What Tools Are There To Help Me Explore a Career in Behavioral Health?
These tools will help you identify work-related interests, what you consider important in a job, and help you explore occupations that relate closely to those attributes.
- This career test, developed by Dr. Joseph H. Hammer, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology, helps you explore the possibilities for Mental and Behavioral Health careers
- The test is free and can be taken anonymously
- You can download a document with results at the end
- This site provides resources for those seeking to transfer from California Community College associate degree programs to California State Universities.
- Explore Health Careers is a collaboration between today’s health professionals and leading healthcare associations. This site provides the latest health career information and tools to guide you toward a future in healthcare.
- Explore Health Careers' Mental Health Career Overview provides a review of mental health and professions related to mental health.
- This site has additional information on behavioral health careers, frequently asked questions (FAQ), and a quiz to help you find a behavioral health career that aligns with your interests
What Are Some Personality Characteristics & Work Settings for Behavioral Health Workers?
- Understanding (Family or Personal Life Experience)
- Good listener
- Flexible
- Open minded
- Resourceful
- Non-judgmental
- Empathetic
- Come from a variety of backgrounds
- Have lived experience
- Public Behavioral Health
- Human Services/Child Welfare: county departments such as children and family service, foster care, and homeless support services
- Behavioral Health Services
- County departments/buildings, behavioral health clinics, and substance use programs
- Local Community
- Community-based services such as homeless shelters, group homes, and social services programs
- Elementary schools, junior high/middle schools, high schools, community colleges, and universities
- Private Behavioral Health
In-patient behavioral health hospitals, out-patient behavioral health facilities, and therapy offices
What are the Jobs and Educational Requirements for People Working in Behavioral Health?
Like any other field, job titles in behavioral health vary and often are dependent on the level of formal education. Titles in your city or county may vary.
- Support Staff
- Advocate (Peer, Family, or Housing)
- Parent Partner
- Alcohol and Drug/Substance Use Counselor
- Autism Tech
- Community Health Worker
- Human Services Assistant/Worker
- Mental Health Worker
- Peer Support Specialist
- Registered Behavior Technician
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Community/Social Service Assistant
- Eligibility Worker
- Housing Coordinator
- Behavioral Health Specialist
- Assistant Behavioral Analyst
- Case Manager
- Care Coordinator
- Rehabilitation Worker
- Child Welfare Worker
- Outreach Specialist
- Adult/Child Social Worker
- *Hospital/Hospice Social Worker (may not require a license depending on employer)
- *School Social Worker with Pupil Personnel Services Credential (may not require a license depending on employer)
- *Mental Health Therapist or Clinician
- *School Psychologist
- *Clinical Psychologist
- *Art Therapist
- Program Director or Administrator
Are There Job Opportunities and Good Wages In Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health jobs in California are in high demand and the need continues to rise. Wages vary by city and county and generally increase with more training and education.
- California entry-level behavioral health jobs, such as Social Service Assistants, are projected to grow 14% by 2030
- California projected annual entry-level job openings by 2030: 7,260 openings
- California mid- to advanced-level jobs, such as Substance Abuse Counselors, are projected to grow 17% by 2030
- California projected annual mid- to advanced-level job openings by 2030: 4,330 openings
- In 2023, entry-level wages were between $17.95/hr - $33.69/hr
- To find wages near you, visit O*Net Online and search your zip code or county at the bottom of the page