Bachelor of Applied Science - Behavioral Health

This course provides an in-depth exploration of substance use disorders, examining both historical perspectives and contemporary implications of addiction in American society, including considerations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students will study the basic pharmacology of alcohol and other drugs while analyzing addiction within broader social, cultural, political, and economic frameworks. The course will emphasize assessment criteria, evidence-based treatment methodologies, and recovery strategies.

This course investigates the variety of ways we can reduce the impacts of common mental health disorders. Reviewing evidence-based research, students survey the range of treatment options for common mental health disorders such as psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Formerly BH 360

This course examines how cultural, biological, and social diversity affect behavioral health and healthcare. It presents current theories and practices for working with diverse populations in the behavioral health field and fosters the understanding and application of cultural diversity, cultural humility, self-awareness, social justice, and advocacy.

This course provides an overview of ethics, legal standards, and professional responsibilities in behavioral healthcare. Students will explore behavioral health professionals’ obligations to clients, colleagues, society and themselves. The course emphasizes ethical standards, ethical decision-making, professional boundaries, confidentiality, and the application of federal and state laws to specific situations and populations in behavioral healthcare.

This course prepares students for practicum and employment. Activities include identifying professional goals, identifying relevant positions, self-assessment, application preparation, and preparation for supervision and consultation. Special attention will be given to wellness and self-care to promote health and longevity personally and professionally.

This course introduces the structures and processes of the human brain. Designed for non-science majors, the course emphasizes the relationships among biology, emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

This course provides an overview of case management within healthcare and human services. Students will develop skills in observation, problem-solving, documentation, and relationship-building through the exploration of the case management process, which includes client engagement and assessment, care planning, resource acquisition, and care coordination.

This course introduces the skills necessary to screen clients for common mental health conditions, service eligibility, complete intake processes, conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, and partner with clients to develop effective plans to achieve client-identified goals. Students are prepared to serve as effective helpers, carefully exploring their clients’ situation to develop insight before taking action.

This course provides a comprehensive survey of the major contemporary theories of counseling, as well as their implications for practice. Core topics such as historical background, key concepts, the counseling process, counseling techniques and procedures, multicultural perspectives, and evaluation are examined for each theory. Students are given the opportunity to conceptualize selected case studies, decide on appropriate counseling interventions, and practice a variety of techniques that are commonly used in counseling practice.

Through supervised clinical experience, students begin hands-on training in a behavioral health/human service field. Skills focused upon may include intake interviewing, case management, assessment of client/consumer needs, intervention strategies to meet those needs, individual and group counseling, outreach activities, documentation, use of community referral and networking resources, collaboration with colleagues, inter-agency communication, and professional growth. Ninety hours of recorded clinical experience are required each quarter.

This course is a continuation of supervised clinical experience, building on the skills and experience gained in Practicum I. Students are exposed to new clients, professionals, and services in behavioral health/human services. In collaboration with practicum supervisors and agency staff, students will work on new skills. Formerly BH 492

This course provides students opportunities for continued practice in behavioral health/human services while actively providing services to clients, implementing developed skills. Students will have more opportunities for unsupervised work and collaboration with a variety of team members and community partners. Students will demonstrate synthesis of the knowledge, skills, and values developed through their education. Formerly BH 493

Students will be introduced to behavioral and social services, including history, philosophy, and current delivery systems to a diverse client population. 

Students will learn to enhance the effectiveness of groups by examining a variety of roles, models, and norms of group work. Students will develop therapeutic group leadership skills through facilitation of simulated group sessions.