Behavioral Health Support, Associate in Applied Science
Florissant Valley and Wildwood
The Behavioral Health Support Associate in Applied Science provides a pathway for entry-level positions within the helping professions. This program includes hands-on practicum experiences in community settings and prepares students for support positions in mental health settings while 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.
Admission to the program is a prerequisite to taking any second-semester courses. Admission is contingent on meeting the established minimum criteria as defined in the Behavioral Health Support Program Handbook. Applicants are required to complete a criminal background check to participate in practicum experiences.
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 practical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 |
| ENG 103 | Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110) | 3 |
| COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | 3 |
| MTH 108 | Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher) | 3 |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) | 3 |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (or other designated Civics course) | 3 |
| Program Requirements | ||
| IS 116 | Computer Literacy | 3 |
| 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 |
| BHS 101 | Introduction to Behavioral Health Support | 3 |
| BHS 102 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support | 3 |
| BHS 103 | Systems of Care | 3 |
| BHS 104 | Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment | 3 |
| BHS 105 | Integrated Health | 3 |
| BHS 201 | Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions | 3 |
| BHS 203 | Evidence Based Treatment | 4 |
| BHS 202 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum I | 4 |
| BHS 204 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum II | 4 |
| 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
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 2023, 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.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 | Placement 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 079 | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) | 3 | Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| IS 116 | Computer Literacy | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 101 | Introduction to Behavioral Health Support | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 102 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| SOC 211 | Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| PSY 208 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ENG 103 | Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 103 | Systems of Care | 3 | BHS 101 with a minimum grade of "C", a qualifying background check, successful admission into the program, and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 104 | Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment | 3 | BHS 101 with a minimum grade of "C", a qualifying background check, successful admission into the program, and Reading Proficiency | |
| PRD 128 | Mental Health First Aid | 1 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | 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 | |
| COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 105 | Integrated Health | 3 | BHS 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 201 | Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions | 3 | BHS 104 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 202 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum I | 4 | BHS 101, BHS 102, BHS 103, BHS 104 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 203 | Evidence Based Treatment | 4 | BHS 201 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 204 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum II | 4 | BHS 202 with a grade of 'C' or better, and Reading Proficiency | |
| MTH 108 | Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) | 3 | Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | Students may choose to take any other designated Civics course |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |||
*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.
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 2023, 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.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 | Placement 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 079 | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) | 3 | Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | 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 | |
| ENG 103 | Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| IS 116 | Computer Literacy | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| PSY 208 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| SOC 211 | Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) | 3 | Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | Students may choose to take any other designated Civics course. |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| MTH 108 | Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Third Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 101 | Introduction to Behavioral Health Support | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 102 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| PRD 128 | Mental Health First Aid | 1 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 7 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 103 | Systems of Care | 3 | BHS 101 with a minimum grade of "C", a qualifying background check, successful admission into the program, and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 104 | Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment | 3 | BHS 101 with a minimum grade of "C", a qualifying background check, successful admission into the program, and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Fourth Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 105 | Integrated Health | 3 | BHS 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 201 | Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions | 3 | BHS 104 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| BHS 202 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum I | 4 | BHS 101, BHS 102, BHS 103, BHS 104 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 10 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| BHS 203 | Evidence Based Treatment | 4 | BHS 201 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | Apply for graduation |
| BHS 204 | Behavioral Health Support Practicum II | 4 | BHS 202 with a grade of 'C' or better, and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 8 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 61 | |||
*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.