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Behavioral Health Tech Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Eating Recovery Center

Behavioral Health Tech

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

The Behavioral Health Technician works under the supervision of the nursing department and is ... Mental Health/Psych Tech, CNA (preferred) BHT II must haves: * High school diploma or GED (required)

Eating Recovery Center

Behavioral Health Tech

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Schedule: 3 morning shifts (6a-4:30p) and 1 MID (4p-10p) every week The Behavioral Health ... Mental Health/Psych Tech, CNA (preferred) BHT II must haves: * High school diploma or GED (required)

Trinity Health

Mental Health Tech

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$20.02 - $31.03/hr

If you are a Mental Health Tech who's interested in working for a regional leader in healthcare, ... The Mental Health Counselor works as part of a multi-disciplinary team, to provide behavioral ...

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How much do behavioral health tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health tech in Chicago, IL is $18.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health tech?

A Behavioral Health Tech, also known as a Behavioral Health Technician or mental health technician, is a professional who assists in the care and treatment of patients with behavioral, mental health, or substance abuse issues. They typically work under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health professionals, helping to implement treatment plans, monitor patient behaviors, and provide support during therapy sessions. Their responsibilities may also include facilitating group activities, documenting patient progress, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for recovery.

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

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Tech, you need a background in psychology or a related field, basic medical knowledge, and often a certification such as Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and crisis intervention tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and emotional resilience help you support patients and collaborate effectively with clinical teams. These abilities are vital for ensuring patient safety, fostering recovery, and maintaining a therapeutic environment.

What are some common challenges behavioral health techs face when working with patients, and how is support typically provided?

Behavioral Health Techs often encounter challenging situations such as de-escalating crises, managing aggressive behaviors, or supporting patients with complex mental health needs. These challenges require patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Most facilities provide ongoing training, regular supervision, and access to a multidisciplinary team—including nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists—to ensure techs have the support and resources they need to handle difficult scenarios and provide safe, effective care.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Tech vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectBehavioral Health TechMental Health Technician
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and sometimes state-specific behavioral health certificationsSimilar certifications, including CPR and First Aid, may be required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health facilities, residential treatment centersPsychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential programs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist clients with daily activities, monitor behavior, support treatment plansSupervise patients, assist with therapy activities, ensure safety
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in mental health and behavioral health settingsPrimarily in psychiatric and mental health facilities

Both roles involve supporting individuals with mental health needs, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers and slight variations in job responsibilities, but they are largely interchangeable in many settings.

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Tech jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Behavioral Health Tech jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Tech jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Tech jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Behavioral Health Tech jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Behavioral Health Tech job openings:

Behavioral Health Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Tech job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,511 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Behavioral Health Tech

Eating Recovery Center

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Eating Recovery Center rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What you'll be doing: 

The Behavioral Health Technician works under the supervision of the nursing department and is responsible for the direct care of inpatient and residential patients by providing patient supervision and support. The BHT provides support, structure and boundaries. They provide bathroom and mealtime support as well as contribute to the implementation of therapeutic programming. The BHT may be required to participate in on-call shifts based on business needs, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws. 

Essential duties and responsibilities:  

  • Milieu management, including the following: 
  • Maintains daily program structure, by following program schedule 
  • Completes observation rounds and safety checks as ordered by physician 
  • Works with patients on de-escalation and implementing coping skills per treatment plan 
  • Conducts room searches and luggage searches 
  • Takes patients out on fresh air breaks 
  • Provides patient transportation as needed for medical appointments (may vary by location and program) 
  • Takes patient vital signs, weights, urine Specific Gravity (may vary by location and program) 
  • Act as secondary support staff in group therapy (may vary by location and program) 
  • Provides meal support and bathroom monitoring 
  • Completes documentation of patient observations, meals and individual check-ins that occur during shift 
  • Assists with morning routine and Activities of Daily Living while patients are in spa/bathroom 

BHT I must haves: 

  • High school diploma or GED (required) 
  • Valid driver's license with safe driving record (this requirement is only for locations that have company vehicles or locations that drive on behalf of the company) 
  • 6 months of direct patient care experience (preferred) 
  • Mental Health/Psych Tech, CNA  (preferred) 

BHT II must haves: 

  • High school diploma or GED (required) 
  • New hires: 1 year of direct patient care experience (required) 
  • Valid driver's license with safe driving record (this requirement is only for locations that have company vehicles or locations that drive on behalf of the company)  
  • Mental Health/Psych Tech, CNA  (preferred) 
  • Minimum of 1 year of ERC milieu experience (required, for internal teammates only) 

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