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Behavioral Health Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Behavioral Health Director POSITION SUMMARY: The Behavioral Health Director provides strategic ... Leadership, Strategy, and Program Development * Provides vision, leadership, and strategic ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Behavioral Health Director plans, organizes, and directs care provided by the ... Lead Specialty BH program development and management through collaborative process with medical ...

Program Director

Plano, TX · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the behavioral health field, the ... The Program Director (PD) is responsible for the supervision and management of the treatment ...

Clinical Program Director

Waltham, MA · On-site

$39.66 - $47.60/hr

... Program Director is responsible for: * The day-to-day operations of a program of substance abuse ... Minimum of three years experience in a substance abuse, mental health, or other related behavioral ...

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Behavioral Health Program Director information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

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

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral health program director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Behavioral Health Program Director jobs?

Cities with the most Behavioral Health Program Director job openings:

What states have the most Behavioral Health Program Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Program Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Program Director jobs?

For Behavioral Health Program Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Clinical Program Director - Behavioral Health

Plano, TX • On-site

The OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Your Role:
  • Licensed Therapist Required: You must be a licensed therapist to qualify for this position
  • Evening Hours: The position requires evenings.
    • In-Person, Monday to Friday from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

The Company You'll Join
OCD Anxiety Centers has a true passion for bringing help and hope to some of the most underserved clinical populations. We strive to change the lives of individuals and their families who have been suffering from unrelenting anxiety, disturbing and terrifying thoughts, uncontrollable worry, exhausting behaviors and rituals, and avoidance that keeps them from living their lives. We are an evidence-based practice, which means we do what works, we stay up to date with scientific research, and we regularly attend international training to keep us at our very best.
What We Offer:
  • Competitive Compensation: Base Salary: Depending on experience and licensure plus a quarterly bonus program.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k match, and more.
  • Investment in Your Development: Receive up to $400 reimbursement on CEUs per renewal cycle, participate in paid specialized ongoing training, and become certified through our proprietary Training Institute.
  • Positive Work Environment: Join a team that values integrity, accountability, teamwork, and innovation. We celebrate diversity and strive for excellence in everything we do.
  • Opportunity for Growth: As a Program Director, you'll have the chance to lead and nurture a team, oversee clinical integrity, manage referral relationships, and contribute to the success of our organization.

The Team You'll Work With
The success of our organization is dependent on the trust and confidence we earn from our employees, clients, and community. Our values are connected to our work at OCD Anxiety Centers and are measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct.
  • We act with integrity and communicate honestly and openly
  • We are passionate about meeting the company's needs and delivering for our clients
  • We are accountable for all our own actions
  • We work together as a team and are committed to excellence and innovation
  • We respect each other and celebrate our diversity

We set the bar that high for practical and aspirational reasons. Candidates with similar ethical standards, who have the ability to adapt in a fast-moving working culture, and are committed to providing excellent client service are encouraged to apply.
The Purpose of Your Role
The Program Director serves as the facility authority, ensuring safe, effective, and efficient implementation of direct care policies, procedures, and treatment protocols. This role is akin to a facility's CEO. The Director nurtures staff growth, oversees clinical integrity, manages referral relationships, and champions top-tier treatment and family care. They adhere strictly to company policies, procedures, and ethical practices.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
  • Facility average symptom reduction of 65%
  • Facility average client satisfaction of 4.5
  • Facility Tour Audits: Maintain 90% or better
  • Facility Average Length of Stay (ALOS): Target minimum of 52 days
  • Unused Authorizations: <100 days per month in facility
  • Documentation Accuracy: Achieve 100% at month-close audit
  • Staff Satisfaction: Achieve a 4.0 or higher rating quarterly
  • Facility average of Early Discharges: Maintain <10%

Leadership and Management:
  • Collaborate on motivational strategies and treatment plans.
  • Conduct regular reviews of treatment plans to minimize unused approved days and early discharges.
  • Manage and negotiate peer-to-peer reviews with insurance companies.
  • Implement initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction and address concerns identified in surveys.
  • Generate and present regular reports on KPIs to evaluate progress.
  • Lead, train, and mentor staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, achievement, and respect.
  • Oversee clinical integrity, referral management, and facility budget.
  • Ensure staff training and achievement of standardized KPIs.
  • Create a minimum of 3 SMART goals each quarter for facility improvement.

Operational Oversight:
  • Execute facility projects per directives, goals, and budget, measuring KPIs for efficiency, revenue, and employee satisfaction.
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize client utilization of insurance days and achieve financial goals.
  • Collaborate closely with the Utilization Management (UM) Director to align program strategies with utilization goals.
  • Streamline insurance authorization processes, emphasizing thorough documentation for client use of days.
  • Facilitate peer-to-peer discussions with insurance providers, ensuring clear communication and comprehensive documentation.
  • Utilize data analytics to track authorization trends, client use of days, and financial outcomes.
  • Provide ongoing training for staff on insurance authorization processes, documentation requirements, and effective communication in peer-to-peer interactions.

Facility Management:
  • Oversee facility management to ensure compliance, policy implementation, and client record documentation.
  • Manage program budgets, ensuring financial goals are met.
  • Provide clinical supervision and oversight for Behavioral Health Techs.
  • Work with the finance department to create an annual budget with improved margins.

Training and Development:
  • Complete Train the Trainer responsibilities, mastering group therapy and crisis management techniques.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment.
  • Cultivate a culture of leadership within the clinical team.
  • Identify and nurture leadership potential within the team, providing targeted mentorship and opportunities for skill development.
  • Advocate for the advancement of team members, supporting promotions and recognizing achievements.
  • Implement training programs to enhance leadership skills among team members.

Strategic Planning and Implementation:
  • Contribute to quarterly and fiscal goals, overseeing facility functions and corporate initiatives.
  • Lead the development and enhancement of innovative processes and protocols to elevate client outcomes and operational efficiency.
  • Identify and implement creative solutions for process improvement while ensuring alignment with program goals and standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to introduce and institutionalize innovative initiatives, adhering to program-specific protocols.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented innovations, making data-driven adjustments for continuous improvement.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in related fields and current state licensure.
  • 5+ years of experience in mental health management.
  • Commitment to continuous personal and team development.
  • Clinical expertise and a strong knowledge base in therapy modalities.
  • Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and proficiency in computer applications.
  • Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in OCD and anxiety treatment.
  • Proficiency in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Disclaimer
OCD Anxiety Centers has not designed this job description to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Furthermore, OCD Anxiety Centers reserves the right to change or assign new duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time, with or without notice.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) statement
OCD Anxiety Centers is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, disability, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, or any other legally protected class under federal, state, or local law. This applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, working conditions, scheduling, benefits, wage and salary administration, disciplinary action, termination, social, educational, and recreational programs.
Learn More
https://www.ocdanxietycenters.com/about-us/