Behavioral Health

What you'll learn

Step into the essential field of mental health as a valued paraprofessional with this Behavioral Health microcredential. Through a combination of classroom instruction and field experience, you will gain invaluable insights and skills essential for success in mental health settings. You will learn about behavior generally as well as the impact that substance abuse, trauma-related issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), physical and emotional abuse can have on behavior. You will learn about the latest developments in counseling and therapeutic care, drawing from principles of health psychology and patient treatment strategies. You will have the opportunity to put what you are learning to work in a 54 hour field work experience. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares you for continued study and provides some of the practical work experience you will need to pursue professional certification. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares you for continued study, internships and to immediately apply for entry-level or paraprofessional levels jobs such as community health specialist, behavioral health assistant, or mental health case manager. This microcredential serves as a precursor to the advanced training needed for the Behavioral Health Technician certification as well as for the CASAC (Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor) certification-your professor can help you prepare for next steps depending on your interests.

An online microcredential from SUNY Schenectady County Community College (75 instruction hours). Registration is completed with SUNY Schenectady County Community College. Eligible for financial aid.

Who can enroll

Ages 18 and up.

Upcoming sections

What you can earn

Pathway to Credit

This SUNY Schenectady County Community College course can count toward credit at the SUNY campuses below. Each campus decides how the credit applies; confirm with its admissions or registrar office.

Skills covered

Career outlook

Related occupations: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician

Healthcare support jobs in New York are projected to grow faster than average through 2032.