Behavioral Health in Colorado
Colorado's Behavioral Health pathway prepares students for careers in mental health, substance abuse treatment, and behavioral health services. Colorado's growing behavioral health needs create opportunities in this critical field.
Students develop knowledge of mental health conditions, treatment approaches, professional communication, ethical practices, and support services. They gain experience through behavioral health partnerships and observation.
Graduates pursue behavioral health technician roles or continue in mental health professional education. Growing awareness of mental health ensures strong demand.
Behavioral Health at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Colorado's behavioral health standards align with behavioral health professional standards and treatment best practices. Standards cover support services and professional ethics.
Students complete assessments through case studies, therapeutic communication practice, and understanding of mental health conditions. Assessment includes knowledge of support services and professional ethics.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Mental Health Fundamentals |
| Treatment Approaches and Support Services |
| Professional Practice and Ethics |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓EKG Technician
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Behavioral Health Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $44,360 - $60,410
Mental Health Counselor
ExperiencedSalary range: $47,750 - $78,350
Case Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $53,930 - $80,440
Program Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $86,660 - $188,290
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at mental health facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, community health centers, and behavioral health agencies throughout Colorado.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Colorado CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Colorado Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Colorado's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Colorado standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Colorado
General Health Science
Colorado's General Health Science pathway provides foundational preparation for diverse healthcare careers. Colorado's healthcare sector, with major medical centers and hospitals, creates strong demand for healthcare professionals. Students develop competency in healthcare fundamentals, medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, health information systems, and healthcare professions. They gain experience through healthcare lab work and facility partnerships. Graduates pursue careers in various healthcare roles or continue in healthcare education programs. Many progress to nursing, medical assistant, or specialized healthcare roles. Strong healthcare demand ensures good career prospects.
Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public SafetyHuman Services
Colorado's Human Services pathway prepares students for careers supporting vulnerable populations and community wellbeing. Colorado's social services sector creates diverse opportunities. Students develop knowledge of human services, community resources, ethical practice, communication skills, and support services. They gain experience through human services partnerships and observation. Graduates pursue human services technician roles or continue in social work, counseling, or related fields. Growing social needs ensure strong demand.
Hospitality, Human Services & EducationNursing Assistant/Aide
Colorado's Nursing Assistant pathway provides foundational preparation for careers in patient care and healthcare support roles. Colorado's healthcare sector, with major medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, creates strong demand for qualified nursing assistants. Students develop competency in patient care basics, communication, hygiene assistance, safety procedures, HIPAA compliance, and healthcare fundamentals. They gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings through partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Graduates work as nursing assistants or patient care technicians in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings. Many pursue CNA certification and progress toward Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse roles. Strong demand ensures good career prospects.
Health Science, Criminal Justice & Public SafetyReady to Build Behavioral Health Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Behavioral Health in Colorado.