Behavioral Health

Get a certificate and/or degree for no or little cost to you!* This offer is available to students who enroll in the Spring 2024 semester in the following areas of study:

  • Mental Health Aide certificate
  • Mental Health Support certificate
  • Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science degree
money bag

New program leadership and full-time faculty

  • The Behavioral Health program is under new leadership and full-time faculty to provide students greater support.
  • The program has a new suite on the 4th Floor of the Nursing and Allied Health Teaching and Learning Center on the campus of St. Mary-Corwin Hospital.

Seamless Transfer

  • PCC’s Behavioral Health AAS degree has a seamless transfer to UCCS’s Bachelor of Arts in Human Service or CSU Pueblo’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Science and Administration, leading to opportunities to continue on a path to both master’s and Ph.D. programs.

In Demand 

Colorado has a growing demand for qualified behavioral health workers. By earning a microcredential, Mental Health Aide certificate, Mental Health Support Specialist certificate, or a Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science degree from PCC, you can start building a rewarding career helping those in need. You’ll study concepts related to addiction and substance abuse, counseling, group dynamics, and more.

Miranda Finegan
Behavioral Health Student
Miranda Finegan

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. 

What will I learn?

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. 

If you wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree after earning your AAS, you can take advantage of a smooth transfer to UCCS for a BA in Human Services or CSU Pueblo for a BAS in Health Science and Administration.

What is a microcredential?

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 patient navigator, peer support specialist, behavioral health aide, behavioral health +, or addiction recovery aide. 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.

Behavioral Health Microcrendtials infographic

Addiction Recovery Aide

Addiction Recovery Aide: 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.

Patient Navigator

Patient Navigator: Prepares students to support clients in identifying resources and navigating behavioral healthcare services and systems to promote client health and wellbeing.

Peer Support Specialist

Peer Support Specialist: Prepares students who have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use to support clients into and through recovery. Students will learn to advocate for clients and help them set goals and assess and access different behavioral health services.

Behavioral Health Assistant

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.

Behavioral Health +

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.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

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.

Degree & Certificate Options in Behavioral Health:

Behavioral Health AAS

Award/Program Credits
65

Behavioral Health: Addiction Recovery AAS

Mental Health Aide

Mental Health Support Specialist

Award/Program Credits
33

Program Information

Location
Pueblo Campus
Southwest
Fremont Campus
Pathway
Social & Behavioral Science
Awards
AAS, Certificate
Course Availability
Day
Evening
Online
Program Start
Every Semester
Program Length
4 Semesters

Contact

Department Chair
Dr. Kendal Wellington Humes
719-549-3402
beh@pueblocc.edu

Nursing and Allied Health Teaching and Learning Center
1000 Minnequa Ave
Suite 4328, Room 4333
Pueblo, CO 81004

Dr. Kendal Wellington Humes

Dr. Kendal Wellington Humes has the distinction of being the first department chair for Pueblo Community College’s expanded behavioral health program. He joined...
Pueblo Campus |

Students who want to enroll and begin earning a microcredential in behavioral health can apply for PCC’s Behavioral Health Incentive scholarship, which covers tuition and fees.

For more information, submit an interest form.