Behavioral Health Science

Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

The Behavioral Health Sciences Department at South Mountain Community College is dedicated to helping students prepare for meaningful careers that support the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. 

Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or looking to advance your career, our programs provide the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experiences needed to succeed in behavioral health, social services, and related helping fields. 

Through a combination of coursework, experiential learning, and career exploration, you’ll gain the foundation needed to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
 

Why Students Choose Behavioral Sciences at SMCC

Why Students Choose Behavioral Sciences at SMCC

  • Industry Partners: The BHS program has over 60 partnerships with community behavioral health and social services organizations
     
  • Real-World Behavioral Health Experience in the Classroom: Faculty combine academic expertise with practical experience in behavioral health, counseling, social services, and related fields
     
  • Stand Out in the Job Market: BHS students have opportunities to earn nationally recognized certifications and microcredentials.
     
  • Get a leg up on Workforce Related Training: BHS Coursework uses industry-standard behavioral health workforce training materials through the Relias Learning Management System
     
  • Build your Professional Network: Biannual Career Fairs allow you to connect directly with behavioral health and social services agencies
     
  • Hands-on learning experiences: Complete fieldwork in Arizona behavioral health and social services agencies (BHS190 and BHS490); the BHS Well-Being lab allows students to gain hands-on experience with premier industry technology
     
 
Certificate, Associate, and Bachelor's Degree Options

Certificate, Associate, and Bachelor's Degree Options

The Behavioral Sciences program includes four educational options that are designed to work together. You can earn a certificate, continue to an associate degree, and progress to a bachelor's degree—all within the same pathway.


   ★  18 Credits (6 classes!) The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Foundations of Behavioral Sciences provides initial exposure to behavioral health concepts, workforce exploration, entry-level skill development, and preparation for students beginning their studies or exploring helping professions.
 

   ★  40 credits (14 classes!) The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Advanced Behavioral Sciences builds on foundational coursework and incorporates more advanced preparation, including stronger applied and workforce-oriented elements.
 

   ★  The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Behavioral Sciences provides broader occupational preparation for students pursuing employment in behavioral health and social services settings. It includes practical coursework, a work-based experience course, and opportunities for students to earn industry-valued preparation.
 

   ★  The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Behavioral Sciences extends the pathway into upper-division education, preparing students for advanced workforce roles, leadership development, and graduate study in counseling, social work, psychology, and related fields. 
 

 

We're Here to Support You

Behavioral Health Sciences (BHS) Department
Location: Technology Center, 2nd Floor
Phone: 602-305-5687
Email: [email protected]

Behavioral Health Sciences (BHS) Faculty and Support Staff  

Dr. Thomas Aubrey


Dr. Thomas E. Rojo Aubrey, DBH, MFT Department Chair, Faculty and Program Director, Behavioral Health Sciences (BHS) 

Expertise: Mental health, trauma and recovery, professional and academic resilience, emotional well-being, crisis stabilization, and integrated behavioral medicine. 

Email: [email protected]  | Phone: 602-305-5880

Brielle Rawlings-Dubé


Brielle Rawlings-Dubé, MC, LPC, NCC, IMH-E, CCTP, CFTP Behavioral Health Sciences (BHS) Faculty and Bachelor’s Program Director 

Expertise: Licensed Professional Counselor, clinical supervision, trauma-informed care, early childhood mental health, nonprofit leadership, child and family teams, and healthcare systems. 

Email: [email protected]  | Phone: 602-872-7520 

Ariah Culver


Ariah Culver, MS, LPC, BHS Faculty and SMCC Counseling First Year Experience (FYE) Program Coordinator, Professor Culver is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Clinical Supervisor

Expertise: Adolescent and adult issues with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Multicultural/BIPOC and LGBTQ+ challenges. Trauma (EMDR) and relational-therapy (EFT) trained. Mental health practice management and clinical supervision.

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 602-243-8267

Dr. James Wilson


Dr. James Wilson, DBH, MAPC, LISAC, BHS Faculty

Expertise: Military and civilian healthcare, integrated behavioral healthcare, trauma therapy, counselor development, substance abuse treatment, social justice, and healthcare disparities. 


Email: [email protected] | Phone: 602-305-5608 
 

Jetzabel Morales


Jetzabel Morales-Pastrana, LPC, BHS Faculty, Professor Morales-Pastrana is a bilingual (Spanish-English) psychotherapist (Licensed Professional Counselor) and Registered Clinical Supervisor.

Expertise: Trauma, immigrants, diversity, and multicultural issues.


Email:  [email protected]  
Phone: (480) 253-9488 (text preferred) 602-872-7756  602-305-5880
 


Additional Contacts

Behavioral Health Sciences (BHS) Academic Advisement 
Location: Student Enrollment Services (SES) Building 
Email: [email protected]
Appointments: Schedule Here
BHS 190 and BHS 490 Preceptorship Information 
Location: Technology Center, 2nd Floor 
Email: [email protected]
BHS Program Coordinator 

Phone: 602-305-5687 
Roberto Valenzuela


Roberto Valenzuela, BHS 190 and BHS 490 Preceptorship Program Manager 
[email protected] 

Lead point of contact for the Clinical Placement program (BHS190 and BHS490) 


Phone: 602-380-6787