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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Associate information

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$13

$26

$40

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate 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.

Do you need a degree to be a behavioral health associate?

A behavioral health associate typically does not need a college degree, but relevant certifications or training in mental health or social services are often required. Employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience working with clients or in healthcare settings.

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

A behavioral health associate with an associate's degree can work in settings such as mental health clinics, hospitals, or community agencies, providing support and assisting with patient care. This role often involves skills in communication, documentation, and basic counseling, and may require certification or supervision depending on the state or organization.

What are some common challenges Behavioral Health Associates face during their shifts, and how can they effectively manage them?

Behavioral Health Associates often encounter challenging situations such as managing patients in crisis, de-escalating tense interactions, and maintaining safety in a dynamic environment. It is vital to stay calm under pressure, use therapeutic communication techniques, and follow established protocols to ensure both patient and staff safety. Regular team debriefings, ongoing training, and support from colleagues and supervisors also help associates process difficult experiences and maintain their own well-being.

What are the duties of a behavioral health associate?

A behavioral health associate provides support to individuals with mental health or substance use disorders by assisting with daily activities, monitoring client progress, and implementing treatment plans under supervision. They often document client behavior, facilitate group or individual sessions, and ensure a safe environment, requiring good communication skills and relevant certifications. The role typically involves working in healthcare or community settings and may require adherence to confidentiality and safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Associate, you need a background in psychology or a related field, knowledge of mental health disorders, and often a relevant certification such as Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR), crisis intervention techniques, and de-escalation tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help you effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure the safety, well-being, and recovery of patients in behavioral health settings.

What are Behavioral Health Associates?

Behavioral Health Associates are professionals who support individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. They typically work in hospitals, residential treatment centers, or outpatient facilities, helping patients with daily activities, monitoring their well-being, and assisting with therapeutic interventions under the supervision of licensed clinicians. Their role is crucial in creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging patients’ participation in treatment, and communicating observations to the healthcare team. Behavioral Health Associates may also help with crisis intervention and de-escalation, ensuring that patients receive compassionate and effective care.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

The highest paying roles in behavioral health often include clinical directors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed psychologists, especially those with specialized certifications and extensive experience. These positions typically require advanced degrees, licensure, and leadership responsibilities, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level positions like behavioral health associates.
More about Behavioral Health Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? The top employers for Behavioral Health Associate jobs are:
What states have the most Behavioral Health Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,253 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

$18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Overview

Join Our Team as a Behavioral Health Associate

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital | West Bloomfield, MIStarting Pay: $18.00+ per hour (based on experience and qualifications)Full-Time | Day and Night Shifts Available12-hour shifts with rotating weekends

 

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about helping others and making a meaningful impact in your community? Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking compassionate, reliable, and patient-focused individuals to join our team as Behavioral Health Associates (BHAs).

In this rewarding role, you will work directly with patients experiencing mental health and behavioral health challenges, providing support, encouragement, and care in a safe, therapeutic environment. Whether you are looking to start a career in healthcare or build on your existing experience, this position offers an opportunity to grow while making a difference in the lives of others.

 

Qualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing behavioral health, mental health, or emotional challenges.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and observation skills.
  • Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in fast-paced situations.
  • Commitment to patient safety, dignity, and high-quality care.

Preferred

  • Six (6) months or more of experience in behavioral health, healthcare, human services, direct patient care, social services, or a related field.
  • Experience working with adolescents, adults, or senior adults in a clinical, residential, or healthcare setting.
  • Current CPR certification or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.

 

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Associate provides direct patient care and support services under the direction of nursing and clinical leadership. Responsibilities include monitoring patient safety, assisting with daily activities, supporting therapeutic programming, documenting observations, and helping maintain a safe, structured, and healing environment.

Successful candidates demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional approach in every patient interaction. They recognize that patient safety is the highest priority and are committed to delivering compassionate care that promotes recovery and well-being.

 

Why Join Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital?

Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is a joint venture between Henry Ford Health and Acadia Healthcare, bringing together nationally recognized healthcare expertise to expand access to high-quality behavioral health services throughout the Greater Detroit area.

Our state-of-the-art facility in West Bloomfield was purposefully designed to support healing, recovery, and wellness. The hospital features contemporary amenities, six outdoor therapeutic spaces, and a collaborative culture centered on providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and families.
  • Work alongside experienced behavioral health professionals.
  • Gain valuable healthcare experience and career development opportunities.
  • Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to excellence in patient care.
  • Contribute to a culture of compassion, respect, and teamwork.

 

Start a Rewarding Career in Behavioral Health

Join a team that is transforming behavioral healthcare in our community and helping patients find hope, healing, and recovery.

 

Apply today to become a Behavioral Health Associate at Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to the importance of patient safety and provide excellent customer services.
  • Ensure the well-being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment.
  • Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines as needed.
  • Document timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient's medical record.
  • Assist in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff.
  • Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors and communicate significant observations to nursing staff.
  • May oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens.
  • May obtain patient's vital signs, height and weight as assigned and document in patient record.
  • Facilitate patient educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including social skills, coping skills, anger management and independent living skills.
  • Engage patients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
  • Complete and maintain required documentation. Assist with follow-up and paperwork as required on incidents and events that may take place in the facility.
  • May provide transportation for patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member.
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.
  • Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

  • CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

HFORD

#LI-HFBF

Employment Type: FULL_TIME