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.  

Prerequisites

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:

  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. synthesize foundational knowledge of risk factors, treatment options, and recovery techniques to assist clients with a variety of mental illnesses.
  8. 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

Prerequisites
BHS 200Introduction to Behavioral Health Support3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
COM 201Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120)3
or COM 107 Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
or COM 200 Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101)
PSY 200General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3
PSC 101Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (or other designated Civics course)3
General Education
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)
ENG 103Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110)3
or ENG 102 College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)
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 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

Full-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.

 Program Prerequisites

BHS 200Introduction to Behavioral Health Support (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program )3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
COM 201Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120)3
or COM 107 Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
or COM 200 Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101)
PSY 200General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3
PSC 101Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101)3
Total Credit Hours15
New PlanGrids
First 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
PSY 208 Abnormal Psychology3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 205 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 210 Systems of Care3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 215 Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
PRD 128 Mental Health First Aid1Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours16
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 220 Integrated Health3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 225 Support for Youth and Families3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
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 ProficiencyApply for graduation
BHS 251 Behavioral Health Support Seminar I1BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
PSY 205 Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours16
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
SOC 211 Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3Reading ProficiencyOr any non-BHS class needed
Credit Hours3
Second 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 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
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
Credit Hours11
Total Credit Hours46

*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. 

Full-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.

Program Prerequisites 

BHS 200Introduction to Behavioral Health Support (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program )3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
COM 201Interpersonal Communication (MOTR COMM 120)3
or COM 107 Public Speaking (MOTR COMM 110)
or COM 200 Communication Between Cultures (MOTR SBSC 101)
PSY 200General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100)3
PSC 101Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101)3
Total Credit Hours15
New PlanGrids
First Year
Spring 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
PSY 208 Abnormal Psychology3PSY 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
BHS 205 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 210 Systems of Care3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 215 Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
PRD 128 Mental Health First Aid1Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours16
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
SOC 211 Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 220 Integrated Health3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 225 Support for Youth and Families3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 230 Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions3BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 250 Behavioral Health Support Practicum I3BHS 215 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation
BHS 251 Behavioral Health Support Seminar I1BHS 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)
3Reading ProficiencyRecommend MTH 180 for students continuing to university
Credit Hours16
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
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 Hours8
Total Credit Hours46

*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

BHS 200Introduction to Behavioral Health Support (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program )3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program )3
COM 200Communication 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 200General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program )3
PSC 101Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (or other Civics requirement)3
ENG 102College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)3
or ENG 103 Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110)
MTH 108Elementary 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 128Mental Health First Aid1
PSY 205Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3
PSY 208Abnormal Psychology3
SOC 211Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3
New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 205 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 210 Systems of Care3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 215 Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
Credit Hours9
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 220 Integrated Health3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 230 Clinical Encounters II: Crisis and Interventions3BHS 215 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
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 Hours4
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 225 Support for Youth and Families3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation
BHS 260 Evidence Based Treatment4BHS 230, BHS 250, and BHS 251 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours7
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
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 Hours4
Total Credit Hours30

*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 

BHS 200Introduction to Behavioral Health Support (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program )3
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program )3
COM 200Communication 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 200General Psychology (MOTR PSYC 100) (Prerequisite to all BHS courses and admission to the program )3
PSC 101Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) (Or other civics requirement )3
ENG 102College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)3
or ENG 103 Report Writing (MOTR ENGL 110)
MTH 108Elementary 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 128Mental Health First Aid1
PSY 205Human Growth and Development (MOTR PSYC 200)3
PSY 208Abnormal Psychology3
SOC 211Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence3
New PlanGrids
First Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 210 Systems of Care3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 215 Clinical Encounters I: Interviewing and Assessment3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
Credit Hours6
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 205 Legal and Ethical Issues in Behavioral Health Support3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C," successful admission into the Behavioral Health Support program, and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
Credit Hours3
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
BHS 220 Integrated Health3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
BHS 225 Support for Youth and Families3BHS 200 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyAdmission to the program
Credit Hours6
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 ProficiencyApply for graduation
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
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 Hours8
Total Credit Hours30

*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.