Behavioral Health Support: AAS

Behavioral Health Support: AAS

Associate in Applied Science | 61 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Education, Public Service, and Social Sciences

Program Website

Academic Advising

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.  

NOTE: Practicum experience requires a criminal background check and have a valid driver's license to participate. Additional requirements such as drug screens, immunizations, and vaccinations may be necessary.

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:

  1. collaborate in the development, revision, and execution of an individualized treatment plan that identifies specific, measurable, time-limited goals, and interventions.
  2. obtain certification in Mental Health First Aid.
  3. communicate with clients regarding internal and external resources for recovery.
  4. create documentation to support client and treatment plan.
  5. assist clients with various mental health needs within practicum settings.
  6. analyze potential legal and ethical issues as they relate to targeted populations.
  7. combine foundational knowledge of risk factors, treatment options, and recovery techniques to assist clients with a variety of mental illnesses.
  8. generate appropriate helping responses 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

General Education
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
ENG 103Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110)3
or ENG 102 College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)
COM 201Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120)3
or COM 107 Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
or COM 200 Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101)
MTH 108Elementary 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)
PSY 200General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3
PSY 205Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3
PSY 208Abnormal Psychology3
SOC 211Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3
PRD 128Mental Health First Aid1
Program Requirements
BHS 200Introduction to Behavioral Health Support3
BHS 205Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3
BHS 210Systems of Care3
BHS 215Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3
BHS 220Integrated Health3
BHS 230Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions3
BHS 225Support for Youth and Families3
BHS 260Evidence Based Treatment4
BHS 250Behavioral Health Support Practicum I3
BHS 270Behavioral Health Support Practicum II3
BHS 251Behavioral Health Support Seminar I1
BHS 271Behavioral Health Support Seminar II1
Total Credit Hours61

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:

  1. Have a 2.5 GPA
    1. 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
    2. 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 2025, 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.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PSY 200 General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079Gateway Course, Critical Course
COM 200 Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101)
or Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120)
or Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
3Reading Proficiency
BHS 200 Introduction to Behavioral Health Support3Reading ProficiencyExploratory Course, Gateway Course, Critical Course. Prerequisite to all BHS courses.
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)
3Reading ProficiencyRecommend MTH 180 for students continuing to university
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3 Recommend PSC 101
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079Gateway Course, Critical Course
PSY 205 Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 205 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3Reading Proficiency
BHS 210 Systems of Care3BHS 200, ENG 101, and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency
BHS 215 Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3BHS 200, ENG 101, and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours15
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 102 College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)
or Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110)
3ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
SOC 211 Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PSY 208 Abnormal Psychology3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 220 Integrated Health3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 230 Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions3BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 250 Behavioral Health Support Practicum I3BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
BHS 251 Behavioral Health Support Seminar I1BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours13
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PRD 128 Mental Health First Aid1Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation
BHS 225 Support for Youth and Families3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 260 Evidence Based Treatment4BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 270 Behavioral Health Support Practicum II3BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of 'C' and Reading Proficiency
BHS 271 Behavioral Health Support Seminar II1BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Total Credit Hours61

Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major.  A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.

Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.

Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.

*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 2025, 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.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PSY 200 General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079Gateway Course, Critical Course
COM 200 Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101)
or Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120)
or Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
3Reading Proficiency
BHS 200 Introduction to Behavioral Health Support3Reading ProficiencyExploratory Course, Gateway Course, Critical Course. Prerequisite to all BHS courses.
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)
3Reading ProficiencyRecommend MTH 180 for students continuing to university
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3 Recommend PSC 101
Credit Hours15
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079Gateway course, Critical course
PSY 205 Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 102 College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)
or Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110)
3ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 205 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3Reading Proficiency
BHS 210 Systems of Care3BHS 200, ENG 101, and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency
BHS 215 Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3BHS 200, ENG 101, and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency
BHS 220 Integrated Health3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 225 Support for Youth and Families3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 230 Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions3BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
PSY 208 Abnormal Psychology3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 250 Behavioral Health Support Practicum I3BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
BHS 251 Behavioral Health Support Seminar I1BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours13
Third Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PRD 128 Mental Health First Aid1Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation
SOC 211 Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3Reading Proficiency
BHS 260 Evidence Based Treatment4BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 270 Behavioral Health Support Practicum II3BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of 'C' and Reading Proficiency
BHS 271 Behavioral Health Support Seminar II1BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours12
Total Credit Hours61

Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major.  A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.

Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.

Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.

*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

Recommended part-time schedule: complete all non-BHS courses+BHS 200 first.  Agencies want to hire upon graduation.

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 2025, 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.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 200 Introduction to Behavioral Health Support3Reading 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)
3Reading ProficiencyRecommend MTH 180 for students continuing to university
PSY 200 General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079Gateway Course, Critical Course
Credit Hours9
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
COM 200 Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101)
or Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120)
or Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
3Reading Proficiency
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079Gateway Course, Critical Course
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3 Recommend PSC 101
Credit Hours9
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PSY 205 Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours3
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PSY 208 Abnormal Psychology3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
ENG 102 College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)
or Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110)
3ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 205 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours9
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 210 Systems of Care3BHS 200, ENG 101, and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency
BHS 215 Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3BHS 200, ENG 101, and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency
BHS 220 Integrated Health3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours9
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
SOC 211 Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3Reading Proficiency
PRD 128 Mental Health First Aid1Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours4
Third Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 225 Support for Youth and Families3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 230 Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions3BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 250 Behavioral Health Support Practicum I3BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
BHS 251 Behavioral Health Support Seminar I1BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours10
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 260 Evidence Based Treatment4BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation
BHS 270 Behavioral Health Support Practicum II3BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of 'C' and Reading Proficiency
BHS 271 Behavioral Health Support Seminar II1BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours8
Total Credit Hours61

Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major.  A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.

Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.

Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.

*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

Recommended part-time schedule: complete all non-BHS courses and BHS 200 first.  Agencies want to hire upon graduation.

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 2025, 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.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079Gateway Course, Critical Course
MTH 108 Elementary Applied Mathematics
or Modern Aspects of Biology (MOTR BIOL 100)
or Biology of Human Health and Disease (MOTR LIFS 100D)
3Reading ProficiencyRecommend MTH 180 for students continuing to university
BHS 200 Introduction to Behavioral Health Support3Reading ProficiencyExploratory Course, Gateway Course, Critical Course. Prerequisite to all BHS courses.
Credit Hours9
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PSY 200 General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079Gateway Course, Critical Course
Credit Hours3
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 102 College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)
or Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110)
3ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
COM 200 Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101)
or Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120)
or Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
3Reading Proficiency
PSY 205 Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours9
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
PRD 128 Mental Health First Aid1Reading Proficiency
BHS 205 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3Reading Proficiency
BHS 210 Systems of Care3BHS 200, ENG 101, and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency
BHS 215 Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3BHS 200, ENG 101, and PSY 200 with minimum grades of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours10
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3 Recommend PSC 101
Credit Hours3
Third Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 220 Integrated Health3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 225 Support for Youth and Families3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
PSY 208 Abnormal Psychology3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours9
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 230 Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions3BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 250 Behavioral Health Support Practicum I3BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
BHS 251 Behavioral Health Support Seminar I1BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours7
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
SOC 211 Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours3
Fourth Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 260 Evidence Based Treatment4BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation
BHS 270 Behavioral Health Support Practicum II3BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of 'C' and Reading Proficiency
BHS 271 Behavioral Health Support Seminar II1BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours8
Total Credit Hours61

Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major.  A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.

Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.

Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.

*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.