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$12

$24

$37

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Iowa is $24.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.24 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Iowa? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Behavioral Health Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,958 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Registered Nurse (RN) - Inpatient Behavioral Health

Registered Nurse (RN) - Inpatient Behavioral Health

Ottumwa Regional Health Center

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Ottumwa Regional Health Center rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

897th of 1,020 rated hospitals

Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) - Inpatient Behavioral Health 
$15,000 Commitment Bonus (2 Years)
Schedule: 12 Hour Shifts, Full-Time, 0700-1900

Your experience matters 

Ottumwa Regional Health Center is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Registered Nurse (RN) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier ®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

More about our team 

At Ottumwa Regional Health Center, we provide high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health services designed to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our 14-bed unit provides 24/7 supervised mental health treatment and crisis support for adults ages 18+ experiencing a wide range of concerns, including co-occurring issues when mental health disorders are accompanied by substance use. 

How you'll contribute 

A Registered Nurse (RN) who excels in this role:

  • Accurately performs patient assessments and identifies patient needs
  • Identifies and initiates appropriate nursing interventions
  • Provides care appropriate to condition and age of the patient
  • Performs timely and appropriate documentation relating to medical necessity in the medical record
  • Responsible for completion and revision of the Interdisciplinary Care Plan for each patient
  • Performs timely and accurate QI assessments

What we're looking for
Applicants should have a current state RN license and possess an associate or bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing school. Additional requirements include:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS) within six (6) months of hire.
  • Recent RN experience
  • Preferred Qualifications: Acute Care Behavioral Health experience  

Why join us 

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers: 

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
  • Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
  • Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
  • Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

Connect with a Recruiter 

Not ready to complete an application, or have questions? Please contact Kate Cotter by emailing Kathryn.Cotter@lpnt.net. 

More about Ottumwa Regional Health Center

Ottumwa Regional Health Center is a 217-bed hospital that has been offering exceptional care to the Ottumwa community for over 133 years. We are proud to be recognized by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations and be members of the Iowa and American Hospital Associations. 

EEOC Statement

"Ottumwa Regional Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ottumwa Regional Health Center is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.

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