ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Nystrom & Associates

School Based Therapy Intern

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Backed by more than 100 years of combined behavioral health experience, Sagent brings together the trusted legacies of Ellie Mental Health, LifeWorks, Nystrom & Associates, Psychiatric Associates ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBehavioral Health Associate JobsBehavioral Health Associate Jobs in Ames, IA

Behavioral Health Associate information

See Ames, IA salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Ames, IA is $25.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health associate?

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Ames, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Ames, IA?

For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:

Behavioral Health Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,070 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Licensed Mental Health Therapist

Ankeny, IA • On-site

Nystrom & Associates
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 1 - 5K employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Nystrom & Associatesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Licensed Mental Health Therapist

Location: 1105 N Ankeny Blvd, Suite 100 Ankeny, IA 50023

Working Model: In-person

Employee Type: Full Time

At Sagent Behavioral Health, we believe profound change is possible. As one of the largest behavioral health organizations in the Midwest-with 2,000+ team members across 80+ locations in five states-we offer the stability and resources to help you thrive.

Backed by more than 100 years of combined behavioral health experience, Sagent brings together the trusted legacies of Ellie Mental Health, LifeWorks, Nystrom & Associates, Psychiatric Associates, Sandhill Counseling & Consultation, and Vantage Point.

Here, you'll find a supportive, inclusive culture where you can hone your skills, collaborate with a fantastic team, and build a rewarding career focused on what matters most: helping others find hope. Guided by our HOPE values-Humility, Optimism, People-Centered, and Ethical Practice-we provide manageable caseloads, flexible schedules, and compensation options that work for you-from salary to production-based models.

As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist at Sagent Behavioral Health, you will provide compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic services in an outpatient setting. You will play a vital role in supporting mental wellness, fostering resilience, and improving the quality of life for the clients we serve. This position values clinical excellence, collaboration, and a client-centered approach to care.

Full Time Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401k, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
  • Time Off and Holidays
  • Reasonable caseload expectations and flexible scheduling
  • Comfortable offices and clinic environment
  • Free attendance for internal CEUs

Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate mental health diagnoses, create, implement and maintain treatment plans and complete ongoing documentation.
  • Provide individual, couples, family, and/or group therapy in an outpatient setting.
  • Active participation and responsibility in building, growing, and maintaining caseload to meet agreed upon weekly billable expectations.
  • Provide excellent customer service for clients and collaborate with a dynamic team to further the mission of filling gaps in your community.
  • Utilize creativity in interventions to help clients achieve and exceed their goals.
  • Attend and participate in all clinical staff meetings and trainings.

Requirements:

  • Master's degree in one of the behavioral sciences or related fields from an accredited college or university.
  • Candidates will have clinical licensure or be on licensure track for
    • IA: LMHC-T, LMHC, LMSW, LCSW, LISW
  • Experience completing diagnostic assessments, treatment plans and clinical case notes with the ability to demonstrate and model stable, appropriate boundaries with clients.
  • Proficient in the use of Office 365 and EHR systems.

Compensation: We offer two pay options to meet your professional and financial goals! We havean optionwith a predictable base pay and another with flexible earning potential.

IA Outpatient:

RateBased:

  • Licensed:$ 70,000 - 76,000

CommissionBased:

  • Licensed: $ 62,000 - 130,000

* Actual compensation may be determinedbyvarious factorssuch as education, experience, skillset, internal equity,scheduleand/orlocation.

* Employees in these positions are W2.

Sagent Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nystrom & Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply