We have had an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Behavioral Health with an Addiction Recovery Emphasis since 2021, along with two certificate programs: Mental Health Aide (that will include courses for Registered Behavior Technician and Peer Support Specialist in fall 2025) and Mental Health Support Specialist.
We added another Associates of Applied Sciences Degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on Mental Health and Social Work in fall 2024.
We currently offer five Micro-Credentials:
Behavioral Health Plus (two courses to help anyone working with human beings with foundational skills in crisis management and de-escalation skills),
Behavioral Health Assistant I (QBHA- four courses that ends in being qualified to implement services billable to Medicaid) and Behavioral Health Assistant II (two additional courses for more opportunities to serve clients),
Patient Navigator (like a Community Health Worker- with one additional class), and Addiction Recovery Assistant (courses included needed toward Certified Addiction Technician - CAT).
This degree also offers two areas of emphasis: Mental Health and Wellness and Addiction Recovery (with courses that include those needed toward a career as a Certified Addiction Specialist-CAS)
We are in the process of matriculation agreement processes to enter graduate level education programs in Social Work and Social Services and Psychology.
We are moving downstairs to the 3rd Floor of PCC's Nursing and Allied Health Teaching and Learning Center, 1000 Minnequa Ave.
In this newly remodeled space, we will have private offices for our three full-time administrative staff, a large group meeting/teaching/learning space, a student lounge, a faculty lounge, a Simulation Room, a Podcast Room, a Conference Room, a Zen Zone for self-care and resilience building practices, a Classroom, and a Part-time Instructor Office.
America’s fentanyl crisis, as well as a personal connection to the realities of addiction, propelled one Pueblo Community College student toward her career path.
Miranda Finegan graduated last spring with an Associate of Applied Science degree from PCC’s behavioral health program.
The Behavioral Health program (BEH) is a degree option for those who are interested in human behavior, especially in clinical or health-related settings. During the program, students will study behavioral health concepts related to addiction and substance abuse, counseling, group dynamics, and human development. The Behavioral Health program will also cover current trends, best practices, and up-to-date research findings.
Microcredentials offer fast-track training. They are designed with input from behavioral health professionals and can be completed in a year or less. Learn basic skills in areas such as addiction recovery assistant, behavioral health assistant (QBHA), behavioral health assistant II, behavioral health +, or patient navigator. Scholarships and financial aid may be available.
By earning a microcredential in behavioral health, you'll learn foundational skills to begin working in your community and earn college credit to continue your professional training.
Addiction Recovery Assistant: prepare students with the knowledge of addiction treatment and recovery support positions through a strength-based model. The curriculum includes the required course credits for the Certified Addiction Technician Certification as well as coursework focused on socio-emotional skills and knowledge.
Behavioral Health Assistant: Prepares students with foundational behavioral health knowledge, concepts and skills within diverse behavioral health settings. The curriculum covers health and wellness, intercultural competency, interpersonal communication, entry-level counseling skills, and mental health first aid training.
Medicaid reimbursable.
Behavioral Health Assistant II: Builds upon the Behavioral Health Assistant microcredential through service learning experience and a deeper analysis and understanding of diversity. Ensures students have theoretical and experiential knowledge of behavioral health care and practice.
Behavioral Health +: Prepares students with foundational behavioral health knowledge, entry-level crisis management and de-escalation skills, applicable to a variety of settings, such as nursing or medical assisting.
Patient Navigator: Prepares students to support clients in identifying resources and navigating behavioral healthcare services and systems to promote client health and wellbeing.
The licensure requirements for the Behavioral Health may differ between all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Pueblo Community College (PCC) recommends each student visit the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) to identify the program requirements for Colorado and each state in which you plan to live and practice.
PCC can only guarantee that the requirements for the state of Colorado are met with our program.
PCC has not determined if the Behavioral Health meets applicable state requirements for the following states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
