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.
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
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.