Social Service/Mental Health

The Social Service/Mental Health Program prepares students for service and employment in the human services. Human service professionals help clients meet their diverse human social needs. Their work routinely involves interviewing, counseling, crisis intervention, assessment, outreach, coordination and community development.

Pierce College offers these program degrees in the field of Social Service/Mental Health:

• Associate in Social Service/Mental Health
• Associate of Arts Degree and Certificate in Social Service/Mental Health
• Social Service/Mental Health Certificate

These programs prepare students for service and employment in human services. The work is demanding, but rewarding. Work involves interviewing, counseling, crisis intervention, assessment, outreach, coordination and community development.

The programs in the field of Social Service/Mental Health are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions and to enhance the skills of persons working in the social services. Graduates may find employment in these areas:

• Counselor
• Residential Counselor
• Client Advocate

• Case Manager
• Youth Counselor
• Human Service Worker

Students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution should work closely with an advisor.