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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs in Springfield, MA

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Behavioral Health Associate information

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$13

$25

$40

How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in Springfield, MA is $25.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $32.12 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 Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Springfield, MA? For Behavioral Health Associate jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in Springfield, MA 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 $54,063 per year, or $26 per hour.

Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital

Holyoke, MA • On-site

$42.55 - $57.45/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) - Behavioral Health Forensic Unit

Your experience matters

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Health and Baystate Health. 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 Forensic Unit team, you're embracing our promise to provide superior patient care that exceeds industry standards as well as patient expectations. Join us on this meaningful journey where your compassion, clinical expertise, and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

 

More about our team

Our Behavioral Health team operates within a 150-bed inpatient facility focused on healing, safety, and innovation. The Forensic Unit provides specialized care for individuals involved with the legal and criminal justice systems who require behavioral health treatment in a secure therapeutic environment. Our team works collaboratively to deliver patient-centered, trauma-informed care while maintaining safety, dignity, and recovery-focused outcomes.

 

How you'll contribute

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

  • Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care plans
  • Monitor patients' physical and behavioral health status and respond appropriately to changes in condition
  • Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and facility policies
  • Collaborate with psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, social workers, and interdisciplinary team members
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record
  • Support a safe and therapeutic environment through effective de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques
  • Participate in treatment team meetings and discharge planning activities
  • Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans, medications, and recovery goals
  • Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards, and patient safety initiatives
  • Serve as a patient advocate while promoting recovery-oriented care

 

What we're looking for

Applicants should have a current RN license in the state of Massachusetts and graduate from an accredited nursing program. Additional requirements include:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 30 days of hire
  • Behavioral Health, Psychiatric Nursing, Corrections, or Forensic Nursing experience preferred
  • Strong assessment, communication, and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to effectively manage challenging patient behaviors in a therapeutic manner
  • Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques preferred
  • Commitment to patient-centered and trauma-informed care

 

Schedule

Job Type: Full-Time
Shift: Evening Shift (3P-11P)
Schedule: 8-Hour Shifts

Sign-On Bonus: $15,000

 

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: Tuition assistance, certification support, loan assistance, and 401(k) with company match

 

Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs, including gym memberships, virtual care, and mental health services

 

Professional Development: Ongoing learning and advancement opportunities

 

Connect with a Recruiter

Not ready to apply or have questions? Contact DK Lyons at 850-842-8832.

 

More about Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is a 150-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital serving the Western Massachusetts community. We provide comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services in a modern, patient-centered environment. As a joint venture between Lifepoint Health and Baystate Health, we are committed to making communities healthier® through teamwork, compassion, and clinical excellence.

 

Hourly Range

$42.55 - $57.45 per hour

 

EEOC Statement

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital 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.