Behavioral Health Sciences, AAS (3331)

CIP: 511504

Program Description

Today, in a community where addiction and overdose have become normalized, it is essential to disseminate knowledge and skills for improved community behavioral health services including those for Serious Mental Illness (SMIs) and Serious Emotional Disturbances (SEDs) in youth and adults. The Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies degree programs (formerly known as Community Behavioral Health Technology) have been operational and educating competent behavioral health practitioners since 1996. Through the HSRS Department, students will receive training in behavioral health topics such as: addictions, psychiatric rehabilitation, intellectual developmental disabilities, peer mentoring, and adverse childhood experiences. Skill development and experiential training includes but is not limited to, Person-centered Therapy, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Recovery Coaching, Motivational Interviewing, assessment, treatment planning, prevention, and entry-level counseling skills. The Associate in Applied Science in Behavioral Health Sciences offers specialty courses in addictions, at-risk youth, mental illness, family systems theory and genograms, group dynamics, trauma-informed care, and case management. Students will receive specialized certifications in QPR, CPI, CPR/First Aid, SmartRxU, among other opportunities. The HSRS Department prepares students to work in a multitude of human service agencies from non-profit organizations, public entities, or private/ for profit practices such as licensed behavioral health facilities, psychiatric and addiction-specific rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters, intermediate care facilities, local hospitals/ behavioral health units, recovery residences, private practices, and transitional (corrections-based) facilities. The objectives of the Behavioral Health Sciences, AAS, in regards to the state of West Virginia, is to provide postsecondary educational opportunities to the behavioral health population, which is underrepresented and disadvantaged.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Combine interdisciplinary knowledge and skills regarding appropriate interventions in service delivery for adolescents, adults, and families.
• Integrate humanistic principles, values, and attitudes for serving individuals impacted by SMIs, SUDs, and SEDs including trauma and/or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
• Synthesize primary and secondary information, including data gathered from individuals, environmental characteristics, and appropriate literature sources.
• Prepare a recovery-oriented system of care through applying the best practices of Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
• Specify knowledge of human service roles, systems. and programs.
• Propose a shift towards the recovery model in local and state laws, facilities, and communities by promoting choice, societal change, access to resources and holistic approaches, and optimal community-based supports for diverse, underrepresented, and disadvantaged populations.

Program Assessment

Program Outcomes are assessed in targeted courses on specific assignments, as well as the institution’s General Education Assessment.