Behavioral Health Technicians

High School

The minimum requirement to work as a behavioral health technician is a high school diploma, although a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree may be required by some employers. Courses that will provide a solid foundation for future work in this profession include psychology and sociology. English classes are helpful for honing written and verbal communication skills, and biology and health classes are also important.

Postsecondary Training

Some behavioral health technicians have an associate's degree in mental health technology. Those who work for hospitals may be required to have a bachelor's degree. Course work covers topics such as psychology, basic social science, human development, personality structure, mental illness, substance abuse, and crisis intervention. Other classes may include physiology, anatomy, biology, basic nursing, and medical science. Technician students in either associate's or bachelor's degree programs may also participate in internships while in school, receiving training and instruction in mental health care facilities.

Certification

Colleges and universities, mental health organizations and care providers, and other entities offer certificate programs in behavioral health and related topics that help students and current technicians build their skills. For example, Mental Health America of Los Angeles and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center offer a Wellness and Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate Program, a free six-week program for those who want to work as a behavioral health specialist in the healthcare or mental health fields. According to the program's web page, this learning opportunity "provides education and training on an integrated model of wellness incorporating mental and physical health models of client care." Visit https://www.mhala.org/training-and-education/wellness-behavioral-health-specialist-certification for more information.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and state-level organizations such as the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians. Contact these organizations for more information.