Key details to verify (transfer and credit)

Programs like this can help with transfer and credit for prior learning—but the receiving school makes the final decision. Before you enroll, confirm transferability with your target registrar in writing.

  • Internship requires a minimum of 260 in-person hours in Los Angeles; confirm scheduling, placement, and eligibility before applying.
  • UCLA Extension lists “Estimated Program Tuition: N/A” and “Federal Financial Aid is not available” for this sponsored program; confirm current sponsorship details on the official page.

About this program

UCLA Extension describes the BHSS certificate as foundational training for working and aspiring paraprofessionals supporting integrated behavioral health teams. The curriculum covers scope of practice, cultural competency, communication strategies, ethics and confidentiality, human sexuality and gender, and substance use topics, with required fieldwork through community-based partners in Los Angeles. The program is offered tuition-free through an HRSA grant and lists a cohort structure completed across four consecutive quarters (per UCLA Extension).

Program highlights

  • 12-month cohort-based certificate completed in four consecutive quarters (per UCLA Extension).
  • 10 required courses totaling 37.5 academic credit units (per UCLA Extension).
  • Format listed as a combination of Online and Live Online instruction (per UCLA Extension).
  • Includes a supervised field work practicum with a minimum of 260 in-person internship hours in Los Angeles (per UCLA Extension).
  • Program is described as tuition-free through HRSA grant sponsorship; UCLA Extension also notes federal financial aid is not available (per program page).

What you'll learn

  • Support clients and families as part of integrated behavioral health teams in ethically and culturally responsive ways.
  • Apply cultural competency and humility, including intersectionality and barriers affecting LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Use evidence-based communication strategies for high-stakes conversations in healthcare settings.
  • Recognize substance use patterns and treatment considerations across target populations.

Outcomes

  • Designed for entry-level behavioral health paraprofessional support roles; employer requirements and permissible scope vary—confirm with your local regulations and employers.

Official links

Student Reviews & Ratings

Write a Review

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience with “Behavioral Health Support Specialist Program (Certificate)”.

Write the First Review