Behavioral Health

An estimated one in five Coloradans lives with a mental health or substance use disorder, driving demand for qualified behavioral health workers. By the end of the decade, positions for behavioral health counselors are expected to grow by almost 30% .

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.

Microcredentials are designed with input from behavioral health professionals and can be completed in a year or less. Once you complete your training, you’ll receive a letter validating your skills and competencies.

Available Pathways by CCCS College

Development of entry-level behavioral health knowledge and competencies needed to become an effective entry-level behavioral healthcare practitioner and eligible to be included in a Medicaid care team. Upon completion of this coursework, they will be a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant as outlined by the State of Colorado Behavioral Health Administration.

Building upon the QBHA-I through service-learning experience and a deeper analysis and understanding of diversity, students develop both theoretical and experiential knowledge of behavioral health care and practice.

Effective addition to almost any role, ensuring development of foundational behavioral health knowledge that can be applied in a variety of settings.

Development of navigation skills within behavioral healthcare services and systems, ensuring students are prepared to support clients in identifying resources. Patient navigators will focus on promoting client health and wellbeing. While not directly providing services, patient navigators are equipped with skills and competencies from this pathway.

Development of 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.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Health program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to make a positive impact on individuals and communities facing behavioral health challenges. This program blends academic coursework with applied training to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the field of behavioral health and provide a solid foundation for further education in related fields.

Program Applicants

Interested in enrolling in a behavioral health program? Find and contact your local community college to get started.

Employers & Industry Experts

Interested in partnering with CCCS as an instructor or through a company training program?

Employer Collaboration Form

Behavioral Health Microcredentials are supported by the following:

Senate Bill 22-181 allocates $15 million to CCCS to design a new stackable behavioral health training program that links the state’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, available in Colorado high schools, with certificate and degree programs offered at CCCS’s 13 community colleges.

Education Design Lab (EDL) – CCCS has partnered with Education Design Lab to build eight “micro-pathways” in energy and behavioral healthcare – two of the fastest growing and critical industries in Colorado.