1

Behavior Therapist Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Behavior Therapist

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Registered Behavior Technicians hold an active Registered Line Technician (RLT) certification. Treatment plans are designed to address skill acquisition as well as challenging behavior reduction, and ...

Behavior Therapist

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Registered Behavior Technicians hold an active Registered Line Technician (RLT) certification. Treatment plans are designed to address skill acquisition as well as challenging behavior reduction, and ...

Behavioral Therapist

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Description At Oceans Behavioral Hospital Baton Rouge, healing is our focus. We are passionate ... Utilizing proven, innovative and progressive therapies, our qualified professionals strive to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Behavior Therapist information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$10

$17

$28

How much do behavior therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior therapist in Baton Rouge, LA is $17.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $18.65 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 popular job titles related to Behavior Therapist jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

For Behavior Therapist jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Behavior Therapist jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Behavior Therapist job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavior Therapist job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,429 per year, or $18 per hour.

Behavior Therapist

Mercy Autism Center

Baton Rouge, LA โ€ข On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Registered Line Technicians implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment programs with Mercy patients and families under the direction of a Clinical Supervisor. Registered Behavior Technicians hold an active Registered Line Technician (RLT) certification. Treatment plans are designed to address skill acquisition as well as challenging behavior reduction, and may occur in a variety of settings including a Mercy center, patient’s home, school, community, or via telehealth. Registered Behavior Technicians report to a Clinical Supervisor. This is an hourly, non-exempt, part-time or full-time position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Provide direct treatment to patients under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor in a 1:1 or group environment

· Provide treatment that aligns with Mercy’s clinical quality standards

· Collect and record data on patient progress with high fidelity

· Review and implement Clinical Supervisor feedback during each treatment session

· Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, families and colleagues

· Provide a safe and supportive environment for patients, families and colleagues

· Seek personal growth and training opportunities to ensure clinical excellence

· Maintain accurate and timely records

· Maintain compliance with HIPAA requirements at all times

· Represent Mercy professionally and ethically to internal and external stakeholders

· Adhere to Mercy policies and procedures

· Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

· High School Diploma or equivalent

· Registered Line Technician (RLT) certification

· Must pass an initial Registered Line Technician Training program, including passing a comprehensive written exam and field evaluation

· Experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) preferred

· Empathetic and compassionate individual with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality

· Ability to work collaboratively with team members while maintaining a positive and solution focused attitude

· Ability to work independently while providing direct treatment to patients

· An effective communicator in both verbal and written formats

· Demonstrate excellent time management skills and the ability to work multi-task in a very fast-paced, every changing environment

· Desire to continuously learn and develop skillsets

· Willingness to work in a variety of settings (center, patient home, etc.)

· Willingness to work with a variety of patients

· Reliable means of transportation with proof of auto insurance

· No past criminal history

· Must pass tuberculosis test

· Willingness for random drug screen as required by law/insurance policies

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Treatment may occur in a variety of settings including the patient’s home, the Merc y center, the patient’s school, the community, or via telehealth. Registered Line Technicians work in environments that are both indoors and outdoors and may move between different locations throughout the course of the work day.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Be able to work with patients who are seated on the floor, in small chairs, or other home, school, community and clinic environments

· Move frequently throughout the therapeutic setting to gather materials, anticipate and respond to the movement of a patient, and/or provide instruction in a variety of settings, such as school, playground, clinic, or community locations

· Constantly position oneself to participate and respond to the movements and behaviors of patients, including but not limited to bending to assist a patient, kneeling/crouching to teach a play skill, hurrying to block an open doorway, or reaching to prevent a patient from entering a traffic congested street

· Be able to utilize continuous visual tracking in order to monitor the movement of patients, as well as the items and circumstances in the surrounding environment

· Occasionally move to evade aggressive behaviors and/or physically block attempts to aggress towards others. Responding to behaviors may occasionally require bearing weight of a patient who is leaning, pushing, etc.

· Frequently teach patients to use vocal speech. Must be able to articulate sound and model speaking clearly, as well as listen to and shape vocal communication of patients

· Occasionally use modeling to teach gross motor skills, such as climbing or jumping, and fine motor skills such as clapping or opening a container

· Work in both indoor and outdoor settings as they relate to the patient’s natural environment, which may include being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (e.g., community skills, recess in a school setting, etc.)

· Be able to lift up to 30 lbs. while assisting patients

Company Description

Mercy is passionately dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities through a tailored treatment program based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Our founder and lead clinician has over 25 years of experience treating patients and supporting families achieve success in dramatically improving the quality of their lives. Mercy utilizes love, care, compassion, and the time-tested principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis in guiding individuals with autism and related disorders to reach their fullest potential.