1

Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Behavioral Health Associate information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in California is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $31.78 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in California? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,543 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Behavioral Health Associate I

Behavioral Health Associate I

Turning Point Community Programs

French Camp, CA • On-site

$21 - $22.29/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 hours ago


Turning Point Community Programs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Turning Point Community Programs is seeking a Behavioral Health Associate I for our Sage Village program in Stockton. Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) provides integrated, cost-effective mental health services, employment and housing for adults, children and their families that promote recovery, independence and self-sufficiency. We are committed to innovative and high quality services that assist adults and children with psychiatric, emotional and/or developmental disabilities in achieving their goals. Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) has offered a path to mental health and recovery since 1976. We help people in our community every single day - creating a better space for all types of people in need. Join our mission of offering hope, respect and support to our clients on their journey to mental health and wellness.
GENERAL PURPOSE
Responsible for assisting members in meeting their expressed goals toward crisis resolution and maintaining wellness while living in the community. Additional support in areas of medication management, transportation, counseling and advocacy will be provided as needed.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an at-will direct service position within a program. The position is responsible for assisting and advocating for our members in all areas of treatment and help them apply for and receive services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that could be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
  • Assists assigned members to identify and progress toward achievement of member chosen goals.
  • Empowers members in meeting their goals including supporting opportunities for clients to make informed decisions regarding their mental health treatment.
  • Models behaviors and engages clients in using recovery language targeted towards development of meaningful roles.
  • Assists staff and members in the development and implementation of activities, programming and groups.
  • Safely transports members and other passengers to and from appointments and activities using personal vehicle.
  • Maintains clean driving record as well as currency of driver's license and vehicle insurance/registration.
  • Completes intake process with new admissions.
  • Provides prompt intervention in the event of a crisis both to stop the crisis and to notify, when indicated, persons and agencies necessary for the resolution of the crisis situation.
  • Provides "on-the-spot" counseling that is both helpful to the members and consistent with the philosophy of the program.
  • Performs client head count hourly.
  • Attends to the health, safety, and well being of members.
  • Completes paperwork as assigned in a timely manner.
  • Is personally responsible and held accountable for work hours and time management as coordinated with the Asst. Program Director or the Program Director.
  • Provides support to other staff team members as needed.
  • Adheres to and upholds the policies and procedures of Turning Point Community Programs.

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 12:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Compensation: $21.00 - $22.29 per hour
Interested? Join us at our open interviews on Wednesdays from 2-4PM,
located at 10850 Gold Center Drive, Suite 325, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
-or-
CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!
Position Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES
Education, Training and Experience:
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is through graduation from high school and less than two (2) years of varied experience providing direct mental health services.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
  • California driver's license & current vehicle insurance/registration
  • Reliable means of transportation capable of passing vehicle safety inspection if more than five years old excluding all modes of two-wheeled transport inclusive of bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles.

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Shift
Nights
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Open Date
12/1/2023
Location
Sage Village
EOE Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
adjustedSeniorityDate
None Specified
This position is currently accepting applications.

What Turning Point Community Programs employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom