Area residents interested in a career helping others in the mental health or substance use fields can enroll this spring for the next cohort of the community behavioral health support degree program at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP).

“Through three practicum experiences and tailored instruction, students will develop the skills they need to enter this challenging but rewarding field in two years,” said program coordinator/lecturer Elizabeth Mahan.

More about the degree

The Associate of Applied Science in Community Behavioral Health Support degree provides a pathway to entry-level positions as a community support specialist and care coordinator.

Local salaries for these positions range from $28,000 to $47,800, based on poll of local employers, as well as information found on such job search sites as Glassdoor, Indeed, Intuit Mint and O*Net.

Potential careers

Careers in this field focus on addressing mental health and substance use disorders for adults and children in office, residential, homes, schools and communities. This degree can be utilized at many mental health agencies throughout the state of Missouri.

Locally, students with this degree can work at Behavioral Health Center at Ozarks Healthcare or Family Counseling Center, Inc., at Rise or Turning Leaf. “Due to a great need in the mental health and substance use fields, career opportunities are abundant,” Mahan said.

For more information about the community behavioral health support program, contact Mahan at 417-255-7253 or email WPBehavioralHealth@MissouriState.edu.

More information about admission and registration procedures can be obtained by calling 417-255-7955, emailing WPAdmissions@MissouriState.edu or visiting WP.MissouriState.edu.