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Behavioral Health Program Director Jobs in Connecticut

Behavioral Health Student Intern

Brookfield, CT · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

This internship is designed for students enrolled in counseling, psychology, social work, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or related behavioral health programs. Depending on the intern ...

Behavioral Health Technician

New Haven, CT · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Emend Healthcare provides comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment at multiple locations ... Monitor under the direction of the Program Director. Requirements * Monitor clients: assuring they ...

Showing results 41-60

Behavioral Health Program Director information

See Connecticut salary details

$28.1K

$74.4K

$130.3K

How much do behavioral health program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health program director in Connecticut is $74,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $88,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a behavioral health program director do?

A Behavioral Health Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and management of behavioral health programs within an organization. They are responsible for supervising staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, developing program policies, and managing budgets. Directors also evaluate program effectiveness, coordinate with other healthcare professionals, and work to improve patient outcomes. Their role is essential in ensuring high-quality mental health and substance abuse services are delivered to clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health program director?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Program Director, you need a strong background in mental health services, program management, and typically a master's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, regulatory compliance standards, and crisis intervention protocols is essential. Leadership, strong communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding directors apart, enabling them to motivate teams and manage complex situations. These skills ensure effective program oversight, quality patient care, and compliance with healthcare standards.

What are some of the main challenges faced by behavioral health program directors, and how can applicants prepare to address them?

Behavioral Health Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with clinical oversight, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, they must address staff burnout and adapt to changes in funding or policy. Applicants can prepare by developing strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as staying informed about industry standards and best practices to foster a supportive and effective program environment.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Program Director vs Behavioral Health Clinician?

AspectBehavioral Health Program DirectorBehavioral Health Clinician
CredentialsMaster's degree in psychology, social work, or related field; licensure often requiredMaster's or Bachelor's degree in relevant field; licensure or certification may be required
Work EnvironmentAdministrative settings, overseeing programs, managing staffDirect patient care in clinics, hospitals, or community settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, mental health agencies, community health organizationsClinics, outpatient centers, hospitals, private practices

The Behavioral Health Program Director focuses on managing and overseeing mental health programs and staff, requiring strong leadership and administrative skills. In contrast, the Behavioral Health Clinician provides direct patient care, applying clinical skills to treat individuals. Both roles are essential in mental health services but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Program Director job openings in Connecticut as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,386 per year, or $35.8 per hour.

Behavioral Health Specialist Requires LCSW LPC or LMFT Bilingual Spanish Preferred

New Haven, CT • On-site

Oak Street Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees

$66K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Oak Street Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.

Title: Behavioral Health Specialist - Requires LCSW, LPC or LMFT - Bilingual Spanish Preferred

Company: Oak Street Health

Role Description:

The purpose of a Behavioral Health Specialist at Oak Street Health is to provide care management services and to provide evidence-based short-term psychotherapy to our patients with behavioral health needs.  The Behavioral Health Specialist is a key resource for Care Teams across a region of Oak Street Health primary clinics. They are responsible for coordinating and supporting behavioral healthcare for our patients, in collaboration with Care Teams and a psychiatric consultant. The Behavioral Health Specialist will assess the needs of patients, make referrals to appropriate behavioral health resources and specialists, and provide short-term counseling and evidence-based treatments as indicated. This role has the potential option for one remote work day based upon achievement and maintenance of program metrics.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the primary care teams to identify appropriate patients to refer to the Oak Street Behavioral Health Program
  • Screen and assess patients for common mental health and substance use disorders
  • Develop care plans and provide or facilitate referrals to Oak Street’s psychiatric consultant and/or external resources
  • Provide short-term counseling and evidence-based treatments
  • Coordinate care with Oak Street’s psychiatric consultant, including warm handoffs for telehealth visits and collaboration on care plans
  • Develop relationships with primary care teams and consistently communicate changes in behavioral health care plans
  • Accurate and timely documentation of patient encounters and counseling sessions in Oak Street’s electronic medical record
  • Participate in regional and organizational efforts to advance Oak Street’s Behavioral Health Program through workshops, feedback sessions, and surveys
  • Possibly covering multiple clinics, depending on the maturity and panel sizes of those clinics
  • Other duties, as assigned

What are we looking for?

Required:

  • Master’s Degree in the field of mental health counseling/healing arts required from an accredited  school (Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, etc.)
  • Highest clinical level of license (or local equivalent)
  • Experience with screening for common mental health and/or substance use disorders
  • Experience with assessment and treatment planning for common mental health and/or substance use disorders
  • Familiarity with brief, structured intervention techniques (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Activation, Problem Solving, Cognitive Behavioral, etc.)
  • US work authorization

Strongly Preferred:

  • Proficiency in providing brief, structured intervention techniques (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Activation, Cognitive Behavioral)
  • Working knowledge of differential diagnoses of common mental health and/or substance use disorders

Preferred:

  • Proficient PC skills

Anticipated Weekly Hours

40

Time Type

Full time

Pay Range

The typical pay range for this role is:

$66,575.00 - $142,576.00

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls.  The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors.  This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. 
 

Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.

Great benefits for great people

We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.

This full‑time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well‑being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.


Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on: 12/31/2026

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.


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About Oak Street Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oak Street Health is a rapidly growing company of primary care centers for adults on Medicare in medically-underserved communities where there is little to no quality healthcare. Oak Street's care is based on an entirely new model that is based on value for its patients, not on volume of services. The company is accountable for its patients' health, spending more than twice as long with its patients and taking on the risks and costs of their care.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US