Contents
Behavioral health techs provide support to people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. They work under the supervision of a licensed behavioral health professional to provide direct care services.
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Introduction
A behavioral health technician is a worker who provides direct care and supportive services to patients with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, or developmental disabilities. Behavioral health technicians typically work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or counselors.
Behavioral health technicians typically have at least some college education; many have completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. In some states, behavioral health technicians may be required to complete a certified training program and pass an examination.
Behavioral health technicians typically provide direct patient care services, such as assisting with activities of daily living, leading group therapy sessions, and providing one-on-one counseling. They may also provide support services such as scheduling appointments and organizing treatment plans. In some settings, behavioral health technicians may administer medication under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
What is a Behavioral Health Technician?
A Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is a paraprofessional who works with people with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. They provide support and assistance to clients in recovery, help them develop healthy coping skills, and connect them to resources in the community.
Duties of a Behavioral Health Technician
The duties of a behavioral health technician will vary depending on their employer and the patients they work with, but there are some common job duties. Behavioral health technicians typically work in facilities that treat mental illness and substance abuse, and they may work with patients of all ages. In some cases, they may provide one-on-one care to patients, while in other cases they may work with groups of patients.
Common job duties of a behavioral health technician include:
-Observing and documenting patient behavior
-Leading group therapy sessions
-Assisting with patient activities
-Providing support to patients and their families
-Transporting patients to appointments
-Maintaining patient records
-Compliance with policies and procedures
Training and Education Requirements
Behavioral health technicians typically need at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete on-the-job training.
Most behavioral health technicians have at least a high school diploma. Some jobs, however, may require postsecondary education, such as an associate’s degree in behavioral health or a related field. Many community colleges offer programs in behavioral health or human services.
Most behavioral health technicians complete on-the-job training. This training typically lasts for several months and provides the new technician with the skills and knowledge needed to perform the job. Some technicians may also complete formal courses or training programs offered by their employer or professional organizations.
What Does a Behavioral Health Technician Do?
A behavioral health technician is a professional who works with clients who have mental health conditions. They help clients with everyday tasks and provide support to them. Behavioral health technicians also help clients with their recovery by teaching them coping skills.
Job Description
A behavioral health technician is a professional who provides direct care and support to patients with mental illness or substance abuse disorders. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, residential treatment facilities, outpatient clinics, and community mental health centers.
Behavioral health technicians typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. They must be able to complete a background check and drug screen. Most behavioral health technicians receive on-the-job training.
Behavioral health technicians typically work under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker. Their duties may include observing and documenting patients’ behavior, leading groups and individual therapy sessions, providing support and guidance to patients and their families, and helping to develop treatment plans. In some settings, they may also administer medication or provide case management services.
Work Settings
Most behavioral health technicians work in outpatient mental health clinics, group homes, or halfway houses. They may also work in residential treatment facilities, hospitals, or correctional facilities.
Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for a behavioral health technician was $32,860 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,750, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,050.
Employment of behavioral health technicians is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those who have completed a postsecondary education program in behavioral sciences or substance abuse counseling and those who have certification from the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC).
Conclusion
A behavioral health technician is a professional who works with patients who have mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorders. They provide support and guidance to help these individuals cope with their illnesses and improve their overall quality of life.
Behavioral health technicians typically work in outpatient clinics, community mental health centers, hospitals, and private practices. They may also work in schools, prisons, or other settings where mental health services are provided.
If you are interested in becoming a behavioral health technician, you will need to complete an accredited education program. Once you have completed your training, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) examination.
