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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC

Job Title Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health serves the state of South Carolina with a broad ... Qualifications Education Associate's Degree of Nursing Experience 1-3 years of nursing experience ...

Clinical Director

Lexington, SC · On-site

$65K - $85K/hr

Clinical Director - Mental Health / Behavioral Health Location: Lexington, SC Reports To: Executive ... Provide direct clinical supervision and oversight to all therapists, including associate-level ...

... behavioral health conditions and other health needs. Serves as the primary point of contact for the ... As one of the nation's leaders in healthcare solutions, we offer our associates the opportunity to ...

... behavioral health conditions and other health needs. Serves as the primary point of contact for the ... As one of the nation's leaders in healthcare solutions, we offer our associates the opportunity to ...

Showing results 21-40

Behavioral Health Associate information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$11

$21

$32

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Columbia, SC is $21.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $26.30 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 Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $44,300 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Mental Health Technician Crisis Stabilization

UHS

West Columbia, SC • On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Universal Health Services rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 253 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Responsibilities
Crisis Stabilization Unit for adult program.
This position will float as needed to other units based on needs to include dual diagnosis, acute inpatient adult, and acute inpatient adolescent programs.
Three Rivers Behavioral Health is a 136-bed treatment facility that specializes in quality behavioral health and substance abuse services for adolescents and adults. We offer a full continuum of care through an integrated system of inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Conveniently located between I-20 (Exit 61) and I-26 (Exit 110) in West Columbia, SC, our team of 300+ high quality employees describe working here as " family atmosphere," "supportive leadership," and "life-changing." Progressive professionals in the fields of psychiatry, medicine, nursing, social services, and activity therapy serve hundreds of adults and adolescents each month with the common goal of creating new beginnings. Healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to affect lives for the better each and every day. Choose Three Rivers and start your life-changing journey today.
JOB SUMMARY: The Mental Health Technician (MHT) works closely with all members of the clinical treatment team. Plays an integral
part of assuring that the patient program schedule is carried out as planned by the Team. Performs various duties assisting nurses in
the psychiatric and physical treatment and care of patients in accordance with established methods and procedures of the
hospital. Interacts closely with patients remaining engaged in the various activities and events that patients experience throughout the
treatment day. Interacts with patients in a therapeutic manner at all times and assists other staff to also maintain appropriate
boundaries.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assists with maintaining a safe and hazard free environment by observing and documenting patient behavior,
    conducting patient room searches, reporting unsafe conditions and applying appropriate emotional and physical
    support.
  • Utilize patient activity schedule, unit rules and group structure to maintain consistency in the milieu.
  • Records progress notes that are reflective of patient's behavior for specific incidents and conditions, such as suicidal
    thoughts/actions, AWOLs, aggressive behavior, special checks, restrictions, and unusual sleep patterns.
KEY PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to continously walk and stand for duration of shift.
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, pull, lift objects from a lower to higher position or horizontally from position to position
  • Exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently
  • Manual dexterity and physical agile so to perform de-escalation procedures
  • Must be able to deal with aggressive, hostile, and irrational behavior of patients calmly and therapeutically.
  • Must be able to respond immediately to crisis situations concerning patients and/or family members; must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions, such as noise, conversation, and foot traffic.
BENEFITS:
Career development opportunities across UHS and our 300+ locations!
Diverse programming to expand your experience
Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
Employee Assistance Program
401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
Pet Insurance
SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
Tuition Assistance
Employee Referral Program
More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com
About Universal Health Services
One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com .
From Fortune , ©2025, 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
Qualifications
Job Requirements:
Associates or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or related field preferred.
Two (2) years of experience in healthcare or behavioral health related field in lieu of Associates or Bachelor's degree.
EEO Statement
All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams
We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from UHS, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.
At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.
If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.

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About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US