Important Facts about Some Behavioral Health Service Occupations
| | Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | Social Workers |
|---|
| Median Pay (2021) | $48,520 (for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors)* | $50,390 (for social workers)* |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 22% growth (for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors)* | 9% (for social workers)* |
| Licensure | A license and continuing education exams are required in all states for private practice; specific requirements vary | Some type of license or certification required in all states; specific requirements vary |
| On-the-Job Training | Provided to new hires who only have a high school diploma | Not provided |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Common Behavioral Health Services Careers
Behavioral health services is a fast-growing field with a shortage of professionals needed to provide qualified care. Career duties vary depending on the occupational setting and the population assisted. Geriatric centers, youth centers, criminal justice facilities, special needs centers and community outreach programs are just a few specialty areas that typically employ behavioral health specialists. Professionals might also seek employment in the fields of psychiatry and psychology.
Degree Program Overview
Typical behavioral health science degree programs include bachelor's-level, master's-level and doctoral-level programs. Bachelor's programs cover fundamental health topics like biology, nutrition and anatomy, while also covering topics like health behavior theory and assessment and health promotion. Master's-level programs expand on this material and may explore behavioral health research topics. Subjects that focus on leadership, high-level administration, advanced research and academic positions are often covered in doctoral programs. Such programs of study could be beneficial for ambitious individuals who are currently employed in areas such as public safety, religion, education, childcare and case management and want to hone their skills in dealing with behavioral conditions.
