How to Become a Behavioral Health Director

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Behavioral Health Director

What does a Behavioral Health Director do?

A Behavioral Health Director oversees the study and treatment of patients with emotional, mental, or psychological disorders. Develops, implements, and updates strategic initiatives, programs, and services. Being a Behavioral Health Director manages and directs the operations of behavioral health services. Uses knowledge of behavioral health research and trends to ensure the department's practices are up-to-date and effective. Additionally, Behavioral Health Director establishes training programs and supports and supervises staff. Ensures all behavioral health operations comply with clinical guidelines and regulations. Requires an advanced degree in psychology or related field. Typically reports to top management. The Behavioral Health Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Behavioral Health Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

People's Opinions on Behavioral Health Director responsibilities

Coordinating the day-to-day operations of mental health agencies is a tough job left to behavioral health directors.

01/06/2020: Appleton, WI

As upper-level management executives, behavioral health directors play a pivotal role in making critical decisions for running mental health programs smoothly.

01/12/2020: Killeen, TX

Directors wear many hats in juggling the financial, legal, human resources, marketing, technology, and clinical aspects of their agencies.

12/31/2019: Miami, FL

Behavioral health directors have the primary responsibility of developing, planning, and supervising mental health services to improve quality of life for mentally ill patients.

02/17/2020: High Point, NC

Directors represent their agency by answering any questions posed by patients, families, staff, government officials, or the greater public.

01/24/2020: Little Rock, AR
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Behavioral Health Director

Best tips for those who want to become a Behavioral Health Director

Here are some tips to become a Behavioral Health Director.

People's Opinions on best tips

Client-Focused Individualized Care.

01/19/2020: Fort Smith, AR

Dedicated, discreet, and compassionate professional with four years of experience implementing treatment programs for adolescents with seeking a position as a Behavioral Health Technician at ABC Healthcare.

02/21/2020: Baltimore, MD

Obtain a position as a Behavioral Health Technician at ABC Healthcare where compassion, collaboration, hard work, and professionalism can contribute to a culture of caring while helping patients lead better lives.

01/01/2020: Des Moines, IA

Skilled Behavioral Health Technician with familiarity using Electronic Health Records and experience monitoring a 20-bed inpatient clinic seeking a permanent, fulltime position with ABC Healthcare.

01/07/2020: Idaho Falls, ID

Seeking a Behavioral Health Technician position to utilize skills administering medication, assisting with record-keeping, communicating with families, and creating positive interactions with patients.

12/01/2019: Lake Charles, LA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Behavioral Health Director

Best colleges and universities for Behavioral Health Director

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Behavioral Health Director

Is being a Behavioral Health Director Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

“We recognize that health issues don’t occur in a bubble, so we work together to provide whole-person care.

01/15/2020: Augusta, GA

MCHC Health Centers is a local non-profit organization providing access to comprehensive healthcare for people in Ukiah, Willits and Lakeport.

02/04/2020: Juneau, AK

FARMINGTON — When San Juan County commissioned a study to analyze gaps in behavioral health services, one of the main resulting suggestions was for the county to hire a behavioral health director or coordinator.

12/15/2019: San Antonio, TX

In a press release announcing Hodgman’s new role, County Commission Chairman Jack Fortner said addressing behavioral health is important as the county works to improve quality of life for all its residents.

01/19/2020: Durham, NC

Hornstein has authored numerous book chapters and has presented on topics related to traumatic brain injury, disability and behavioral health at conferences nationwide.

02/01/2020: Petersburg, VA
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Behavioral Health Director

What skills do you need to be a Behavioral Health Director?

A manager is often judged based on the success of their team and those working below them, as such, many skills are needed.  Success in this role depends on a critical ability in the following: Assessment and Diagnosis, Behavioral Therapy Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Group Therapy, Intake Assessment, Patient Counseling, Recovery Management, Patient Care Quality Standards, Operational Policy Development.  Experience in the following is fundamental to this role: Electronic health records (EHR) Software, Mental Health Software.  Skills may vary from job-to-job, but these skills are the ones most commonly associated with this role.

People's Opinions on Behavioral Health Director skills

Behavioral health directors ensure the stability and efficiency of their facility, connecting patients to the compassionate treatment they need to cope with, and sometimes cure, their disorders.

12/24/2019: Davenport, IA

Despite all the administrative upkeep that’s required in this position, in some ways behavioral health directors determine their own responsibilities.

01/23/2020: Paramus, NJ

To excel as a behavioral health director, one needs solid foundations in two very different spheres of knowledge.

02/19/2020: Huntington, NY

For their undergraduate degree, many aspiring behavioral health directors focus on the technical knowledge they’ll need and pursue degrees in psychology, social work, or public health.

02/01/2020: Paramus, NJ

Soft skills are a critical component of a top behavioral health director.

01/10/2020: Shreveport, LA
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Step 6: View average salary for Behavioral Health Director

How much does a Behavioral Health Director make?

The average salary range for a Behavioral Health Director is from $119,905 to $160,815. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Behavioral Health Director
$119,905 to $160,815

Step 7: Find relevant Behavioral Health Director jobs, and apply.

Looking for Behavioral Health Director jobs?

Here are some Behavioral Health Director jobs in the United States.

Search Behavioral Health Director Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Behavioral Health Director

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Behavioral Health Director? Behavioral Health Director