Behavioral Healthcare B.S., with Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan Concentration at University of South Florida

The B.S. in Behavioral Healthcare prepares students for entry-level positions in agencies that provide a variety of treatment services for individuals with diagnosed mental health, substance use, and/or behavioral issues. Other students may be preparing for graduate programs in human services and/or research. The program provides students with three options for concentration in (1)  Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan, (2) Children’s Behavioral Healthcare, (3) Applied Behavior Analysis. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices utilizing a recovery-focused, holistic and strength-based approach to behavioral healthcare.

Behavioral health problems, such as mental and substance use disorders, are among the greatest public health challenges facing our communities. New, scientifically-based approaches are available to treat and prevent many behavioral health problems. Students will be exposed to treatment approaches as well as to issues in the organization, financing, delivery, and outcomes of behavioral health services. The emphasis of the curricula is on practices that have been scientifically validated and the delivery of services within the context of current funding, policies and trends. Students must also demonstrate behaviors that are congruent with the professional standards and values of the profession. Students desiring a career in this field should be aware that fingerprinting, a background check, and drug screen may be required to work in this field. Failure to pass one of these checks would be cause to terminate a student from the major. Students may be responsible for any associated costs.