Make an impact in your community by earning stackable certificates, associates or bachelor's in behavioral health. Gain skills that lead to a fulfilling career by making a difference in people's lives and advancing behavioral health initiatives across diverse populations and settings. Choose between Addiction Recovery degree or Mental Health and Wellness degree.
degree pathways
BAS, AAS, and Certificates

The Behavioral Health program is designed to develop foundational behavioral health knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to support individuals, families, and communities across a variety of behavioral health settings. 

The degrees and certificates are specifically designed with students in mind, integrating evidence-based curriculum and experiential learning through case scenario application, simulations, service learning, and internship opportunities that support communities. Students are equipped with crisis management and de-escalation skills, trauma-informed practices, prevention and intervention strategies, as well as case management. 

Students can choose between two separate degrees that best align with their passion, Behavioral Health Addiction Recovery or Behavioral Health Mental Health and Wellness. Behavioral Health Addiction Recovery degree focuses on supporting individuals impacted by substance use. While Behavioral Health Mental Health and Wellness degree is designed to promote well-being across diverse communities. Enroll directly into the bachelor's or associate degrees, or start with a stackable certificate i.e. Addiction Recovery Certificate (stacks into Addiction Recovery degree) or Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant (QBHA that stacks into Mental Health and Social Work/Wellness degree). Coursework from the certificates directly applies into the curriculum of AAS and BAS degrees in the specific degree chosen. Choose a path that is right for you and make a positive impact on individuals and communities facing behavioral health challenges.

CCD Behavioral Health students in a group counseling session
Fall 2026 Scholarship Now Available!
The Behavioral Health Program has received scholarship funds for the Fall 2026 semester, and the scholarship is now open!

This scholarship closes August 4th, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST. This scholarship is available for students enrolled in either the BEH+ certificate or the QBHA certificate. The 3 credit courses in the certificates will be eligible for $750 ($250 per credit), and the 1 credit courses will be eligible for $250 award. This is a first come, first serve scholarship and funds are limited. These funds apply to the tuition only. CCD fees are a separate cost that this scholarship does not cover. 

 Clink the link to apply and for more information! Application to Fall 2026 BEH Scholarship

Behavioral Health
Mental Health & Wellness

The Behavioral Health, Mental Health & Wellness degree is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on individuals and communities facing behavioral health challenges.

In the Mental Health & Wellness, students learn about why people act the way they do, which is useful in many jobs in professional fields such as social work, counseling, and psychology. Students can begin work as case managers, behavioral health technicians, or program managers applying themselves in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, and residential treatment centers.

This program blends academic coursework with applied training to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the field of behavioral health and provides a solid foundation for further education in related fields.

Mental Health & Wellness
Degree & Certificate Options

Explore your pathway within the Mental Health & Wellness degrees below. The Mental Health & Wellness degree features three stackable certificates that seamlessly transfers into the associate and bachelor’s degrees. Every course in this degree counts toward each credential (certificate, associate, and bachelor’s), ensuring your progress applies directly across all levels.

Behavioral Health Bachelor of Applied Science (Mental Health & Wellness)

BAS
Bachelor of Applied Science Degree | 120 Credits
Direct to Work

Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science (Mental Health & Social Work)

AAS
Associate of Applied Science Degree | 67 Credits
Direct to Work

Behavioral Health Assistant II

CERT
Certificate | 16 Credits
Direct to Work, Stackable

Behavioral Health Assistant I - QBHA

CERT
Certificate | 10 Credits
Direct to Work, Stackable

Behavioral Health +

CERT
Certificate | 6 Credits
Direct to Work, Stackable

Patient Navigator Certificate

CERT
Certificate | 12 Credits
Direct to Work, Stackable
Behavioral Health
Addiction Recovery

The Behavioral Health, Addiction Recovery degree is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on individuals and communities facing addiction based challenges.

In the Addiction Recovery degree students are prepared for a diverse career options in the field such as certified addiction technicians, peer recovery specialists, or prevention specialists. Graduates may be able to seek positions in residential treatment centers.

This program blends academic coursework with applied training to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the field of behavioral health and provides a solid foundation for further education in related fields.

Legal Disclosure: The Community College of Denver Behavioral Health program academically prepares students to successfully complete certificates or programs necessary to be eligible to sit for state licensure.  CCD strongly encourages applicants to understand state licensure requirements as CCD does not oversee licensure for CAT, CAS, or LAC.  The state is the final authority on licensure, and students as well as practitioners are responsible to maintain and follow state guidelines set forth by the state of Colorado.  Refer to Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) for more information.
Addiction Recovery
Degree & Certificate Options

Explore your pathway within the Addiction Recovery degrees below. The Addiction Recovery degree features one stackable certificate that seamlessly transfers into the associate and bachelor’s degrees. Every course in this pathway counts toward each credential (certificate, associate, and bachelor’s), ensuring your progress applies directly across all levels.

Behavioral Health Bachelor of Applied Science (Addiction Recovery)

BAS
Bachelor of Applied Science Degree | 120 Credits
Direct to Work

Behavioral Health Associate of Applied Science (Addiction Recovery)

AAS
Associate of Applied Science Degree | 67 Credits
Direct to Work

Addiction Recovery Assistant

CERT
Certificate | 20 Credits
Direct to Work, Stackable
More Information About the Program

Academic support is provided through CCD’s Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building.

The Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers a variety of modalities including in-person, online, and hybrid learning. Each course may have different modality options.

Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.

Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu

The Behavioral Health+ and Behavioral Health Assistant (QBHA), and Patient Navigator certificates are not eligible for financial aid.

The Behavioral Health Assistant II and Addiction Recovery Assistant certificates and the Behavioral Health AAS are eligible for financial aid.

Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.

In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Learn More!

What Can I Do with My Major?

Students who successfully complete the Associate's Degree in Behavioral Health can work in Addiction Recovery as a Certified Addiction Technician, as well as other Addiction Recovery roles. Students can also work in the behavioral health field as Intake Coordinators and Liaisons, as well as Case Managers for a diverse group of individuals. 

How Much Can I Expect to Earn?

Students who complete the AAS can expect to earn a median salary of $44,000-55,000 depending on the role they enter.

All Behavioral Health certificates seamlessly transfer to the Associate of Applied Science in Behavioral Health. Complete a certificate and start working while you study and finish your associate degree.

View Stackability Breakdown from Certificates to AAS and BAS

 

This full-time program consists of academic courses, and in order to gain the best real-life experience students will engage in hands-on learning. Student will engage in service-learning at a certificate/associate level. Additionally, students either in Addiction Recovery Degree or Mental Health and Wellness Degree will engage in Practicum (requiring 90 hours over one semester) as well as an Internship (requiring 225 hours). This experience will prepare students to learn applicable skills in a real-world setting.  

Important Dates