BHSS CREDENTIALING

In 2023, the state legislature created a new credential, the Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS), and authorized the Department of Health (DOH) to begin credentialing graduates from approved educational programs starting in 2025. 

Qualifications

To qualify for credentialing as a Behavioral Health Support Specialist, according to state law (WAC 246-824), an individual must:

• Graduate from an approved bachelor's degree program, post-baccalaureate continuing education program, or a registered apprenticeship program:
  • Having taken at least 45 quarter credits of relevant content
  • Covering the eight specified meta-competencies
• Complete at least 240 hours of experience through a clinical practicum or apprenticeship under the supervision of a qualified behavioral healthcare professional
  
• Apply to the DOH
• Pass a background check, and
• Pass a basic exam on the relevant laws

Complete information on the requirements can be found via DOH or the UW BHSS Clinical Training Program.

Update

State leaders hope the Behavioral Health Support Specialists will expand treatment opportunities for our community and that, in return, those BHSS will earn higher salaries than other bachelor's degree level professionals.

Edmonds College is actively working on securing approval so that our program graduates will be eligible for this credential.

One of the strengths of our BAS-BHSS is that it is an applied degree that requires 300 hours of practical clinical education across two internship courses. Our students can choose from a variety of placement options with support from program faculty to ensure they are BHSS-appropriate. 

Updates related to our DOH application for program approval will be shared here and with our prospective and current students.