The Associate of Applied Science degree in Behavioral Health at Pikes Peak State College offers foundational knowledge and skills for starting a career in behavioral health. The program provides insight into human behavior relevant to many professions, including other human services fields. It can also lead to opportunities in addiction recovery and advanced degrees for careers like professional counseling, social work, and psychology.
There are two areas of emphasis you may choose: Addiction Recovery or Mental Health & Social Work.
Yes! We are delighted to announce the Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Health will be offered starting the Fall semester of 2025.
All books for Counseling (CNS) and Behavioral Health (BEH) courses are free. You may find out what book costs are for the other courses (i.e. Psychology, English, Communications) at the bookstore website.
Almost all courses in the Behavioral Health program have the option of being either fully online (Motivational Interviewing has an in-person component), fully in person or a mix of the two (hyflex). Here are the four course options you may choose from:
The Behavioral Health Program is located at the Downtown Studio Campus (100 West Pikes Peak Ave.) where all of the in-person courses are held. All courses in the Behavioral Health program have the option of being either fully online, fully in person or a mix of the two (hyflex). Here are the four course options you may choose from:
The Associate/Bachelor of Applied Science (AAS/BAS) in Behavioral Health is a career-focused degree program that provides students with specialized knowledge and hands-on skills needed to make a positive impact on individuals and communities facing behavioral health challenges.
The program combines targeted academic coursework with practical training, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the behavioral health field. Students complete a focused curriculum of professional courses along with foundational general education requirements that directly support their career goals.
This program provides both the technical expertise for entry-level positions in behavioral health and a solid foundation for those who may wish to pursue further education in related fields.
Early registration is crucial to secure your desired classes.
Follow nstructions on registering for classes in Navigate or Schedule appointment with an academic advisor
It depends on the program you wish to sign up for (Addiction Recovery or Mental Health and Social Work). View all classes you need to take to reach your goals, and meet with your academic advisor to determine the best course sequencing for you.
If you’re pursuing more than a certification or AAS/BAS degree, then you will have to submit a previous degree appeal. The only reason you might want to submit previous transcripts would be if there are courses that may apply to the program here or as proof of a degree for exemptions for placement testing. If you do submit your transcript, they need to be sent to PPSC’s Records Office either electronically to records@pikespeak.edu or by mail at: 5675 South Academy Blvd, Box C-8 Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Third party transcripts are not accepted. If you have additional questions about transcripts, please contact Records.
You may submit a prior learning assessment:
PLA Student Agreement — MOU This is if you have completed the QBHA requirements at a previous institution.
PLA Student Agreement -- Non-MOU Industry Certification, Professional Licensure, or Portfolio If a student submits a portfolio, it needs to be evaluated by faculty. This is the only option that includes the $40 fee.
According to the Colorado Department of Higher Educations (for details see pages 9 – 20):
See the PPSC website for additional information (scroll to bottom) regarding pay in the Behavioral Health field.
This program is designed for those seeking Behavioral Health positions or for those already working in the Behavioral Health profession. Plus we have service-learning opportunities available in the community!
It depends...
We encourage interested applicants to thoroughly research the employment requirements in their state before enrolling in the Behavioral Health program. Individuals with certain criminal convictions may not be eligible for consideration in practicum, internship, employment, and/or certification. These disqualifying convictions include violent felonies, unlawful sexual behavior, domestic violence felonies, and felony child abuse convictions. This non-comprehensive list is subject to change based on state statutes and guidelines. While individuals with these criminal convictions are welcome to complete our program, they unfortunately may be ineligible for placement at many of our Behavioral Health industry partner sites due to legal restrictions and industry hiring practices.
For admission into any of the behavioral health program pathways, we do not require a background check. For those pursuing either of our two AAS degrees or the Behavioral Health Assistant II Certificate, they will have courses that require service-learning hours at a local organization. Some of these sites may require a background check, drug screening, and/or COVID/flu vaccines.
For those interested in addiction recovery work, who have experience with their own addiction struggles, this is NOT a hindrance. Lived experience is often seen as valuable when working in the addiction recovery field.
Some information below when thinking about seeking future licensure:
Yes, both the Bachelor and Associate of Applied Science in behavioral health will provide service-learning and internship opportunities in the behavioral health industry.
Upon completion of the Behavioral Health degree program, students should be able to:
We offer two pathways to begin your career in behavioral health:
If you choose an emphasis in Mental Health & Social Work, you can earn your Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant (QBHA) Certificate in one semester.
OR
If you choose an emphasis in Addiction Recovery, you can earn your Addiction Recovery Assistant/Certified Addiction Technician certification in two semesters, qualifying you for entry-level positions in addiction treatment settings.
Both pathways provide immediate career opportunities in behavioral health settings while allowing you to continue your education if you choose to pursue an advanced degree.
Yes!
Addiction Recovery Emphasis:
OR
Mental Health & Social Work Emphasis:
Additionally, have a Behavioral Health Plus certificate that may enhance any PPSC degree, or for working professionals.
Yes! Pikes Peak State College offers 5 certification options that may be obtained in conjunction with your degree or on their own:
Students may earn a certificate on their way to their degree. However, they must apply for graduation to earn the certificate. The best way for students who are enrolled in a degree but have completed requirements for a certificate to obtain the credential is to complete the graduation application each semester they complete their certificate requirements.
No. The Behavioral health program does not meet the state licensure requirements for the states below without additional training or additional licensure: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington D.C., American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Northern Marianas, Palau, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands.
For more information:
Licensing Board
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners, 303-894-7800
Completing either the Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health or the Addiction Recovery Assistant Certificate fulfills only the educational requirements needed to become a Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) in Colorado. To become officially certified, you must also:
For complete information about certification requirements, including work experience hours and examination details, please visit the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.