Behavioral Health Assistant is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by InterCoast Colleges in West Covina, CA. The program takes 42 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $16,440.
Program Overview
This program provides the necessary knowledge, skill and attitude development needed to be effective in providing specific behavioral health services. The Behavioral Health Assistant works with other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers and/or substance use disorder counselors with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, education or dependent care. Upon completion of all requirements the student will be awarded a Certificate.
Program Objectives: This program provides the necessary knowledge, skill and attitude development needed to be effective in providing specific mental health rehabilitation services. Those services include community integration, intensive case management, assertive community treatment, skills development, and family psycho-education.
What Sets This Program Apart
The program's goal is to provide the mental health field with entry level, knowledgeable, and skilled assistants. The objective is to meet the requirement and demand for co-occurring disorder specialists, secure employment, and provide the student with advancement opportunities. Typical job titles include Addictions Counselor Assistant, Advocate, Clinical Assistant, Direct Support Professional, Residential Care Assistant, Social Services Aide, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Assistant, Mental Health Assistant, Mental Health Peer Advocates, Peer Partners, Parent Partners, Homeless Outreach, Peer Bridgers, Recovery Coaches, Wellness Outreach Workers (WOW), and Community Workers.
Admission Requirements & Process
Criteria for Admission
The Institution does not administer student visas. To enhance the success of its graduates and to ensure that only qualified applicants are accepted, the following factors are carefully considered prior to acceptance:
1. Prior Educational Background. Students must be at least 18 years of age or have earned a High School Diploma or GED or their equivalent for admissions consideration. Students must provide written proof of graduation. Documented proof of high school graduation or its equivalent must include a copy of a high school diploma or a GED, a high school transcript, and/or written certification by a cognizant authority for home-schooled students. Foreign high school diplomas and post-secondary degrees may require an official United States equivalency evaluation.
Ability to Benefit (ATB) Applicants. Ability to benefit is defined as sufficient aptitude to benefit from post-secondary education without a high school diploma or equivalent. No enrollment agreement may be signed prior to the applicant's demonstration of the aptitude to successfully complete the program to which he or she is applying (e.g. obtaining a passing score on the ability-to-benefit test or completing high school/GED equivalency). ATB students are not accepted in all programs.
2. Career Services. During the admissions interview, applicants discuss their potential and interest for employment in their chosen field.
3. Interest and Motivation. Of prime importance is the student's desire to succeed. Evidence of a willingness to make sacrifices is necessary to successfully complete their career program. A proper attitude is essential if the student is to gain the maximum from the learning experience in order to prepare for a new career.
4. Availability of Time. Of equal importance to the student's success is the availability of time to actively participate in classes, and additional time to complete projects, assignments, reading and/or homework.
How to Apply for Admission to Certificate Programs and Degrees
All applicants will participate in an interview with an admissions representative and successfully complete all other admissions requirements before being accepted into the training program. The interview usually lasts approximately one hour. During that time, the admission representative will discuss the various aspects of training, programs offered, tuition, and entrance requirements. If qualified, applicants may fill out application forms and complete the enrollment agreement or they may return to enroll at a later date. Applicants are encouraged to take a tour of the facility virtually or in person and may observe classes if they desire. Enrollment Agreements require the final approval by the authorized school official.
Veterans, eligible spouses, or dependent applicants must wait at least 24 hours from their initial inquiry to sign an enrollment agreement.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Accreditation
InterCoast Colleges is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). InterCoast Colleges has been accredited by ACCET since 1988. Accreditation is the process whereby an association or agency, recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, grants public recognition to a school, institute, college, or university, which meets certain qualifications and educational standards, as determined through initial and periodic evaluations. The essential purpose of the accreditation process is to provide a professional peer reviewed conclusion as to the quality of the educational institution or programs offered.
Please note: InterCoast Colleges is offering a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Addiction Studies with approval from its accreditor, ACCET. This Bachelor's Degree is not currently approved for Title IV funding. Final approval of this program is contingent upon the success of the accreditor's application to expand its scope with the U.S. Education Department. In the unlikely event that the accreditor does not gain Education Department approval, InterCoast will work with its enrolled students for their continued studies.
Approvals
InterCoast Colleges is a private institution that is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. That approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the CEC §94909(a)(2) and 5, CCR.
InterCoast locations are approved for training through WIOA, VA, TRA, EDD, State and Private Vocational Rehabilitation.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Offered Online Only. 720 Hours. 42 Weeks to Complete. Maximum Student/Teacher Ratio: Lecture 45:1, Lab 24:1. CIP Code: 51.1502. SOC Code: 29-2053 / O*NET: 21-1093.00. This program prepares graduates for the following occupation: Social & Human Services Assistant.
Curriculum
- PRO100 Career Development
- BHS100 Intro to Social and Human Services
- BHS101 Interpersonal Communications
- BHS123 Law & Ethics for SUD Counselors
- BHS127 Case Management
- BHS129 Group Counseling
- BHS131 Family Dynamics
- BHS136 Personal & Professional Growth
- BHS137 Special Populations and Cultural Diversity in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
- BHS120 Peer Support – Competencies of Practice
- BHS121 Community Health Work Strategies
- BHT101 Community Mental Health
- BHT102 Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Crisis Prevention & Intervention
- BHT107 Psychiatric Rehabilitation Principles, Methodology & Application
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
InterCoast Colleges is an eligible institution under the Pell Grant, SEOG, Direct Loans, Subsidized Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Programs. Students may also qualify for various alternative loan programs. For more information regarding eligibility for any of the programs, contact the InterCoast Financial Aid Office. Students will be asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applications for all available loan programs, including alternative and institutional loans will be discussed. The student will be notified of his/her financial award.
InterCoast participates in various tuition assistance programs, including but not limited to Veteran's Educational Benefits (VA), WIOA, TRA, Vocational and State Rehabilitation, tribal programs, alternative loan programs, and employer-sponsored programs, and such programs must be approved by the providing agency. Financial Aid is also available through the Title IV Programs under the U.S. Department of Education for those who qualify. Per ACCET standard, students are not financially obligated for greater than a one-year period at any time.
InterCoast is approved for training Veterans utilizing Veteran Administration Education benefits. InterCoast Colleges complies with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 and will not assess or implement any late fees for covered individuals who are using Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 VA Educational Benefits.
The catalog states the same amount as tuition and total program charges.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Employment Assistance Services
InterCoast Colleges offers job placement assistance for all students upon graduation at no additional charge; however, no guarantee of job placement, level of anticipated income, or wage rate is made or implied by the institution or any of its employees or representatives. InterCoast employs a Career Services Coordinator to assist graduates in contacting companies in order to secure employment. The Career Services Coordinator acts as a liaison between students and the employment community. Employment assistance efforts require both the graduate and institution to work hand in hand in the efforts. The graduate is expected to work diligently to secure employment, utilizing the career development training, soft skills training, and technical skills training received.
Graduates are encouraged to begin their employment search activities during externship and/or clinical internship training or within the last six weeks of schooling if applicable. Many students obtain employment without the assistance of the Career Services staff; however, the institution is available to assist eligible graduates at any time. All graduates will be provided placement assistance unless they are not eligible and/or if the graduate has submitted a valid student waiver of placement assistance.
What to Expect as a Student at InterCoast Colleges
Interactive Distance Learning (Fully Online or Hybrid)
Of equal importance to the student's success is the availability of time to participate in online classes, and additional time to complete classroom projects or homework as assigned. The more time spent on preparation and studying, the better the opportunity for achieving success. Students are required to log in and participate in forums, submit assignments, and/or take quizzes in any given week. Additionally, students will spend a significant time offline reading and studying. The student must manage their time carefully in order to succeed.
Online and Hybrid students must have access to a computer or tablet and internet in order to effectively participate in courses. Cell phone apps may not facilitate all required participation and cannot be relied upon for completing assignments. In addition, prior computer experience, including word processing knowledge, is helpful for success. The online LIRN Library can also serve as an access site to the many referenceable resources to complete all assignments. All online courses are delivered on-demand with weekly participation requirements.
InterCoast conducts classes throughout the year. These classes consist of structured modules, courses, or sections of instruction. Some classes may be offered online and/or in a hybrid format. The institution's system of scheduling modules allows participants to commence training at the beginning of most modules or terms.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Accreditation
InterCoast Colleges is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). InterCoast Colleges has been accredited by ACCET since 1988. Accreditation is the process whereby an association or agency, recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, grants public recognition to a school, institute, college, or university, which meets certain qualifications and educational standards, as determined through initial and periodic evaluations. The essential purpose of the accreditation process is to provide a professional peer reviewed conclusion as to the quality of the educational institution or programs offered.
Please note: InterCoast Colleges is offering a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Addiction Studies with approval from its accreditor, ACCET. This Bachelor's Degree is not currently approved for Title IV funding. Final approval of this program is contingent upon the success of the accreditor's application to expand its scope with the U.S. Education Department. In the unlikely event that the accreditor does not gain Education Department approval, InterCoast will work with its enrolled students for their continued studies.
Approvals
InterCoast Colleges is a private institution that is approved to operate by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. That approval to operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the CEC §94909(a)(2) and 5, CCR.
InterCoast locations are approved for training through WIOA, VA, TRA, EDD, State and Private Vocational Rehabilitation.