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Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Location: Mission Viejo, CA Schedule: Full-Time Available ... The BHT works closely with the clinical and medical teams to monitor clients, assist with daily ...

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How much do behavioral health assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health assistant in Riverside, CA is $20.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $24.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health assistant?

Behavioral Health Assistants are professionals who support individuals dealing with mental health or behavioral issues under the supervision of licensed clinicians. They help implement treatment plans, monitor patients’ progress, and provide guidance in daily activities to promote mental well-being. Their duties may include observing behaviors, assisting with therapeutic activities, maintaining patient records, and offering emotional support. This role is vital in settings such as hospitals, clinics, residential facilities, and community organizations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a behavioral health assistant?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of mental health concepts, basic patient care skills, and often a relevant associate degree or certification in behavioral health or a related field. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and patient observation tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under stress are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective support for patients, accurate documentation, and the maintenance of a safe, therapeutic environment.

What are common challenges faced by behavioral health assistants and how can they be managed?

Behavioral Health Assistants often encounter emotionally charged situations, such as working with individuals experiencing mental health crises or behavioral outbursts. Managing personal stress, maintaining professional boundaries, and practicing self-care are essential for sustaining effectiveness in this role. Many organizations provide regular supervision, peer support, and access to training programs to help Behavioral Health Assistants navigate these challenges and enhance their resilience. Being proactive in seeking support and utilizing available resources contributes to both personal well-being and professional growth.

How long does it take to become a behavioral health assistant?

Becoming a behavioral health assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring postsecondary education or certification in mental health or related fields. Training programs or on-the-job training usually last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the employer and state requirements.

Is a behavioral health assistant entry-level?

Yes, a behavioral health assistant is typically an entry-level position that requires a high school diploma or equivalent. It often involves on-the-job training and may require basic knowledge of mental health practices or certifications such as CPR or first aid. The role is suitable for individuals starting their careers in behavioral health settings.

What skills do you need to be a behavioral health assistant?

A behavioral health assistant needs strong communication and interpersonal skills to support clients effectively. They should have basic knowledge of mental health conditions, be compassionate, and often require certification or training in CPR and first aid. Organizational skills and the ability to work as part of a healthcare team are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Behavioral Health Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Behavioral Health Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Behavioral Health Assistant job openings:

Behavioral Health Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,613 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Behavioral Health Clinician

Heritage Park Nursing Center

Upland, CA

$63K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 hours ago

Posted today

Job description

Behavioral Health Clinican (LCSW, LMFT)   
$75,000-$110,000 DOE 
Upland,CA 
 
Heritage Park, operated by Generations Healthcare, is seeking compassionate and experienced Behavioral Health Licensed Clinician( LMFT, LCSW ) with  Supervisor experience or interest in providing supervision; or registered associate to join our dedicated team.
 
This vital role supports the psychological, emotional, and social well-being of adults with moderate to severe mental illness in an inpatient residential setting. The clinician is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating individual and group therapy sessions, delivering therapeutic interventions, and providing crisis response as needed. Integral to this position is close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to ensure integrated, person-centered care. More than just a provider of behavioral health services, the Clinician fosters therapeutic alliances rooted in compassion, competence, and respect—building meaningful relationships and serving as a bridge between Special Treatment Program (STP) residents and staff to promote trust, stability, and healing. Beyond direct clinical care, Licensed clinicians also play a key role in the training, supervision, and mentorship of advanced-level therapy students. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the professional development of future clinicians, while also educating staff and residents on relevant clinical topics, all within a supportive care model. If you are passionate about mental health, mentorship, teamwork, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, we invite you to join our kind and committed team at Newport Nursing & Rehab—an organization known for its outstanding reputation, high-quality care, and nurturing work environment.
 
 Key Responsibilities: Licensed Clinician
  • Will work alongside BH Clinical Director in providing supervision to AMFT, MSW and PCC students and associates. 
  •  Manages day-to-day tasks, scheduling, training and ensure compliance with the student program. 
  • Provides weekly individual and group supervision.
Key Responsibilities: Licensed and Associate Clinician
  • Establish rapport, in order to develop therapeutic relationships and maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries with clients.
  •  Conducts both individual and group therapy using evidence-based practice (CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing)  and interventions.
  • Reports all violations of patients’ rights, allegation of abuse to the appropriate authorities.
  • Possess knowledge of direct resident care services which ensures the safety, comfort and protection of residents.
  • Gathers appropriate data. Formulates relevant assessment of patient’s mental health and medical history, social, and emotional situations using effective interviewing techniques, consultation with healthcare team and chart review.
  • Develops personalized treatment plan to delineate strengths, deficits and high-risk psychosocial needs.
  • Establishes and periodically revises the treatment plan on the basis of comprehensive and ongoing psychosocial assessment of patient concerns, strengths, needs, clinical impressions, and issues specific to spiritual and cultural values.
  • Compiles and maintains accurate, current, legible patient records using approved forms and format.
  • Documents all 1:1 session, high-risk incidents, assessments, plans, interventions, patient involvement, outside agency communication, interdisciplinary contacts and case closure according to patient care area standards.
  • Works closely and collaboratively with multidisciplinary team members (PD, Psychiatrist, DON, Nursing Manager) providing outcomes, updates of assessment, treatment plan, treatment goals and objectives. Provides clinical impression of patients’ symptoms, changes in clients’ behavior, needs, appropriate interventions and strategies to address patient’s needs.
  • Provides training to staff on behavioral health topics, helping to build a culture of understanding and support for patients facing mental health challenges.
  • Conducts suicide risk assessment to identify suicidality and determine level of risk  (I.e. high, moderate or low risk for suicidality). In coordination with treatment the team clinician develops care plan and provides ongoing monitoring.
  • Appropriately intervenes to decrease tension and assist clients in evaluating non-productive behaviors, thought processes and coping mechanisms during times of crisis.
  • Participates in incident de-briefing with staff focused on providing staff space to process incidents, express and process feelings surrounding incidents.  While providing support coaching and psychoeducation on best practices for managing behaviors.
  • Participates in incident de-briefing with patients focused on providing space for patients to process feelings, identify triggers, leading to incidents while encouraging and engaging patients in use of coping skills.
  • Identifies and effectively deals with resistance and conflict in work with clients (including patients, healthcare team members and community representatives as appropriate).
  • Participates in facilitating and developing staff education and training.
 Therapist Qualifications and Skills:
  • Sensitivity to and willingness to interact with people of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate with compassion and empathy
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong ability to assess situations, make informed decisions, and develop effective solutions.
  • Good judgment, problem solving and decision-making skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively as well as possessing the skills to lead, influence, and motivate others.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, expanding organization
  • Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
  • Ability to build rapport with both patients and staff.
  • Possesses creativity, demonstrate ability to think on one’s feet and outside of the box. 
  •  Understands HIPAA compliance, always ensures confidentiality of patients.
  • Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.)
  • Detail oriented, possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects, work relatively independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrates understanding of the most recent edition of DSM diagnostic criteria for disorders adults as well as cognitive and age-related developmental tasks.
  • Applies the principles of behavior modification, assertiveness training and supportive therapy, and their application.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements: 
  Master’s or Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or closely related field.
  • Approved  to provide clinical supervision by the BBS.
  • One year of behavioral health experience required. Experience with Severely Mentally Ill and Group Facilitation preferred.
  • Current LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC license in good standing with the BBS OR current registration as an AMFT or ASW Trainee/Intern with the BBS (board registered associates must maintain an active supervision affiliation with a board approved clinical supervisor and maintain associate registration status with the BBS in good standing). Individuals who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D/Psy.D Intern School Program may be considered on a case-by-case basis as approved by the Clinical Director of Behavioral Health.
  • Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required or obtained within an initial orientation period. 
  • Proficiency  in Verbal de-escalation and physical intervention program (Pro-Act, CPI, or  HWC)
  • English proficiency required.
Benefits: 
We offer a competitive compensation package, healthcare benefits and excellent career growth opportunities. Health Benefits for full-time employees offered on the 1st of the month following the hire date. 
Generations Healthcare was founded upon the belief that caring for the sick, the elderly, and the infirm is a special and sacred stewardship. It is our mission to have this belief reflected in everything we do: in the presentation of our homes, in the professionalism of our staff, and in the daily delivery of care to our residents and their families. It is our purpose that whoever enters a Generations home will be met with kindness, competence and compassion. 
 
Please note: This position requires the successful completion of a background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screening as part of the hiring process.
 
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit.  The Company prohibits unlawful discrimination against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, military status, veteran status, uniformed service member status, sexual orientation, transgender identity, citizenship status, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.  The Company also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

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