A Direct Pathway to a Mental Health Career
Pursue an associate of applied science (AAS) in behavioral health support at STLCC and begin working soon after graduation — helping individuals, families and communities overcome mental health challenges and build healthier lives.
Why This Degree Gets You Working Quickly
- The AAS behavioral health support degree was created in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Behavioral Health Council — ensuring the coursework aligns with real-world needs.
- Practical, hands-on training in community settings prepares you to step into entry-level roles immediately.
- Graduates are qualified to work for state, county and local human service agencies; substance-use treatment centers; community mental health organizations; schools; and other social-service providers.
This program trains you to support clients with mental illness, as well as substance use and other challenges, through advocacy, education, care coordination and recovery support.
What is Behavioral Health Support at St. Louis Community College?
The behavioral health support AAS degree at STLCC was built with input from:
- The Missouri Department of Mental Health.
- The Missouri Behavioral Health Council.
- Local employers who hire behavioral health support staff.
This ensures your training matches what the field actually needs. You’ll learn to:
- Build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Conduct basic assessments and support treatment planning.
- Provide crisis support and de-escalation.
- Document progress and coordinate care.
- Navigate behavioral health and social service systems.
- Work ethically in highly sensitive situations.
- Support clients working toward recovery, stability and independence.
Clinical experiences and hands-on training put you in real community settings, preparing you to step directly into the workforce.
"[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 $122 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?