Behavioral Health Technician: Diploma Coursework Summary

About this article
A behavioral health technician diploma prepares you for a career working with people who need assistance in changing their often-destructive behavior. Such careers include alcohol and drug rehabilitation counselors, geriatric assistants, corrective specialists and counselors for at need children and adults. Typical coursework includes human development and behavior, group dynamics, gerontology and crisis intervention. Read on to find out more.
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What is a Behavioral Health Technician Diploma?

Coursework towards a behavioral health diploma will instruct the student in the complex interactions of human behavior and development in society. Instruction focuses on behavioral disorders and the reasons that people will act destructively and methods of correcting such behavior. Students will learn about the dynamics of group behavior, the biological and psychological origins and treatments of abuse and addictions, and special problems arising from the treatment of elderly patients. Graduates will be able to assess and care for behavioral disorders in settings such as group counseling, halfway homes, social service centers, correction centers, and similar facilities. Typical coursework for a behavioral health diploma includes:

  • Human Development and Behavior
  • Group Dynamics
  • Foundations of Addiction
  • Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
  • Gerontology
  • Individual and Group Counseling Skills
  • Crisis Intervention

Why Get a Behavioral Health Technician Degree?

A diploma in behavioral health will prepare you for an entry-level position in the field and prove to employers that you have the skills and experience necessary for behavioral health jobs.

Career Options, Job Outlook, and Compensation

A behavioral health diploma prepares you for a career as a counselor who advises groups and individuals in productive behavior skills. This may include working with drug addicts to overcome their addictions, treating dysfunctional behavior in abused children, or rehabilitating criminals. These careers are often psychologically demanding and may cause considerable stress. Practitioners often find them particularly rewarding, however, and worth the special care and attention they demand.

Job Outlook for Behavioral Health Degree Holders

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), the demand for behavioral health specialists will grow faster than the national average until at least the year 2014. The relatively high turnover for behavioral health positions, combined with the highly specialized and demanding nature of the position, leads to low demand for positions and favorable job outlook for those in the field. The median annual income for behavioral health specialists in 2004 was $45,570.

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Qualitative
      • Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Quantitative
      • Bridge (Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision - Qualitative Research)
      • Bridge (Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision - Quantitative Research)
      • Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Qualitative Research)
      • Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Quantitative Leadership)
    Master's
      • M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness
      • M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with Emphasis in Grief and Bereavement
      • M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with Emphasis in Prevention
      • M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Community Mental Health Administration
      • M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Integrated Health
      • M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    Bachelor's
      • BS in Counseling - Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse
      • B.S. in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Substance Use Disorders
      • B.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Forensic Psychology
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Bryant & Stratton College

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • Health Services Administration - BS
    Associate's
      • Health Services Administration - AAS
    Certificate
      • Health Services Admin Diploma
  • Online Programs Available
    3. Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Masters in Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
      • Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Highland Heights, KY

    Northern Kentucky University

  • Campus and Online Programs
    5. The Chicago School

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.A. Counseling Psychology
      • M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
      • M.A. Forensic Psychology
      • M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis
    Certificate
      • Certificate in Forensic Psychology - M.A. Non-Licensure Track to Licensure Bridge Program
  • Western Governors University

  • Online Programs Available
    7. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma
  • Online Programs Available
    8. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • PHD: Counselor Education and Supervision
      • Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling: Marriage and Family Counseling
      • Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling: Pastoral Care and Counseling
      • Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling: Traumatology
      • EDD: Community Care & Counseling: Marriage and Family
      • EDD: Community Care & Counseling: Traumatology

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision Qualitative
  • M.S. in Mental Health and Wellness
  • BS in Counseling - Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse

What is your highest level of education?

Bryant & Stratton College

  • Health Services Administration - BS
  • Health Services Administration - AAS
  • Health Services Admin Diploma

What is your high school graduation status?

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

  • Masters in Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
  • Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis

What is your highest level of education completed?

The Chicago School

  • M.A. Counseling Psychology
  • M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Certificate in Forensic Psychology - M.A. Non-Licensure Track to Licensure Bridge Program

What is your highest level of education completed?

Penn Foster High School

  • HS Diploma

What is your highest level of education?

Liberty University

  • PHD: Counselor Education and Supervision
  • Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling: Marriage and Family Counseling
  • Education Specialist in Community Care and Counseling: Pastoral Care and Counseling

What is your highest level of education?