New Behavioral Health Career Information Session
Counseling in Community
New Behavioral Health Career Information Session
Emily Polak-Perez, Ph.D. Counseling Psychology
To address the shortage of mental health providers in Washington, the State Legislature has created a new professional role: the Behavioral Health Support Specialist. The BHSS is an undergraduate-level psychology professional that combines assessment, behavioral interventions, and coordinated care as part of a healthcare team. The BHSS credential does not require a Masters or Doctorate; it requires the completion a state-approved training program, a bachelor’s degree, and passing a Department of Health exam.
Emily Polak-Perez is our BHSS certificate instructor— she, along with other Evergreen faculty and students, actively supported the creation of this legislation. Emily has worked with a statewide network of counseling faculty and the DOH to develop the state curriculum standards for BHSS education. In this information session, Emily will be discussing Evergreen’s Behavioral Health Support Specialist certificate, that begins in the fall. She will cover why it’s needed, what job opportunities students will be qualified for, course curriculum and internship, and how this new role can change behavioral healthcare for the better.
If you are looking to explore counseling, the power of building relationships, and being part of a team that doesn’t let anyone fall through the cracks, attend the Counseling in Community information session Tuesday, January 21 from 12-1 pm in SEM ll B 1107.
To learn more about Evergreen’s BHSS program, read this article or visit our certificate webpage.
