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A behavioral health tech is a professional who helps people with mental health issues. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Behavioral health techs typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
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The Role of a Behavioral Health Technician
A behavioral health technician is a mental health professional who provides direct care and assistance to clients with mental illness or developmental disabilities. As a behavioral health technician, you will work closely with clients to help them develop coping and life skills. You may also provide support to families and caregivers.
Providing direct patient care
Behavioral health technicians work under the supervision of licensed behavioral health professionals to provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, and substance abuse treatment facilities. They are responsible for implementing treatment plans, observing and documenting patient behavior, and providing support and assistance to patients.
Behavioral health technicians typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions may require postsecondary education or certification. They must be able to effectively communicate with patients and their families, as well as with other members of the treatment team. In some states, behavioral health technicians may be required to complete additional training and pass a licensing exam in order to work in certain settings.
Assisting with treatment planning
As a behavioral health technician, you will play an important role in assisting with the treatment planning process. This may include conducting initial assessments, observing and documenting client behavior, and providing input to the treatment team. In addition, you will be responsible for providing direct client care, which may include leading groups, facilitating individual therapy sessions, and providing crisis intervention.
Conducting group and individual therapy sessions
A behavioral health technician (BHT) is a professional who provides direct patient care services under the supervision of a licensed mental health clinician. BHTs work with people of all ages who have mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and/or developmental disabilities.
BHTs conduct group and individual therapy sessions, lead psychoeducational groups, provide crisis intervention, and collaborate with other members of the treatment team. BHTs also provide support to patients and families by helping them access community resources. In some cases, BHTs may provide services in patients’ homes or in other community settings such as schools or shelters.
Education and Training Requirements
The education and behavioral health tech training requirements necessary to become a behavioral health technician vary by state but most states require at least a high school diploma or GED. Some states require behavioral health techs to have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, but the majority of states do not have educational requirements beyond high school.
Completing a behavioral health tech program
To become a behavioral health technician, you will need to complete a behavioral health tech program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools. They generally take one to two years to complete and may lead to an associate’s degree or certificate.
Behavioral health tech programs prepare students for work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and community mental health centers. Coursework typically includes topics such as psychology, human development, and substance abuse. Students also complete clinical practicum experiences in which they gain first-hand experience working with clients under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals.
Gaining experience through an internship
An internship is a great way to get job experience in the behavioral health field and to learn more about what behavioral health techs do on a daily basis. Internships are typically 10-12 weeks long and are completed during the summer, though some may be available during the school year as well. Students in behavioral health technology programs may be able to complete an internship as part of their coursework, which would give them academic credit as well as work experience.
Behavioral Health Technician Certification
A behavioral health technician is a person who has completed a certification program in behavioral health. This certification program prepares the individual to work with individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders. The certification program includes coursework in psychology, sociology, and human services.
Voluntary certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors
Voluntary certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is available for behavioral health technicians. Certification through the NBCC signifies that the individual has met specific academic and professional requirements and has passed a national exam. To be eligible for certification, individuals must have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and must have completed an accredited counseling program.
After passing the certification exam, individuals must complete continuing education credits every three years to maintain their credential. Although not required, voluntary certification can give behavioral health technicians a competitive edge in the job market and may provide opportunities for career advancement.
Maintaining certification through continuing education
Behavioral health technicians are required to maintain their certification through continuing education. The requirements for continuing education vary by state, but most states require that technicians complete a certain number of hours of training every year. In some states, behavioral health technicians may be required to take a certain number of hours of training in specific topics, such as ethics or cultural competence.
