Behavioral Health Academic Noncredit   

Provides a community oriented, service-related, and civic engagement experience from a social work perspective. The course requires at least 30 hours of service to a pre-approved community organization to enhance academic and civic learning, and covers social problems addressed by the organization. The course integrates social justice, socioeconomic, and political issues to personal and professional development within the field of social work.

This foundational course introduces students to the behavioral health field, exploring mental health and wellness concepts, common behavioral health disorders, and the diverse settings and professionals involved in providing care. Participants will develop an understanding of therapeutic communication, motivational interviewing, clinical documentation, ethical and legal responsibilities, and the importance of culturally responsive, client-centered care. The course also examines human development, stress, resilience, and the factors that influence behavior and recovery. Learners will gain valuable insight into behavioral health career pathways while building the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

This course can be used as PLA towards a Behavioral health Assistant or Behavioral Health Plus Certificate. Learn more about these certifications: Behavioral Health | Arapahoe CC.

Effective communication is at the heart of successful behavioral health practice. This course equips participants with practical therapeutic communication skills, including active listening, empathy, rapport building, motivational interviewing, and person-centered approaches. Learners will explore how cultural, social, and individual factors influence communication while developing techniques to foster trust, encourage meaningful dialogue, and support client growth. Emphasis is also placed on ethical communication practices, professional boundaries, self-awareness, and the use of verbal and nonverbal communication to create supportive, client-centered interactions.

This course can be used as PLA towards a Behavioral health Assistant or Behavioral Health Plus Certificate. Learn more about these certifications: Behavioral Health | Arapahoe CC.

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, respond to, and support individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises. Through a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, learners will explore crisis intervention strategies, de-escalation techniques, suicide prevention, harm reduction, and effective communication skills. Participants will also examine legal and ethical considerations, develop self-awareness and self-care practices, and learn to create supportive, stigma-free environments. By the end of the course, learners will be prepared to assess crisis situations, provide appropriate support, and implement intervention strategies for diverse populations.

This course can be used as PLA towards a Behavioral health Assistant or Behavioral Health Plus Certificate. Learn more about these certifications: Behavioral Health | Arapahoe CC.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of behavioral health case management, with a focus on strengths-based approaches that support client success. Participants will learn the full case management process, including intake, assessment, goal setting, care coordination, advocacy, crisis intervention, and case closure. Emphasis is placed on developing accurate, objective, and ethical clinical documentation using industry-standard practices such as the SOAP documentation model. Learners will also explore confidentiality requirements, legal and ethical considerations, and strategies for recognizing and managing personal bias to ensure effective, client-centered care.

This course can be used as PLA towards a Behavioral health Assistant or Behavioral Health Plus Certificate. Learn more about these certifications: Behavioral Health | Arapahoe CC.