |
| or COM 107 | Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | |
| or COM 200 | Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101) | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) | 3 |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (or other designated Civics course) | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ENG 102 or 103 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) or Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| PSY 208 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 205 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 210 | Systems of Care | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 215 | Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| PRD 128 | Mental Health First Aid | 1 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| PSY 205 | Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200) | 3 | PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| SOC 211 | Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 220 | Integrated Health | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 225 | Support for Youth and Families | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 230 | Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions | 3 | BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 250 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum I | 3 | BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 251 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar I | 1 | BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| MTH 108 | Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher) or Modern Aspects of Biology (MOTR BIOL 100) or Biology of Human Health and Disease (MOTR LIFS 100D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | MTH 180 is recommended for students who wish to transfer to a university. |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 260 | Evidence Based Treatment | 4 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Apply for graduation. |
| BHS 270 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum II | 3 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of 'C' and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 271 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar II | 1 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 8 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 46 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.
Part-Time Academic Plan Fall Start
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
Recommended part-time schedule: complete all non-BHS courses + BHS 200 before entering program
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BHS 200 | Introduction to Behavioral Health Support (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| COM 200 | Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| or COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | |
| or COM 107 | Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (or other designated civics course) | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | 3 |
| or ENG 103 | Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110) | |
| MTH 108 | Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher. Recommend MTH 180 for students continuing to university) | 3 |
| or BIO 113 | Modern Aspects of Biology (MOTR BIOL 100) | |
| or BIO 151 | Biology of Human Health and Disease (MOTR LIFS 100D) | |
| PRD 128 | Mental Health First Aid | 1 |
| PSY 205 | Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200) | 3 |
| PSY 208 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 211 | Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence | 3 |
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 205 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 210 | Systems of Care | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 215 | Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 220 | Integrated Health | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 230 | Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions | 3 | BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 250 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum I | 3 | BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 251 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar I | 1 | BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 225 | Support for Youth and Families | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 260 | Evidence Based Treatment | 4 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 7 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 270 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum II | 3 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of 'C' and Reading Proficiency | Apply for graduation. |
| BHS 271 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar II | 1 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.
Part-Time Academic Plan Spring Start
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
Recommended part-time schedule: complete all non-BHS courses + BHS 200 before entering program
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BHS 200 | Introduction to Behavioral Health Support (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| COM 200 | Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| or COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | |
| or COM 107 | Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110) | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program ) | 3 |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (Or other civics requirement ) | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | 3 |
| or ENG 103 | Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110) | |
| MTH 108 | Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher. Recommend MTH 180 for students continuing to university) | 3 |
| or BIO 113 | Modern Aspects of Biology (MOTR BIOL 100) | |
| or BIO 151 | Biology of Human Health and Disease (MOTR LIFS 100D) | |
| PRD 128 | Mental Health First Aid | 1 |
| PSY 205 | Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200) | 3 |
| PSY 208 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 211 | Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence | 3 |
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 210 | Systems of Care | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 215 | Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 205 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 220 | Integrated Health | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| BHS 225 | Support for Youth and Families | 3 | BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Admission to the program |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 230 | Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions | 3 | BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 250 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum I | 3 | BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 251 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar I | 1 | BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 7 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 260 | Evidence Based Treatment | 4 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Apply for graduation. |
| BHS 270 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum II | 3 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of 'C' and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 271 | Behavioral Health Support Seminar II | 1 | BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 8 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |||
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.