RRCC’s Behavioral Health programs equip students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch meaningful careers in mental health and social services.
The AAS in Mental Health and Social Work provides a foundation in behavioral health theory and applied practice, preparing graduates to work in clinics, hospitals, community centers, and social service agencies.
Students can choose from one of two electives to specialize their training:
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training – This course prepares students to take the RBT certification exam and begin careers in applied behavior analysis.
- Certified Peer and Family Support Specialist (CPFS) Training – This course prepares students to take the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Peer Recovery (PR) exam and earn CPFS credentials.
Red Rocks also offers four stackable microcredentials (certificates) to progressively build skills (see full list below under Degrees & Certificates). These certificates prepare graduates for a variety of careers, including:
- Behavioral Health Assistant
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Care Coordinator
- Community Corrections Technician
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Education Case Manager
- Intake Coordinator
- Patient Access Specialist
- Peer Support Specialist
- Registered Behavioral Therapist
Start with a short certificate, stack it into a degree, and keep climbing as far as your goals take you. Every step leads to new career opportunities.
Option 1: Behavioral Health Plus
6 credits: a short add-on
Possible jobs:
- Education Case Manager
- Intake Coordinator
Adds behavioral health skills to a current role in health care, schools or human services
Option 2: Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant
10 credits: a year or less
Possible jobs:
- Behavioral Health
- Assistant
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Residential Support Staff
Option 3: Patient Navigator
12 credits: a year or less
Possible jobs:
- Patient Navigator
- Patient Access Specialist
- Care Coordinator
Option 4: Behavioral Health Assistant II
16 credits: a year or less
Possible jobs:
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Community Corrections Technician
- Behavioral Health Technician
AAS in Mental Health and Social Work
67 credits: about 2 years - choose an RBT or Certified Peer and Family Support Specialist training elective
Possible jobs:
- Registered Behavior Technician
- Certified Peer and Family Support Specialist
- Behavioral Health Technician
- Case Management Aide
- Residential Counselor
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
BAS in Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Wellness
120 credits total: about 4 more semesters after the AAS - includes a practicum and a 225 hour internship, enrolling Spring 2027
Possible jobs:
- Case Manager
- Care Coordinator
- Program Coordinator or Manager
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Community Outreach Specialist
- Residential Program Supervisor
- Intake and Assessment Specialist
Makes you eligible to apply to master's programs in counseling and social work (see below)
Planning to transfer to the MSU Denver MSW program? You must complete PSC 1011 American Government as part of your BAS.
Your Red Rocks BAS makes you eligible to apply to master's programs in counseling and social work, the path to becoming a licensed therapist, counselor or clinical social worker in Colorado.
Option 1: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Example: MSU Denver MSW Regular Program for non-social-work bachelor's degrees
60 credits: 2 years full time, 3 blended or 4 part time - online or mixed format
Required for MSU Denver: if you plan to transfer to the MSU Denver MSW program, you must complete PSC 1011 American Government as part of your BAS degree.
Licenses: LSW after graduating, then LCSW after 3,360 supervised hours over at least 2 years and the ASWB Clinical exam.
Possible careers:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Medical or Hospital Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Child and Family Therapist
- Clinical Supervisor
Option 2: Master's in Counseling
Clinical Mental Health or Addiction Counseling
Typically 60 credits with a 700 hour practicum: about 2 to 3 years - look for CACREP accredited programs
Licenses: LPCC candidate after graduating, then LPC after 2,000 supervised hours and the NCE exam. The LAC is a separate license for addiction counseling.
Possible careers:
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Clinical Therapist
- Licensed AddictionCounselor
- Clinical Supervisor
- Private Practice
Credits reflect the 2026-27 RRCC catalog. Graduate admission requirements such as GPA and prerequisites vary by program, and Colorado licenses also require the state jurisprudence exam. Meet with an advisor to map out your next step.
At RRCC, behavioral health courses are taught by caring instructors who bring professional experience and insight into the classroom. With small class sizes averaging 20 students, students receive personalized guidance, mentorship, and support throughout their studies.
RRCC’s AAS in Mental Health and Social Work combines academic coursework with applied training, preparing students for a range of careers in mental health and social services. In addition, four short-term certificates ranging from 6 to 16 credits deliver a fast track into the behavioral health field.
Designed with input from behavioral health professionals, these microcredentials provide students with the foundational skills to enhance their existing credentials or enter the workforce.
By the end of the decade, positions for behavioral health counselors are expected to grow by almost 30%.
By earning a microcredential in behavioral health, you’ll learn foundational skills to begin working in your community and earn college credit to continue your professional training.
Microcredentials are designed with input from behavioral health professionals and can be completed in a year or less. Once you complete your training, you’ll receive a letter validating your skills and competencies.
ALL four of RRCC's microcredentials are also stackable toward completion of our new AAS in mental health and social work.
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.
Red Rocks Community College offers courses in Arvada, Lakewood and online as well as hybrid courses.
In collaboration with Colorado 4-year schools, Colorado has developed a statewide guaranteed transfer program to create a seamless transfer.
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.