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Behavioral Health Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Behavioral Health Technician - Hickory Treatment Centers Department : Behavioral Health Direct Report To : Behavioral Health Technician Manager Shift: 3pm - 11:00pm About the Role: The Behavioral ...

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Behavioral Health information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do behavioral health jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health in Iowa is $23.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health vs Mental Health Counselor?

AspectBehavioral HealthMental Health Counselor
CredentialsVaries; may include licenses, certifications in behavioral healthTypically requires state licensure (e.g., LCSW, LPC)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community agencies, schoolsPrivate practices, clinics, hospitals, community agencies
Industry UsageBroad term encompassing mental, emotional, and behavioral healthSpecialized role focusing on mental health diagnosis and therapy

Behavioral Health is a broad field covering mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being, often including various professionals. Mental Health Counselors are specific practitioners within this field, primarily providing therapy for mental health issues. While both roles may require similar credentials and work in similar environments, Behavioral Health professionals may have a wider scope, including prevention and community programs, whereas Mental Health Counselors focus on individual therapy and diagnosis.

What are careers in behavioral health?

Careers in behavioral health include roles such as mental health counselors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses. These positions involve providing mental health support, therapy, and treatment, often requiring relevant certifications or licenses and strong interpersonal skills. Professionals in this field work in settings like clinics, hospitals, schools, and community organizations.

What do you do in behavioral health?

A behavioral health professional assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental health and substance use disorders. They may provide therapy, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to support patient well-being, often requiring strong communication skills and relevant certifications. The role can involve working in clinics, hospitals, or community settings.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in behavioral health roles, and how can they be managed?

Behavioral health professionals often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, addressing diverse client needs, and coping with emotional stress from clients' situations. Maintaining clear boundaries, seeking regular supervision, and utilizing self-care practices are essential strategies for managing these challenges. Many organizations also offer ongoing training and peer support to help staff navigate complex cases and prevent burnout, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

The highest paying roles in behavioral health typically include clinical directors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed psychologists, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions usually require advanced degrees, licensure, and extensive experience, and they involve leadership, specialized clinical skills, or independent practice.

What are behavioral health professionals?

Behavioral health professionals are specialists who work with individuals to address mental health, emotional well-being, and substance use issues. They include psychologists, counselors, social workers, therapists, and psychiatrists who assess, diagnose, and provide treatment for behavioral and mental health conditions. These professionals may work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private practices, and often collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to support patients' overall well-being. Their goal is to help people manage stress, cope with life challenges, and improve their quality of life.

What skills do you need to work in behavioral health?

Behavioral health professionals need strong communication, empathy, and active listening skills to effectively support clients. They should also have knowledge of mental health conditions, crisis intervention techniques, and often require relevant certifications or licenses depending on the role. Additionally, teamwork and the ability to handle stressful situations are important in this field.

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

To thrive in Behavioral Health, a solid understanding of psychological principles, mental health assessment, and treatment planning is essential, often supported by degrees in psychology, social work, counseling, or related fields. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and, in some roles, relevant licensure or certifications like LCSW or LPC are typically required. Exceptional empathy, active listening, and strong communication skills help professionals effectively support clients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for delivering effective care, ensuring patient safety, and fostering positive therapeutic outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Behavioral Health jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Behavioral Health jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Behavioral Health job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,416 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

We are looking for night shift Behavioral Health Associates for our new Methodist Jennie Edmundson Behavioral Health Hospital!

What would you do in this role?

You would be responsible for providing personal care services to patients at the facility under the direction of clinical or nursing leadership. Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

Methodist Health System, the region's most established not-for-profit provider, has partnered with Acadia Healthcare, the nation's largest standalone behavioral health company, to open a new 96-bed inpatient behavioral health hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This marks Acadia's first acute psychiatric facility in Iowa, expanding much-needed access to behavioral health services across Southwest Iowa and the Greater Omaha area.  Just minutes from downtown Omaha, Council Bluffs blends small-town charm with city convenience-offering affordable living, great schools, and a strong sense of community-making it an ideal location for this important new facility.

Scheduled to open in June 2026, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Behavioral Health Hospital will offer a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient care for adults, seniors, and youth, including programs for mood disorders, dual diagnosis, geriatric psychiatry, child & adolescent care, PHP/IOP, and ECT. The facility will play a vital role in addressing the region's significant behavioral health bed shortage.

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the United States. Acadia operates a growing network of 253 plus behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 11,200 beds in 38 states and Puerto Rico. With more than 23,500 employees serving approximately 75,000 patients daily, Acadia is the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the U.S.

Acadia Healthcare's purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world-class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health and addiction concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation. 

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to the importance of patient safety and provide excellent customer services. 
  • Ensure the well-being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment. 
  • Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15 minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines as needed.  
  • Document timely, accurate and appropriate clinical information in patient's medical record.  
  • Assist in providing a safe, secure and comfortable environment for patients, significant others and staff. 
  • Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors and communicate significant observations to nursing staff. 
  • May oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens.  
  • May obtain patient's vital signs, height and weight as assigned and document in patient record.  
  • Facilitate patient educational-rehabilitative groups which cover a variety of topics including social skills, coping skills, anger management and independent living skills. 
  • Engage patients in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.  
  • Complete and maintain required documentation.  Assist with follow-up and paperwork as required on incidents and events that may take place in the facility.  
  • May provide transportation for patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member. 
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority. 

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Six months or more experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).

First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

AHGROW

Employment Type: FULL_TIME