Behavioral Health Technician - College of Social Work

State certified Behavioral Health Technicians (BHT) work under the supervision of licensed professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, or psychiatrists, to support the overall treatment and care of individuals with mental health or behavioral disorders.

Students must complete the required 20 credits of course work within a 12-month period. Although offered through the College of Social Work, coursework and subsequent state certification is open to enrolled undergraduate U students in any discipline. The curriculum focuses on developing competencies around core skill sets, including professional advocacy, ethics, and applied therapeutic communication skills. The coursework ties directly to the scope of practice defined by the state, and includes virtual clinical simulations.

Undergraduate students interested in participating in coursework required for state certification as a Behavioral Health Technician can reach out to Prof Stephanie Bank for additional information.

Behavioral Health Technicians:

Work under the direct supervision of licensed professionals, who provide guidance, oversight, and evaluation of their work.
May work under the indirect supervision of licensed professionals, performing specific services within the approved scope of practice.
May collect intake assessment information used to determine the well-being of a patient and the potential type of treatment options that might be appropriate.
May support licensed clinical professionals in developing treatment plans and implementing interventions designed to address behavioral health issues.
May conduct direct observation and monitoring of clients' behaviors, documenting significant observations, and reporting findings to the supervising professional.
May facilitate therapeutic activities and recreational programs to enhance clients' social skills, emotional well-being, and overall functioning.
May implement crisis intervention strategies in accordance with established protocols, ensuring the safety and well-being of clients during emergencies.
May provide education and support to clients and their families on behavioral health issues, treatment options, and community resources.
May implement behavioral management strategies including de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention as needed.

Learning outcomes include developing knowledge around:

The role, function, and responsibilities of various mental health professions and community service agencies.
The importance of whole health integration, strong support systems, and self-care habits for stress management and resiliency as a successful student and valued employee.
Mental health and common mental health issues.
Elements of positive psychology and whole health integration to enhance happiness and well-being.
Ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities of helping professionals.
Modes of non-verbal communication, as well as nuances of paraverbal and verbal communications and their implications.
Effective conflict management and problem-solving strategies in a variety of interpersonal communication situations.
The process of assessment and relevant interviewing skills in case management.
Application of concepts of case management to the unique needs of multicultural clients and special populations.
The legal and liability issues related to case management and report writing.
The importance of the wraparound process and how it relates to child and family advocacy.

Over the next year, the College of Social Work will collaborate with other academic disciplines interested in adding additional course options to the curriculum approved by the state. The addition of coursework options from other colleges and departments will offer students a deeper understanding of the allied human services professionals with whom they are likely to interact. Academic programs interested in participating in coursework required for state certification as a Behavioral Health Technician can reach out to Prof Stephanie Bank.