The Applied Psychology Program develops the competencies needed for careers specializing in mental health, aging, addiction, disability and child/family services among others.

Why Study Applied Psychology at CSN?

The associate degrees and certificate within our program prepares students to be direct support professionals (DSPs) and provide guidance and support to people who need help to be self-sufficient. DSPs provide this support to a wide range of individuals including people with physical, psychiatric, or cognitive disabilities or chronic illness, children and youth who are at risk, and families who need assistance in supporting family members.

DSPs are found in many human service settings with various job titles, such as residential counselor, mental health technician, developmental support technician, and personal support assistant.

While occupational information for psychiatric technicians is available, other mental health related occupations may require more advanced degrees.

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Degrees and Certificates

Applied Psychology: Mental Health Services: AAS

The Applied Psychology degree offers required general education courses and a broad foundation in direct service provision of quality mental health and other community services.  The degree program is interdisciplinary in nature and is designed to prepare students for direct service careers in a variety of public, non-profit, or private mental health or community service organizations.

Applied Psychology: Mental Health Services: CA

The Applied Psychology certificate offers an introduction into general education requirements, and courses to assist with direct service provision of quality mental health and other community services. The certificate is designed to prepare students for direct service careers in a variety of public, non-profit, or private mental health or community service organizations. The certificate offers students opportunities for practical application of learning within an academic framework applying ethical standards.

Skills Certificates

Registered Behavior Technician

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is an entry-level position and requires 40 hours of training as an initial requirement for RBT certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This skills certificate provides the required 40-hour training, serves as a standalone credential, and the credits may be used as an elective for other programs in Applied Psychology and Education. Having completed this certificate, students can apply for RBT positions.

Developmental Support Technician, SC

Nevada Revised Statute 433.279 requires that all Developmental Support Technicians become certified with the State of Nevada. Requirements include the completion of 10 credits with CSN in the courses below to meet the educational requirements of certification within two years of being hired.

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