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Behavioral Health Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Behavioral Health Associate information

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$26

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How much do behavioral health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health associate in the United States is $26.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $32.21 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.
More about Behavioral Health Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? Cities with the most Behavioral Health Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Behavioral Health Associate jobs? The top employers for Behavioral Health Associate jobs are:
What states have the most Behavioral Health Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Associate job openings in the United States 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 $54,253 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Behavioral Health Associate

Behavioral Health Associate

Comprehensive Healthcare

Yakima, WA • On-site

$20.24 - $30.36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Who is Comprehensive Healthcare?
Comprehensive Healthcare provides innovative behavioral health and integrated healthcare services to clients of all ages. We take pride in our creative and collaborative work environment and in delivering clinically excellent, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented services.
What are we looking for in a Behavioral Health Associate?
Behavioral Health Associates provide care, support, and a safe living environment for individuals residing within our 24-hour inpatient and residential facilities. Behavioral Health Associates provide supportive counseling and skills development through individual or group sessions to assist clients with stabilizing symptoms and learning illness management skills. These positions are part of an interdisciplinary team that provides individualized, trauma-informed treatment in collaboration with the client's natural support systems to help ensure a smooth transition to community outpatient treatment. This role is best suited to someone who communicates effectively, remaining supportive and empathetic during challenging situations, and who values teamwork and collaboration in working toward the goal of improving the lives of the individuals we serve. A general understanding of behavioral health issues is helpful. These positions are full time, with a set work schedule, comprehensive benefits package, and competitive wages.
Two Rivers Landing is a short-term place of healing for youth aged 11-17 who are in crisis. The program provides crisis stabilization, evaluation, and treatment for up to 16 youth and utilizes an established trauma-informed, evidence-based model of care.
Schedule: On-call (Per-diem)
Behavioral Health Associate duties may include:
  • developing and conducting social & leisure activities for clients
  • facilitating educational, behavioral health, or skill-building groups
  • coaching clients in practical living skills such as nutrition, budgeting, and other independent living activities
  • accompanying clients to appointments, community events, and outings
  • providing daily oversight of medication self-administration and monitoring symptoms & medication response
  • maintaining a safe and clean environment, which may vary from general housekeeping to deep cleaning depending on assigned facility
  • completing required documentation that reflects the activities, goals, and progress of each client
  • ensuring the safety of yourself, other staff, and clients by properly using personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirator masks, when appropriate

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Previous related experience preferred
  • Must be eligible for registration as Agency Affiliated Counselor
  • Must have valid driver's license and vehicle liability insurance
  • In compliance with state and federal law, Comprehensive Healthcare requires all candidates to complete a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen and background check. Please refer to WAC 388-113-0020 through 388-113-0030 for information on criminal convictions and pending charges that automatically disqualify an individual from working for Comprehensive Healthcare. Please refer to RCW 49.44.240 for information on pre-employment drug screening.

It is the policy of Comprehensive Healthcare to ensure that employees are provided the equipment necessary to protect their health from respiratory disease in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Respirators, training, and medical evaluations are provided at no cost to the employee during normal working hours. The medical evaluation will determine the employee's ability to use a respirator and is required prior to completing fit testing of the respirator. Fit testing will be performed using the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used by the employee when at work. A respirator is designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. To achieve this, employees must (a) arrive for fit testing clean shaven around the sealing surface of the mask; (s) have nothing to eat or drink other than plain water for 20 minutes prior to the appointment; and (3) have not smoked, vaped, or chewed gum for 20 minutes prior to the appointment.
What Comprehensive Healthcare Can Offer You
Training and Development
  • A variety of career opportunities in a wide range of settings with room for mobility and promotion
  • Regular training opportunities including support, supervision, and consultation in implementing evidence-based services and programs

Innovative Program & Services
  • A strong reputation for providing quality, evidence-based services within a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment
  • Innovative, forward-looking leadership that seeks to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment
  • Joint Commission-accredited organization committed to continuous quality improvement
  • Established partnerships with major research universities and other community and healthcare providers to implement cutting-edge treatment programs and services

Excellent Benefits
  • Competitive salaries within our communities and industry
  • Healthcare coverage for employee and qualified family members
  • Generous vacation, paid holiday and sick leave policies
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program services
  • Agency-funded retirement plan with contributions equal to 5% of compensation
  • Additional retirement investment opportunities with a 50% investment match of up to 4% of compensation
  • Agency-funded life and disability insurance program
  • Financial incentives to further employee education
  • Tuition reimbursement program to support employees pursuing additional education
  • Employer-funded student loan repayment assistance

Comprehensive Healthcare is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value the diverse perspectives and strengths that our employees bring to the workplace and we encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for our positions. The Human Resources department provides accommodations and assistance to complete the application and interview process; please contact us to make arrangements.