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Studying human psychology yields insights and understanding of human behavior. Applied psychology develops the ability to assist with changing or modifying counterproductive or dangerous behaviors. These skills are useful for designing workplaces and other social structures in ways that optimize human capacities and enjoyment. The B.S. in Applied Psychology degree completion program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help students earn a bachelor’s degree that prepares them for career roles in mental health services, business, education, healthcare, and social services. Learn more about how to become a behavioral health counselor and what our courses can do to get you started.
How to Become a Behavioral Health Counselor
Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, or a related field is the first step to a career as a behavioral health counselor. The role involves assisting clients with a wide variety of issues, including treating mental health disorders and substance abuse, developing family dynamics, improving human relationships, increasing self-esteem, and providing rehabilitation services.
Professional counselors hold at least a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, and are licensed by the state to provide counseling, psychotherapy, and other mental health services. However, there also are opportunities to use the skills and knowledge gained through the study of applied psychology at the bachelor’s degree level in human resources, healthcare, nonprofit agencies, and schools.
Our B.S. in Applied Psychology degree completion program meets the high standards of the American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major. This comprehensive program prepares students with research and analytical skills to use in their workplace, personal lives, and graduate degree programs. In May 2022, the median annual wage for counselors for substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health was $49,710, with the highest ten percent earning more than $82,710. Bachelor’s level job roles in the mental health field include:
- Human resources specialist
- Training and development specialist
- Case manager
- Mental health technician
- Psychiatric associate
- Adult rehabilitative mental health services (ARMHS) worker
- Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) worker
- Personal care attendant
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers several master’s degree programs of interest to our applied psychology graduates, including an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services.
Behavioral Health Counselor Duties and Responsibilities
Within the field of mental health, behavioral health counselors are responsible for the following duties and tasks:
- Evaluate and document the mental and physical health of clients
- Develop treatment plans and goals withclients
- Help clients identify behaviors and addictions they wish to improve upon
- Teach clients and others about substance abuse, stress, and other mental health issues
- Provide community resources and referrals for clients
- Engage with in-patient discharge planning and assist with life transitions
- Facilitate group counseling sessions around particular problems or within institutions
- Specialize in specific client populations, such as veterans, teenagers, or people with disabilities
Behavioral health counselors also may work with medical professionals and other medical team members, collaborating on treatments and goals. This provides more personalized treatment, helping individuals experience better mental, emotional, and physical health for a higher quality of life.
Degree Completion Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
The degree completion programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota are designed for students who want to finish their bachelor’s degree relatively quickly and have earned educational credits in the past. We accept past credits without imposing a time limit and allow the transfer of up to 90 credits altogether. These can be from technical colleges, community colleges, American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations gained through industry and military training, and college-level exams and standardized test scores.
Here are some details about the B.S. in Applied Psychology degree completion program:
- Can be completed in 1 year
- Students access courses via online learning
- Most courses have free access to course materials
- Multiple start dates
- Includes foundational and specialized courses
The tradition of Lasallian Catholic education at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota promotes high standards of ethical behavior, which aligns with the mission of counselors and mental health professionals. We encourage our students to serve and lead in ways that help our world become a better place for everyone. The compassionate vocation of counseling and the drive to understand human psychology fit well with the goals and standards of our Catholic university.
Start New Counseling Career Paths With an Online Degree Program
If you want to work in the mental health field or take the first steps to becoming a behavioral health counselor, let our admissions counselors help you through the application process for the applied psychology degree completion program. We offer guidance for credit transfers and enrollment. Meeting students where they are, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s goal is to support our students with highly personal, real-world-ready educational experiences that prepare them for fulfilling work within a greater life purpose. There are information sessions available for prospective students. For more information about how to become a behavioral health counselor and our accelerated bachelor’s degree programs, contact us today.
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