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Behavioral Health Technician

Certificate of Proficiency Training

General Information

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) received approval from the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) and the Utah Division of Occupational Licensing (DOPL) to begin offering the new Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) certificate training starting spring 2024.

The BHT is a new associate-level professional designation that provides an individual with the opportunity to gain formal education in the field of mental health, and experience providing entry-level client services. The BHT does not require completion of an associate degree and may be completed prior to finishing an associate degree. The BHT is regulated by the Utah Division of Occupational Licensing (DOPL). Once the SLCC BHT certificate has been awarded, students are able to then apply with the State of Utah for the BHT designation.

The SLCC BHT certificate training is open-enrollment and does not exclude prospective students based on admissions criteria. BHT coursework may be completed in 2 semesters (full-time) or 3 semesters (parttime) and was developed to overlay the Social Work associate degree. Therefore, by completing the BHT certificate, students will automatically complete all core Social Work associate degree course requirements.

SLCC BHT courses are offered in several formats (in-person, hybrid, and online) at SLCC’s affordable base tuition rate, and is financial aid eligible. Students may begin SLCC BHT coursework during the fall, spring or summer semesters depending on scheduled course offering.

Program Contacts

Prospective students who are interested in completing the BHT certificate training to qualify for the Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) designation should contact Dr. Hydo (rhydo@slcc.edu) or Brandi Benson (brandi.benson@slcc.edu) to request approval to enroll for the BHT certificate training.

BHT Core Courses

The SLCC BHT training comprises seven core courses (22 credits) which are listed below:

  1. SW1010 - Social Work and Social Welfare: The Profession and Institution
  2. SW2100 - Human Behavior in Soc Env
  3. SW2715 - Introduction to Dynamics of Addiction
  4. SW2720 - Mental Health
  5. SW2750 - Ethics and the Social Work Professional
  6. SW2990 - Practice for Behavioral Health
  7. SW2940 - Social Work-BHT-SUDC Internship

Community Internship Experience

SLCC BHT students will complete a required community internship during their last semester of study. This community internship experience provides students with exposure to the field of behavioral health, as a front-line interventionist. Students will work with BHT faculty to identify potential internship opportunities with organizations of interest (e.g., psychiatric hospital, residential treatment, community mental health, etc.).

Course Sequencing

SLCC BHT courses were developed to provide students with exposure to the most important functions of a front-line behavioral interventionist (e.g., assessment, case management, dynamics of addictions, ethics and standards for professional practice , etc.). SLCC BHT courses are completed in sequence and follow the schedule below:

Professional Designation

Once students have completed the SLCC BHT training program, and completed coursework has posted to their transcripts, students will become eligible to apply with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) for the BHT designation. Please reference the DOPL application page for more information and instructions regarding this process.

PLEASE NOTE: Salt Lake Community College does not grant BHT designations or licensure. It is the student’s responsibility to coordinate with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) to ensure that the previously completed bachelor’s degree and coursework meet DOPL requirements for the SSW license. DOPL Phone: (801) 530-6628. Students should additionally contact DOPL to review whether they have previously completed one or more of the required courses for SSW licensure.

BHT Scope of Practice

The BHT Scope of Practice was provided to the SLCC BHT program by USHE and are as outlined below:

  1. Works under the direct supervision of licensed professionals, who provide guidance, oversight, and evaluation of their work.
  2. May work under the indirect supervision of licensed professionals, performing specific services within the approved scope of practice.
  3. Collects intake assessment information used to determine the well-being of a patient and the potential type of treatment options that might be appropriate.
  4. Supports licensed clinical professionals in developing treatment plans and implementing interventions designed to address behavioral health issues.
  5. Conducts direct observation and monitoring of clients' behaviors, documenting significant observations, and reporting findings to the supervising professional.
  6. Facilitates therapeutic activities and recreational programs to enhance clients' social skills, emotional well-being, and overall functioning.
  7. Implements crisis intervention strategies in accordance with established protocols, ensuring the safety and well-being of clients during emergencies.
  8. Provides education and support to clients and their families on behavioral health issues, treatment options, and community resources.
  9. Implements behavioral management strategies including de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention as needed.
  10. Documents client progress, treatment interventions, incidents, and significant changes in behavior or condition.
  11. Maintains accurate and confidential client records, including progress notes, incident reports, and treatment plans, in compliance with applicable legal and ethical standards.

BHT Restrictions and Limitations

The Restrictions and limitations to BHT Scope of Practice were provided by USHE, and are outlined below:

  • The BHT does not diagnose mental health disorders nor prescribe medications.
  • The BHT does not provide mental health psychotherapy but may assist in the delivery of therapeutic support under the supervision of licensed professionals, as stated above.
  • The BHT does not engage in any activities outside the scope of practice or perform tasks beyond its certification.
  • The BHT maintains professional boundaries and refrains from engaging in any dual relationships with clients that could compromise ethical standards and appropriate care to clients.
  • The BHT must comply with all certification and professional standards for behavioral health professionals.

SLCC SUDC Core Course Descriptions

SW1010 – Social Work and Social Welfare: The Profession and Institution

This course examines current research regarding substance use disorders; the interplay between research and practice; the biological, sociological, and psychological factors related to the development of substance use disorders; and the assessment and intervention process in substance use disorder counseling. Accepted by the UofU and SLCC Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate Programs.

SW2100 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment

This course will introduce students to the dynamics of human behavior in the social environment focusing on the interrelatedness of the biological, psychological and social dimensions of human behavior. Additionally, the course will provide a practical and theoretical understanding of human behavior in the social environment focusing on the interrelatedness of the biopsychosocial dimensions of human behavior across the life span. An application of the use of various interventions and strategies will be introduced in order to comprehend the complexity of treatment plans in the adaptation of human behaviors.

SW2715 – Intro to Dynamics of Addiction

This course examines current research regarding substance use disorders; the interplay between research and practice; the biological, sociological, and psychological factors related to the development of substance use disorders; and the assessment and intervention process in substance use disorder counseling. Accepted by the SLCC and UofU Substance Use Disorder Treatment Training Certificate Programs.

SW2720 – Mental Health

This introductory course will discuss modalities and variables contributing to mental health issues and disorders. Several theoretical models of intervention will be discussed and used to provide the student a simulated clinical experience in the controlled environment of the classroom. DSM-V will be introduced as it is the primary diagnostic tool used in the United States.

SW2750 – Ethics and the Social Work Profession

This course will examine complex ethical aspects faced by social workers in professional practice utilizing the NASW Code of Ethics. Useful models and tools will be introduced to develop ethically appropriate professional behaviors. In preparation for ethical global practice the International Federation of Social Workers Ethical Principles will also be integrated.

SW2990 – Practice for Behavioral Health

This course introduces practice in behavioral health using the Planned Change Model. Students will learn effective communication, building client rapport and relationships, case documentation, crisis assessment, mandatory reporting, case management, care coordination, how to avoid compassion fatigue. Direct practice skills include screening, assessment, intervention, evaluation, and termination.