Mental Health Assistant (CMH)

This program is designed to prepare students to serve in a variety of mental health and social services settings. Graduates could function in any one of the following roles: caseworker aide, outreach worker, client advocate, therapy aide, community organizer, and other human services generalist positions. Students will learn through academic and field practicum experiences, sound methods of assisting individuals in developing productive responses to personal and social problems. Emphasis also will be placed on the personal growth and development of the individual student as it relates to their work with clients.

Graduates may transfer credits from this program to a variety of senior colleges offering a baccalaureate degree in such fields as social work, psychology and human services.

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is awarded upon completion of the requirements for this program.

Upon completion of this program students will be able to:

• Identify components of the Human Services Delivery System including:
  • The roles of the various members of the service delivery team.
  • Client assessment/referral/advocacy continuum.
  • The historical perspective and future trends of the Human Services field.
• Demonstrate application of the strength-based approach in the client-centered counseling process.
• Display an understanding, self-awareness and respect for the diversity among clients, colleagues and society as a whole.
• Exhibit the ability to use technology as a professional tool and to have an understanding of its impact on the field of Human Services, its clients and agencies.

Courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.