Introduction to Mental Health Human Services AA Degree Program
General introduction to the discipline
The Mental Health Human Services Program prepares students for careers working holistically to support other people. An Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Human Services at LaGuardia provides a foundation for students to work in the field of helping as paraprofessionals (assistant case workers, patient navigators, direct service workers); additionally, it prepares students to continue on to complete a Bachelor’s degree programs in social work, psychology, human resources, human services, criminal justice, community health, and others. Human service professionals seek to empower individuals and communities, emphasize strengths and abilities, and foster human growth and development. Human Services professionals do more than just provide direct services to people in need – they are community advocates for justice, working to eliminate social problems and inequalities.
Main Programs and tracks within the discipline
Our Human Services program focuses on training students with the skills necessary to provide culturally competent helping and supportive services to individuals, families, groups, and communities from diverse backgrounds. Our program specifically incorporates intensive training in Motivational Interviewing (MI) in our individual and group interviewing and counseling courses. MI is an evidence-supported style of communication that is widely used within human services, social work, and community health due to its effectiveness in supporting people in making difficult changes such as reducing or stopping substance use, adhering to medications, changing diet and exercise, and retaining in care for chronic health conditions. MI is an autonomy-supportive approach that engages the person in considering their own reasons for making changes in their behaviors to enhance their health and well-being.
Learn more about programs on the Human Services website.
Approaches to inquiry and research
The Human Services Program at LaGuardia Community College prepares students for careers focusing on helping people and communities solve problems and be catalysts for change.
The Human Services Program:
- Provides a solid foundation in the principles, theories, and skills needed to be effective human services professionals who promote the values and ethics of working with diverse populations and respect the dignity of all individuals, families, and communities.
- Prepares students for entry-level positions in helping professions and to continue their education at the baccalaureate level.
- Increases students’ abilities and use of technology in order to provide quality services for individuals, families, and communities.
- Engages students as proactive learners and prepares them to be life-long learners.
TOP CAREERS FROM THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, WITH SALARY
- Social and Human Service Assistants (Social and Human Service Assistants salary information)
- Social and Community Service Managers (Social and Community Service Managers salary information)
