ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Behavioral Health Executive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merakey

Senior Executive Director

Lafayette, LA · Hybrid

The Behavioral Health Executive Director will lead a team of managers across Louisiana who provide services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, supporting recovery-oriented ...

Merakey

Senior Executive Director

Lafayette, LA · On-site

The Behavioral Health Executive Director will lead a team of managers across Louisiana who provide services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, supporting recovery-oriented ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBehavioral Health JobsBehavioral Health Executive Jobs

Behavioral Health Executive information

See salary details

$26.5K

$93.6K

$184K

How much do behavioral health executive jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health executive in the United States is $93,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health Executive, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Executive, you need a strong background in behavioral health management, regulatory compliance, and strategic leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems, accreditation standards (such as Joint Commission), and budgeting tools is essential. Outstanding communication, emotional intelligence, and decision-making skills set apart top performers in this role. These competencies ensure effective oversight, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of high-quality behavioral health services.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Executive vs Clinical Director?

AspectBehavioral Health ExecutiveClinical Director
CredentialsMaster's or Doctoral degree in psychology, social work, or related field; leadership experienceMaster's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling; clinical licensure often required
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership in healthcare organizations, overseeing multiple programsManaging clinical teams and direct patient care within facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, mental health agencies, healthcare systemsClinics, outpatient centers, mental health facilities

The Behavioral Health Executive focuses on organizational leadership, strategic planning, and overall program management, while the Clinical Director is more involved in supervising clinical staff and direct patient care. Both roles require relevant credentials, but the Executive role emphasizes broader administrative responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Behavioral Health Executives in leading multidisciplinary teams?

Behavioral Health Executives often oversee teams that include clinicians, case managers, administrative staff, and external partners. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration across these diverse groups, especially when addressing complex patient needs and regulatory requirements. Executives must balance clinical priorities with organizational goals, all while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Navigating changes in healthcare regulations and reimbursement models also requires adaptability and proactive leadership.

What are Behavioral Health Executives?

Behavioral Health Executives are senior leaders responsible for overseeing programs and services related to mental health and substance use within healthcare organizations. They manage teams of clinicians and administrators, develop policies, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive organizational strategy to improve patient outcomes. Their role often includes budgeting, staff development, and building partnerships with community organizations. Behavioral Health Executives play a key role in shaping the quality and accessibility of behavioral healthcare services.
More about Behavioral Health Executive jobs
What cities are hiring for Behavioral Health Executive jobs? Cities with the most Behavioral Health Executive job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs are:
What states have the most Behavioral Health Executive jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Executive jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Executive jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Executive jobs are:
Behavioral Health Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Executive job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,552 per year, or $45 per hour.
Director of Behavioral Health Services (BHS)

Director of Behavioral Health Services (BHS)

County of Orange

Santa Ana, CA

$281K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

CAREER DESCRIPTION Director of Behavioral Health Services (Director of Mental Health/Executive Manager) This recruitment is open to the public and will remain open on a continuous basis until the position is filled. The first round of consideration deadline to submit a cover letter, resume and transcripts is on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 11:59pm. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is seeking a Director of Behavioral Health Services (BHS), a key member of the HCA executive team to provide executive management oversight for BHS. Working directly with the HCA Director, the BHS Director is responsible for all County mental health and substance use disorder related services for youth and adults, as well as establishing and maintaining standards for quality medical care and medical oversight of programs and services. The ideal candidate will have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional-level administrative/management experience with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the management of a large or complex behavioral health, public health, or human services organization, which included: Interpreting/enforcing relevant laws, rules and regulations Responsibility for program planning and development Personnel administration and business operations Budget/fiscal administration for multi-million dollar budgets and/or contracts Qualifying experience must also include full-scope responsibility for managing multiple subordinate supervisors A Master's degree in healthcare, hospital or public administration, behavioral science, nursing, or a closely related field is required.

For specific details about the position and requirements, please click here to view the brochure. For questions, please contact executive recruiter Espie Martinez at esperanza.martinez@ceo.oc.gov or (714) 713-1397.

Apply