A Direct Pathway to a Mental Health Career
The associate in applied science (AAS) in behavioral health support at St. Louis Community College prepares you to support individuals, families and communities affected by mental health challenges and substance use disorders. This program provides the knowledge and skills needed to begin a career in behavioral health services soon after graduation.
Developed in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Behavioral Health Council, the program aligns with the needs of today’s behavioral health workforce. You’ll gain practical experience in community-based settings while learning how to provide support through advocacy, education, care coordination and recovery services.
What is Behavioral Health Support at St. Louis Community College?
The behavioral health support degree at STLCC prepares you to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorders and other barriers to wellness.
Through coursework and clinical experiences, you’ll learn how to:
- Build supportive relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Conduct basic assessments and assist with treatment planning.
- Provide crisis support and de-escalation.
- Document client progress and coordinate care.
- Connect individuals with behavioral health and social service resources.
- Apply ethical practices when supporting people through challenging situations.
Hands-on training and community-based experiences help you develop the confidence and skills needed to work directly with clients after graduation. You’ll be prepared to support individuals as they work toward recovery, stability and independence in a variety of behavioral health and social service settings.
"[Graduates] come in prepared to hit the ground running with the practical skills necessary to perform the job well and a much better understanding of the needs of the population, along with a strong understanding to work with people as human beings first and foremost."
- Jennifer Higginbotham, MSW, LCSW
Chief Program Officer, Independence Center
What Can You Do with a Behavioral Health Support Associate Degree?
You'll be in high demand with an associate in applied science degree. Workforce shortages, inadequate access to timely and affordable mental health care, and reduced stigma have created an abundance of new jobs in mental health support.
Graduates can begin work as a community support specialist. They are often the first line of support for individuals facing mental health conditions, substance use, trauma, unstable housing and other complex challenges. The work can be demanding because community support specialists:
- Work directly in the community, not just in an office.
- Visit clients in their homes or community settings.
- Support clients who may be in crisis or struggling with multiple stressors.
- Help people follow treatment plans, medications or recovery goals.
- Coordinate services across medical, mental health and social service systems.
- Advocate for clients who feel overlooked or misunderstood.
- Navigate issues like transportation, housing, food insecurity or access to care.
- Build trust with individuals who may have had negative past experiences with systems.
It’s a role that requires compassion, patience, communication and resilience. But it’s also a role where you see real progress, real relationships and real community impact. The work is challenging, personal and deeply human — and this associate degree gives you everything you need to step into that role right after graduation.
"I've always had a passion for helping others, and the time just felt right for me to follow my heart and get into a helping profession. For me, STLCC has been the perfect fit because it has provided a variety of experiences that have deepened my knowledge and strengthened my resolve to help others."
- Kathy Flynn, AAS, 2020
AAS in Behavioral Health Support
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Forest Park
- Hours to complete: 61
- Program contact name: Jenna Mueller
- Program contact email: jmueller258@stlcc.edu
- Program contact number: 314-644-9268
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Accreditation
St. Louis Community College is designated by the Division of Behavioral Health as a behavioral support program associate of applied science and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. All College degree programs are approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Behavioral Health Support Program
Exclusive Grant Financial Support Options
Take advantage of additional financial support for AAS in behavioral health support students. The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant supports education for employment in high-demand industries.
Select a One-of-a-Kind Program
STLCC leading the way by offering an associate in applied science in behavioral health support. STLCC's program gets you started helping people with mental health and other issues sooner.
Employment Opportunities Abound
Missouri has over 500 new job openings in mental health every year.
A Wide Range of Opportunities
Become qualified to work in state, county and local human service agencies, substance use disorder facilities, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools and more.
STLCC. What's your reason?