The Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant Certificate helps prepare students to develop foundational behavioral health knowledge, including entry-level skills in therapeutic communication, case management and documentation, as well as crisis intervention.

Note: Upon successful completion of this certificate, individuals will obtain a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant Micro-Credential as outlined by the Behavioral Health Administration.

 Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant certificate program, students should be able to: 

• Apply evidenced-based crisis intervention techniques (such as, active listening skills) in behavioral health settings.

• Construct objective documentation records that adhere to ethical and legal standards.

Medicaid Competencies: Under supervision, these individuals will be able to do elements of: 
Wellness Promotion, Education, Community Needs Assessment, Screening, Referral, Crisis Management, Case Management, Orientation to Services, and Individual & Group Interventions. 

Coursework: 10 credit hours* 

1. PTE 1010 Introduction to Behavioral Healthcare and Wellness (3 credits – CTE) 
2. BEH 1001 MHCI: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 CREDITS – CTE)
3. BEH 1030 Case Management and Clinical Documentation (1 CREDIT – CTE)
4. BEH 2030 Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (3 CREDITS – CTE)

*Certificates less than 16 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid, but please contact financialaid@pikespeak.edu for additional funding options.

The Behavioral Health Assistant II Certificate is designed to provide students the opportunity to explore how diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives impact care given in behavioral health settings. In addition, this certificate provides experience in behavioral health crisis intervention and case management through documentation of services provided (including interventions, goals, progress, needs assessments, care coordination, etc.). The certificate incudes a service-learning experience in a behavioral health setting.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Behavioral Health Assistant II certificate program, students should be able to: 

• Apply culturally competent crisis intervention techniques in behavioral health settings.
• Construct objective documentation records that adhere to ethical and legal standards.
• Discuss how differences in diverse cultural backgrounds (such as, race, social class, age) impact individuals in behavioral health settings.

Coursework: 16 credit hours*

1. PTE 1010 Introduction to Behavioral Healthcare and Wellness (3 credits – CTE) 
2. BEH 1001 MHCI: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 CREDITS – CTE)
3. BEH 1030 Case Management and Clinical Documentation (1 CREDIT – CTE)
4. BEH 2030 Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (3 CREDITS – CTE)
5. SOC 2018 Sociology of Diversity (3 credits; GT SS3)
6. SWK 1100 Social Welfare and Community Agencies with Service Learning (3 CREDITS – GEN ED)

*Certificates of 16+ credits and degree programs are eligible for financial aid.

The Behavioral Health Plus Certificate can be an addition to many degrees (e.g., Certified Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, Criminal Justice, etc.). It is designed to prepare students to develop foundational behavioral health knowledge, entry-level crisis management, and de-escalation skills, which can be applied in a variety of settings.

The Behavioral Health Plus certificate is a great opportunity for working professionals to return to college and expand their skillset. Whether you are a Teacher, Human Resource provider, Nurse, or any other professional, this certificate can provide you with the foundational behavioral health knowledge and practical skills to better serve individuals across a variety of settings. As our communities' behavioral health needs continue to grow, this certificate can help meet the demand to become better equipped to handle the behavioral health aspects of these roles.

 Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Behavioral Health Plus certificate program, students should be able to: 

• Identify the warning signs of mental health distress.
• Distinguish mental health disorders in behavioral health settings.                                                                                                                                           

Coursework: 6 credit hours*

1. PTE 1010 Introduction to Behavioral Healthcare and Wellness (3 credits)
2. BEH 1001 MHCI: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 CREDITS – CTE)

*Certificates less than 16 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid, but please contact financialaid@pikespeak.edu for additional funding options.

The Patient Navigator Certificate is designed to prepare individuals to provide support and guidance to clients in behavioral health settings. Additionally, students will learn about privacy, confidentiality, and ethics in healthcare. Students can gain skills to help clients navigate the healthcare setting.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Patient Navigator certificate program, students should be able to: 

• Apply evidenced-based crisis intervention techniques (such as, active listening skills) in behavioral health settings.

• Demonstrate basic healthcare skills (e.g., aseptic handwashing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), vital signs).

Coursework: 12 credit hours*

1. HPR 1000 Introduction to Health (3 credits)
2. SOC 1001 Intro to Sociology I (3 credits; GT SS3) 
3. BEH 1001 MHCI: Mental Health Crisis and Intervention: Preparedness and Empathy (3 CREDITS – CTE)
4. BEH 2030 Applied Therapeutic Communication Skills (3 CREDITS – CTE)

*Certificates less than 16 credit hours are not eligible for financial aid, but please contact financialaid@pikespeak.edu for additional funding options.