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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Behavioral Health Technicians.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Behavioral Health Technicians.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 13%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.
Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.
Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
Becoming a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is an admirable goal if you're interested in helping individuals with mental health issues, substance abuse disorders, or developmental disabilities. To succeed in this career, you'll need a combination of education, hands-on experience, and sometimes certification. Follow these steps to begin your career as a Behavioral Health Technician.
Before diving into the educational requirements, it's crucial to understand what a Behavioral Health Technician does. BHTs work closely with psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other health professionals to provide therapeutic care and support to patients. Daily tasks may include:
The education needed to become a BHT can vary based on employer and state regulations. Here are the general steps:
Practical experience is key in the behavioral health field. Look for opportunities to gain experience through:
In some states or facilities, certification may be required or preferred. Research the specific requirements for your area and consider obtaining certification from a recognized organization such as:
Certification often requires passing an exam and completing continuing education credits to maintain your credentials.
The field of behavioral health is constantly evolving. To stay current and advance your career, consider:
Each state has its own legal requirements for Behavioral Health Technicians. Make sure to:
By following these steps and staying committed to professional development, you can build a rewarding career as a Behavioral Health Technician. Remember that your role is crucial in the lives of those you'll assist, and your dedication to their well-being can make a significant difference.
A Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is a professional who supports individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders. BHTs work under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals and provide direct patient care, which may include behavioral interventions, monitoring, and reporting on patient status, and assisting with daily living activities.
To become a BHT, you typically need:
To become certified, you generally must:
Important skills for BHTs include:
BHTs can find employment in various settings, including:
The job outlook for BHTs is generally positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychiatric technicians and aides (which includes BHTs) is projected to grow due to an increased need for mental health services.
Advancement opportunities for BHTs might include:
Typically, BHTs are not authorized to administer medication. Medication administration is usually performed by licensed nursing staff or other healthcare professionals with prescriptive authority.
Continuing education requirements vary by state and certifying body but generally include:
Yes, there are specializations within the field, such as:
Remember that each specialization might require additional training or certification.