Centralia College program approved for exclusive state certification
New state career track opens for graduates with Centralia College's bachelor’s degree in behavioral healthcare
Centralia College has been added to the list of training programs whose graduates
can achieve Behavioral Health Support Specialist certification from the Washington
State Department of Health.
Centralia College’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Healthcare (BAS-BH) was added to the state’s “approved programs” list this fall. The inclusion makes graduates from Centralia College’s BAS-BH program eligible to apply to become Behavioral Health Support Specialists.
“This recognition clears the way for our graduates to apply for this credential as they continue to impact our communities in powerful ways,” said Dr. Lori Sirs, BAS-BH professor. “We are the second such program to receive this approval in Washington State, in true Trailblazer spirit!”
Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) is a new profession in Washington State, established by the legislature in the 2023 legislative session. The BHSS is a bachelor level credential. Certified Behavioral Health Support Specialists provide evidence-based interventions for mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders. They can work anywhere behavioral health services are offered, including crisis and diversion settings, outreach, medical clinics and hospitals, and residential treatment centers.
Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Healthcare at Centralia College