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Associates Behavioral Health Degree Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Behavioral Health Associate (BHA) is a critical member of the Family First Health school-based ... Bachelor's degree required * Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred * Excellent communication skills ...

$18.27 - $19/hr

Associate's degree with a major course of study in Human Services from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency preferred. Certification as a Behavioral Health Technician ...

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Associates Behavioral Health Degree information

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$13

$26

$40

How much do associates behavioral health degree jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for associates behavioral health degree in the United States is $26.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $32.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive with an associate's degree in behavioral health?

To thrive with an Associate's Degree in Behavioral Health, you need foundational knowledge of psychology, counseling techniques, and case management, along with the degree itself. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, intake documentation, and possibly certifications like Mental Health First Aid are valuable. Excellent communication, active listening, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building rapport with clients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills ensure effective client support, accurate record-keeping, and positive outcomes in mental health care environments.

What can I do with an associate's degree in behavioral health?

With an Associate's degree in Behavioral Health, graduates can pursue entry-level positions such as behavioral health technician, case management aide, or psychiatric technician. These roles typically involve supporting mental health professionals, assisting clients with daily activities, and helping to implement treatment plans. Graduates may also work in settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or community organizations. Additionally, this degree can serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree or further specialization in the behavioral health field.

What types of entry-level positions can I pursue with an associate's degree in behavioral health, and what are the typical responsibilities?

With an Associate's Degree in Behavioral Health, you can qualify for roles such as behavioral health technician, psychiatric aide, case management assistant, or residential counselor. In these positions, you’ll typically support patients with daily living activities, monitor their behavior, assist with treatment plans developed by licensed professionals, and help maintain a safe, supportive environment. Collaboration with social workers, nurses, and therapists is common, and you’ll often participate in team meetings to discuss client progress. These roles provide valuable hands-on experience and can serve as stepping stones for further education or advancement within the field.

What is the difference between Associates Behavioral Health Degree vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectAssociates Behavioral Health DegreeMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree in behavioral health or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, mental health facilitiesHospitals, residential treatment centers, community clinics
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health agenciesHospitals, mental health facilities, outpatient centers
Common Search & ComparisonEducational pathway, job duties, certification requirementsJob responsibilities, training, career advancement

In summary, an Associates Behavioral Health Degree provides foundational education for roles in mental health support, while a Mental Health Technician is a specific job title often requiring on-the-job training. Both roles work in similar environments and serve the mental health industry, but the degree offers broader educational opportunities and potential for career growth.

What can you do with an associates behavioral health degree?

An associate's behavioral health degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as mental health technician, case aide, or behavioral health technician. These positions involve supporting clients with mental health or substance abuse issues, often in clinical or community settings, and may require basic knowledge of counseling techniques and documentation skills.

What does an associates behavioral health degree do?

An associates behavioral health degree prepares individuals for entry-level roles in mental health and social services, such as behavioral health technician or case aide. Graduates often assist clients with daily activities, support treatment plans, and work under supervision in healthcare or community settings. The degree provides foundational knowledge of mental health issues, counseling techniques, and relevant regulations.
More about Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs? The most popular types of Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs are:
What states have the most Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs? States with the most job openings for Associates Behavioral Health Degree jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associates Behavioral Health Degree job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,253 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Associate Behavioral Health Counselor

Sanford Health

Bemidji, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Sanford Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 542 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

490th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.
Work Shift:
10 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Compensation:
Salary Range: $23.00 - $36.00
Union Position:
No
Department Details
Summary
The Associate Behavioral Health Counselor requires a broad, yet solid, understanding of human behavior and theories of counseling. May work with a wide range of patient populations and presenting issues, requiring a foundation in a variety of treatment modalities. This role is a team-based role where responsibility for patient well-being is diffused among the treatment team and the overall responsibility lies with a clinical supervisor or admitting provider.
Job Description
The Associate Behavioral Health Counselor assesses patient needs, develops treatment plans, and implements treatment interventions specific to patient needs. Continually assesses patients' progress and revises treatment plans and interventions accordingly. Documents treatment sessions. Provides patient progress updates to interdisciplinary team, as needed. May educate patient support members about patient issues and interventions. May refer for additional clinical services or to specialists, as needed. Must stay current on emerging issues in the profession.
The Associate Behavioral Health Counselor may work in a variety of settings, with duties varying by setting. In a clinic setting (other than primary care), the Associate Behavioral Health Counselor conducts scheduled face-to-face counseling sessions designed to assess and improve patients' emotional, mental, and behavioral health. In a hospital setting, the Associate Behavioral Health Counselor may have a broad scope of duties, depending upon assignment. Hospital assignments include psychiatric inpatient treatment and/or specific hospital units. Psychiatric inpatient treatment duties include development, implementation, and evaluation of treatment plan, individual and family counseling, and consultation with all Mental Health Professionals. Hospital unit duties include crisis intervention, assessment, and referral. In a community setting, the Associate Behavioral Health Counselor coordinates and provides treatment for patients with severe and persistent mental illness. This may include community-based interventions aimed at improving daily living skills, social skills, and self-regulation skills. The community-based Associate Behavioral Health Counselor consults with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure treatment compliance. In a residential setting, the Associate Behavioral Health Counselor coordinates and provides treatment for patients requiring a higher level of care than outpatient therapy; however, do not meet the criteria for psychiatric inpatient treatment. Treatment occurs at the residential treatment facility and includes a broad range of duties: assessment and screening, individual and group counseling, development, implementation, and evaluation of treatment programs, and consultation and coordination with a multi-disciplinary team.
Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in behavioral sciences or related field preferred, and completion of a practicum or internship.
In Minnesota, must follow Minnesota State statute defining Mental Health Practitioner.
At least 4,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of services to persons with: mental illness, substance use disorders or emotional disturbances, traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities,
OR,
Has at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in behavioral sciences or related fields and at least 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in the delivery of services to persons with: mental illness, substance use disorders or emotional disturbances, traumatic brain injury or developmental disabilities.
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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About Sanford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We're proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Sioux Falls, SD, US

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