Submitted by The Evergreen State College
With its new Behavioral Health Support Specialist certificate program, The Evergreen State College is stepping up to address the shortage of behavioral health professionals. As the need for mental health care continues to grow, Evergreen’s certificate offers a practical solution for those looking to enter a field and make a difference.
In our state, one in five people struggle with mental health issues, but there aren’t enough professionals to help them. This shortage means many are left waiting for the care they need. To tackle this problem, the legislature created the new Behavioral Health Support Specialist role, which combines counseling and case management to offer better, more coordinated care.
Evergreen’s BHHS certificate can be completed in as little as over a year for those with relevant experience or for those just starting out in this amazing and necessary field in two years. This certificate program is designed to be flexible, with hybrid courses that fit into busy lives. Students earn academic credits that can also count toward a bachelor’s degree, making it an ideal option for those wanting to advance their education. The BHHS courses cover human growth and development, the assets and issues with the DSM, and the biology of the mind, the body, and how the two intertwine. Certificate coursework builds on these concepts with a heavy focus on counseling, understanding addiction and harm reduction. After finishing the instructional courses, participants will complete an internship with a medical institution. Evergreen is building partnerships with various clinics and rehabilitation centers, and students will also have the option to suggest agencies for their internships.
Emily Polak-Perez is the new Evergreen faculty for this certificate offering, bringing her PhD in Counseling Psychology and years of expertise to the program. She has extensive experience counseling patients with addictions and has focused heavily on the biopsychosocial model of care. For example, Polak-Perez wants students to approach treatment by addressing why a person is facing addiction instead of attempting to address substance use alone. “Shame doesn’t work,” she said. “It’s more about helping people realize why the substance isn’t serving them. A connection in counseling is powerful—slowly building a safe relationship with someone entrenched allows them to reach for help when they are ready.” She hopes that this certificate program will help students better understand the complications of substance abuse—how the biological, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life can create addiction.
The BHHS certificate is perfect for those already in health care wanting to move into patient care, as well as for those looking for a career where they can make a positive impact in the lives of others.
A Behavioral Health Support Specialist coming from Evergreen will consider the lived experiences and social contexts that inform a patient’s behavior and attempt to provide the most effective support for them. As part of a coordinated care team, that support can look like many things: discussing treatment options with fellow practitioners or monitoring patient progress across multiple providers. By understanding patients holistically and working with a diverse team, the hope is that systemic issues within mental health care can be addressed.
The BHSS certificate is a key offering in Evergreen’s Professional and Continuing Education program, designed to provide flexible, career-focused education to current professionals, those entering new fields and those looking to start or finish their college education.
Evergreen is committed to making education accessible and relevant, offering programs that align with the demands of today’s job market.
Through the Professional and Continuing Education program, generally known at Evergreen as PaCE, the college provides education. It ensures students are prepared for the workforce with practical skills and real-world experience. The internship component of the BHSS program is a critical part of this, allowing students to apply what they have learned in professional settings while building connections in the field.
By offering the BHSS certificate through PaCE, Evergreen is helping fill the gap in behavioral health professionals, meeting a critical need in Washington state. Whether you are looking to advance in your career or make a change, The Evergreen State College offers the tools and support needed to succeed.
Learn more about the BHSS certificate and the Professional and Continuing Education program on The Evergreen State College website.
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