Behavioral Health

Effective: Fall 2023
Certificate of Achievement Program Map

This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

The Certificate of Achievement in Behavioral Health will prepare students for entry-level para-professional jobs in human services. The program will provide a historical context of the human services profession, and students will learn hard and soft skill sets to include: interpersonal relationships, cultural competency/humility, active listening, case management, group process, boundary setting, self care, empathy, compassion. Students in this program will also complete a human service fieldwork experience course.


What can I do with this major?

This program is designed to provide entry-level skills to work in human service positions and/or provide an applied foundation for further education in a variety of industries, including (but not limited to) counseling, psychology, social work, social justice work, and health care. Some job titles for positions in the Social and Human Service Assistant job category include: advocate, outreach specialist, community coordinator, social services coordinator, case management assistant, human services assistant, resource coordinator, socials services assistant, independent living skills specialist, youth advocate, case worker, shelter advocate, community support specialist.


Learning and Career Pathway
  • Social Sciences, Humanities & Education

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

8-9 units

PSCN 5
Introduction to Social Work and Human Services

3 units
Survey course introduces students to the human services field. Includes history, ethics, values, and principles of human and social services. Focus on modern practice, research techniques, and critical service provider skills. Students will explore community resources and human service roles and the development of a multicultural approach to working with diverse populations. same as APHC 9712
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
  • Transfers to CSU
  • List A Course

    2-3 units
    Choose one course from List A below.
    See the full list: (Click here)

    List B course

    3 units
    Choose one course from List B below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    Semester 2

    8-11 units

    PSCN 95
    Social Work and Human Services Fieldwork

    2-4 units
    This work-based learning course offers students a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution within human services/social work. Students will reinforce and apply knowledge gained in the prerequisite coursework while learning new skills outside of the classroom environment. In addition to engaging in fieldwork, student will attend a weekly class meeting that will complement their fieldwork experience. Students pursuing an AA-T in Social Work and Human Services need to complete a total of 2 units. Course study under this section may be repeated for a maximum of 16 units for occupational or a combination of general and occupational work experience education. One unit of credit is earned for each 75 hours of paid work or 60 hours of volunteer work per semester.
    Course Details:
    1. Corequisite: PSCN 96
    2. Prerequisite: PSCN 5
    3. or
    4. Prerequisite: PSY 1
    5. or
    6. Prerequisite: SOCI 1
  • Transfers to CSU
  • PSCN 96
    Social Work and Human Services Seminar

    1 unit
    This course provides the student who is participating in a supervised field experience in a community organization, agency, or institution with a weekly class meeting that provides the academic element to the experiential course offering. In conjunction with the required corequisite work experience course, students will gain insight about their future role as a Human Services/Social Work practitioner through discussion, problem solving, reflection, and evaluation with self, instructor, supervisor, and peers. Ethical, legal, professional, and social justice issues in the field of Human Services/Social Work will be addressed.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: PSCN 5
    2. or
    3. Prerequisite: PSY 1
    4. or
    5. Prerequisite: SOCI 1
    6. Corequisite: PSCN 95
  • Transfers to CSU
  • List C Course

    3 units
    Choose one course from List C below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    List D Courses

    2-3 units
    Choose 2-3 units from List D below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    List A

    Choose one course:

    PSCN 11
    Interpersonal Relationships

    2 units
    Exploration of behavior in interactions with others to benefit academic, career and personal development. Examination of feelings, self-acceptance, awareness, and understanding in human relationships (interpersonal and group). Practice of active listening skills, self-disclosure, empathy, and positive regard through various counseling approaches.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 12
    Self-Esteem For Success

    2 units
    Exploration of causes of low self-esteem, methods for building self-esteem and habits for success. Designed to improve self-esteem to ensure academic success.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 26
    College Success and the Chicano Experience

    1 unit
    Investigation of the relationship between Chicano cultural experiences and college success. Emphasis on examination of how Chicano cultural experience can affect collegiate success.
    Course Details:

    List B

    Choose one course:

    PSCN 4
    Multiethnic/Cultural Communication

    3 units
    Exploration of intercultural and interethnic communication behavior of individuals in relationships and/or groups, personal identity formation in the American context, historical development of culturally influenced communication styles, and evolution of new, American inter- and intra-group communication. Will examine social science research models, including single subject case study, in three (3) of the five (5) following groups: African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native/Indigenous Americans, Pacific Islander-Americans, Hispanic-Americans. Students will attend Bay Area cultural events.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 13
    Multicultural Issues in Contemporary America

    3 units
    Exploration of issues relating to the multicultural community in which we live today. Interpersonal relations and communication. Focus on improving the individual’s understanding of other cultures and how those cultures impact the American lifestyle. Includes exploration of myths and misunderstandings. Discussion of four specific cultures or sub-cultures from the following groups: 1) African-American, 2) Asian-American, 3) Hispanic-American, 4) Native-American, 5) Middle Eastern-American, 6) European-American, 7) Gay/Lesbian American, 8) Disabled American.
    Course Details:

    List C

    Choose one course:

    PSCN 1
    Introduction to Psychology-Counseling in a Multicultural Environment

    3 units
    Introduction to psychology-counseling theory, skills, techniques, and processes in working with individuals and/or groups. Multiculturalism in American society. Emphasis placed on issues and processes of a minority-majority environment. Includes review of demographics, social services, community agencies, and intervention programs. Fundamental counseling techniques, counseling theory and socio-cultural issues related to working in the “service provider” role. same as APHC 9710
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL C1000
    2. Strongly Recommended: PSCN 13

    PSCN 2
    Introduction to Case Management for Human Services

    3 units
    Introduction to case management theory, models and techniques. Multicultural issues affecting case management theory. Emphasis is placed on case management philosophy, ethical issues, concepts and practices. Analysis of needs, documentation and confidentiality and individualized client plan development. Analysis of inter-agency collaboration. Includes issues of monitoring an ongoing case management plan and maintaining client commitment to plan success. Designed to provide students with knowledge in case management theory implementation for Human Service, Social Work and/or Mental Health. same as APHC 9711
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: PSCN 13
    2. Strongly Recommended: PSCN 5
    3. Strongly Recommended: PSCN 4

    List D

    Choose 2-3 units from the list below:

    Any course not already used above

    3 units
    List A, B or C course not already used

    PSCN 3
    Drugs, Recovery and Prevention in Modern Society

    3 units
    Introductory course in the epidemiology and toxicology of substance abuse and addiction and their effects on individuals and society at large. Basic terminology used in alcohol, psychoactive drugs and other related addiction terms will be covered. Definitions and side effects of licit and illicit drugs, pharmacologic, neurologic and physiologic effects of addictive substances will be examined. Analyze theories of socioeconomic and political ramifications of the drug industry. Investigate current models of prevention, treatment planning, recovery, local resources and client monitoring.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
  • Transfers to CSU
  • PSCN 10
    Career and Educational Planning

    2 units
    Exploration of the concept of career, educational and life planning focusing on personal career development through self-assessment. Emphasis on clarification of individual interests, values, needs, abilities and decision making styles, investigation of occupational opportunities in the world of work, and introduction to job search strategies, resume writing and interview skills. Designed for those undecided or uncertain about their career and educational plans.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 15
    College Study Skills

    2 units
    Review of study skill techniques for success in college. Emphasis on time management, personal learning style, active listening, note-taking and test-taking strategies. Includes modeling, practice and evaluation of study skill techniques.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 18
    University Transfer Planning

    0.5-1 units
    Introduction to the resources and planning process needed to ease transition from community college to a four-year college or university. Development of a transfer action plan. Preparation for major and general education requirements. Application cycles and important deadlines. Recommended for those transferring to four-year colleges or universities.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 20
    The College Experience

    2 units
    Explores academic programs, college policies, student rights and responsibilities, graduation and transfer requirements, student services, campus resources and activities, and introduces the concept of educational planning through self-assessment. Emphasis is on self-assessment of individual interests, values, needs, and abilities. Designed for first time, returning and re-entry students to ease transition into college and maximize successful matriculation through college toward academic/vocational goals. (May not be taken for credit if General Studies 20 has been completed.)
    Course Details:

    PSCN 21
    Strategies for College Success

    1 unit
    Assessment of learning and college life. Introduction to practical strategies for success in college. Includes student academic programs, college policies, student rights and responsibilities, graduation and transfer requirements, and campus resources and activities. Designed for first-time, returning and re-entry students to ease transition into college and maximize success towards their academic goals. May not be taken for credit if Psychology Counseling 20 or General Studies 20 has been completed.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 22
    College Success Series

    0.5-1.5 units
    Workshop format focusing on practical strategies for success in college. Workshop topics may include personal, academic and/or career goal setting; transitioning and adapting to higher education; educational planning for graduation and/or transfer; support services and campus resources; majors and careers; plus other topics as student needs are identified. Designed for all students to maximize their potential with emphasis on enhancing the new student’s transition into college.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 23
    Creating Success in College and Life

    3 units
    A course designed to equip students for lifelong learning and developing critical thinking that will facilitate their adjustment to the college environment and the successful pursuit of their educational and career goals. This course provides an introduction to academic skills and strategies, campus resources and activities, decision making and planning, college policies and procedures, interpersonal communication, stress management techniques, self-exploration and goal setting, and student rights and responsibilities.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 24
    Personal Growth

    1 unit
    The course is designed for students with disabilities to improve life management skills. Through this course, students explore behaviors by interacting with others and improving interpersonal skills to benefit academic, career, and personal development.
    Course Details:

    PSCN 26
    College Success and the Chicano Experience

    1 unit
    Investigation of the relationship between Chicano cultural experiences and college success. Emphasis on examination of how Chicano cultural experience can affect collegiate success.
    Course Details:

    ES 1
    Introduction to Ethnic Studies

    3 units
    An introduction to Ethnic Studies: an interdisciplinary and comparative study of race and ethnicity with a special focus on four historically defined racialized core groups: Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o/x/e Americans. The course will review core concepts and frameworks from Ethnic Studies disciplines, such as racism, white supremacy, settler colonialism, imperialism, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, intersectionality, abolition, anti-racism, and more. Students will apply theories and knowledge produced by communities of color and typically studied in: African American/Black Studies, American Indian/Native American Studies, Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies, and Chicana/o/x/e and Latina/o/x/e Studies. The course will also examine examples of struggle, solidarity and resistance while engaging in current justice and equity movements focused on dismantling white supremacy, colonialism, imperialism, and other forms of oppression targeting communities of color.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU
  • PSY 1
    General Psychology

    3 units
    Introduces students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Provides an overview of major psychological concepts and theories in such areas as consciousness, learning, memory, motivation, perception, personality, stress, and social behavior.
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
  • Transfers to CSU
  • SOCI 1
    Principles of Sociology

    3 units
    Designed to illuminate the way students see their social world. Uses a sociological perspective: scientific study of human interaction and society, with emphasis on impact of groups on social behavior. Includes the systematic examination of culture, socialization, social organization, social class, race, gender, deviance, social change and empirical methodology. These content areas are woven throughout the fabric of the course, particularly as they affect the lives of at least three of the following groups: African Americans, Latinx Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, Arab Americans and/or women.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU
  • Total Units: 16-20 units