This question arises often and is very difficult to answer with one specific pay range. Pay ranges vary from region to region and from job to job. The level of education required for the role also plays an important part in determining the pay range, so expect salary to increase with each degree obtained.
In general, expect an average behavioral health professional’s salary to be somewhere between $40,000 – $80,000 depending on their level of education and training as well as the location they will live and work..
If you’re thinking about getting a degree in behavioral health, you will take classes in various subjects: psychology, sociology, human development, and some biology or neuroscience coursework too. You will also learn about counseling techniques, mental health disorders, and how to work with different populations. Classes on ethics and cultural diversity will also be part of your program. Depending on the specific area of behavioral health you are working on, your coursework may vary.
Scholarships or grants are available for all degree programs and these are financial supports that you wouldn’t have to pay back. There are also student loans, which are funds that you borrow and do have to pay back. You can sometimes find part-time jobs on campus which are called work-study programs that help pay tuition, books and board. There are also financial aid opportunities through the government or the school that you will attend. The best advice is to work with your school counselors and college advisors to come up with a plan.
There are some roles in behavioral health that do not require a college degree. You could consider becoming a psychiatric technician or a mental health technician. These jobs require training, but do not require a degree. You might also consider becoming a peer support specialist or a community health worker. These are jobs that you use your own life experiences to help support others. If you are interested in helping people and willing to learn, there is a place for you in the field of behavioral health with or without a degree!
YES! There are several options to work in the field while having a Bachelor’s Degree. Some of these include:
Behavioral Health Technicians: Working with people who have substance abuse issues or mental health concerns. These professionals work in hospitals, clinics or residential facilities.
Case Managers: Help connect individuals with resources and services that support their behavioral health needs.
Social Workers: This level of social workers can help people when they are working to solve everyday problems in their lives. This can include helping people with problems with mental health, substance abuse or family issues.
Rehabilitation Specialists: Work with individuals recovering from a mental illness crisis or substance abuse disorder. These professionals help people find skills and strategies to reintegrate into their communities after treatment.
Mental Health Counselors: Counselors can provide a level of therapy and support to those dealing with mental health challenges in a variety of ways: individuals, couples, families or groups.
Community Health Workers: These professionals help to educate and support communities as well as individuals by promoting mental health and wellness. They often work in community organizations or outreach programs offering help to a variety of populations to find resources and help that they need.