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Behavior Therapist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Behavior Therapist

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Behavior Technician DEPARTMENT: PARClife REPORTS TO : Program Manager JOB SUMMARY The Behavior Technician provides direct support to the RBT's and Program Managers, ensuring all ABA practices are ...

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Behavior Therapist information

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How much do behavior therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior therapist in Michigan is $19.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavior therapist?

A Behavior Therapist is a mental health professional who uses evidence-based techniques to help individuals change unhealthy or problematic behaviors. They often work with children and adults who have behavioral, emotional, or developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or anxiety. Behavior Therapists typically use approaches like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to assess behavior, create treatment plans, and teach positive skills. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for their clients by fostering positive behavioral changes in various settings, including homes, schools, and clinics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavior therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavior Therapist, you need a solid understanding of behavioral principles, assessment techniques, and typically a degree in psychology or a related field, with certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) often required. Familiarity with data collection tools, behavior tracking software, and intervention planning systems is essential. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help you build rapport with clients and adapt strategies to individual needs. These skills and qualifications are crucial to effectively implement interventions, track progress, and create positive outcomes for individuals with behavioral challenges.

What are some common challenges behavior therapists face when working with clients, and how can they be addressed?

Behavior therapists often encounter challenges such as client resistance to change, managing emotional or behavioral outbursts, and maintaining consistent progress in therapy sessions. Developing strong rapport with clients and employing evidence-based strategies can help address resistance. Regular communication with families and other professionals, along with ongoing training in crisis management and de-escalation techniques, are also crucial for navigating challenging situations and ensuring effective therapy outcomes.

What is the difference between Behavior Therapist vs Applied Behavior Analyst?

AspectBehavior TherapistApplied Behavior Analyst
CredentialsOften requires a high school diploma or bachelor's degree; certification options include Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)Requires a master's degree in behavior analysis or related field; certification as Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Work EnvironmentClinics, schools, homes, community settingsResearch settings, clinics, schools, private practice
Job FocusImplementing behavior plans, assisting clients directlyDesigning behavior intervention plans, analyzing data, supervising behavior therapists

While both roles focus on behavior modification, Behavior Therapists primarily implement treatment plans and work directly with clients, often with RBT certification. Applied Behavior Analysts develop and oversee these plans, analyze data, and hold advanced credentials like BCBA. Both roles are essential in behavioral health, but BAs typically have more training and responsibilities in designing interventions.

How much can you make as a behavior therapist?

Behavior therapists typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced therapists with specialized training can earn higher wages, especially in private practice or specialized settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavior Therapist jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Behavior Therapist jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Behavior Therapist jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Behavior Therapist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Behavior Therapist jobs in MI?

For Behavior Therapist jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Behavior Therapist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,581 per year, or $20 per hour.

Behavior Therapist

PARClife

Plymouth, MI • On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

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Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: Behavior Technician  

                                                                                                                

DEPARTMENT: PARClife                                                     REPORTS TO: Program Manager

 JOB SUMMARY        

The Behavior Technician provides direct  support to the RBT’s and Program Managers, ensuring all ABA practices are adhered to. BTs will utilize interventions developed out of the science of Applied Behavior Analysis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Prepare various documentation as required

·       Provide administrative support by filing, faxing, copying, scheduling, data records, and meeting with supervisor

·       Understand and implement the Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) as identified by the BCBA

·       Observe, measure, and record behavior, identify progress and regression in a safe and supportive environment

·       Implement ITP-related activities in both inside and outside the home environment

·       Ensure behavior change is long lasting and demonstrates the interventions being used are responsible for behavior changes

·       Establish and maintain therapeutic relationship by pairing self as a reinforcing entity and building value for the client of the social interaction with the BCBA

·       Prompt safe and socially acceptable replacement behaviors in order to build a repertoire of communication, social interaction, and problem-solving skills

·       Fade prompts appropriately to promote both successful and independent responding

·       Increase the frequency or duration of safe and appropriate replacement behaviors by providing access to reinforcers such as desired items/actions, attention, or removal of demands/aversive situations

·       Accurately collect behavior data including: A-B-C, count, frequency, duration, latency, inter-response time, event, and interval-based recording

·       Follow the treatment plan goals and interventions utilizing sound judgment and seek out appropriate consultation

·       Collaborate with Directors and RBT’s  to provide treatment effectively and without disruption to the environment or other individuals in the environment

·       Educate parents on reinforcement and early intervention information

·       Performs other duties as assigned

 CORPORATE CULTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Follow established corporate and department-specific policies and procedures.

·       Follow guidelines and procedures in Daily Operations manual

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

·       High school diploma or equivalent

·       one-year of ABA experience preferred

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·       Must be at least 18 years old

·       Must obtain or hold and maintain current certification as a Behavioral Health Professional and eventually as a Registered Behavior Technician as issued by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

·       Intermediate computer and internet literacy

·       Ability to be a team player and collaborate with family and treatment team members including other professionals to provide treatment effectively and without disruption to the environment or other individuals in the environment

·       Ability to follow rules and guidelines outlined in company’s employee handbook 

·       Understanding of Functional Communication Training (FCT) and its use to prompt safe, socially acceptable replacement behavior in effort to promote a skillset of communication, social interaction, and problem-solving skills

·       Ability to understand the characteristics of a wide range of intellectual disabilities

·       Personal and professional experience with mindfulness or meditation work preferred

·       Must have a strong counseling background, the ability to create and implement functional treatment plans and the ability to build relationships

·       Must have excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and a pleasant can do attitude

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

·       Strength (Lift/Carry/Push/Pull): Sedentary (exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally)

·       Standing/Walking: Occasionally; activity exists up to 1/3 of the time

·       Keyboarding/Dexterity: Frequently; activity exists from 3⁄4 of the time

·       Ability to look at a computer screen for extended periods.

·       Ability to perform constant repetitive hands and finger motions.

·       Ability to work in various positions (standing, sitting, bending, and walking) for extended periods of time during an 8-hour workday.

·       Talking (Must be able to effectively communicate verbally): Yes

·       Seeing: Yes

·       Hearing: Yes

·       Must exhibit stable work behaviors daily.

·       Must possess adequate individual coping skills.

·       Ability to remain calm and professional regardless of workload or time constraints.  

·       Must be able to work under stress and remain calm and professional.   

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·       Exposed to frequent and constant interruptions in daily functions/schedule. 

·       Must be available to customers and staff throughout the day. 

·       Required to work extended hours to meet deadlines and to participate in various assigned committees.