Behavioral Health Consultant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an age increasingly focused on mental health and wellness, the role of behavioral health consultants is becoming more prominent than ever.

As society progresses, the demand for skilled professionals who can understand, guide, and support mental and behavioral health continues to grow.

So let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a behavioral health consultant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of behavioral health consultation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable behavioral health consultant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Behavioral Health Consultant Duties and Responsibilities

Behavioral Health Consultants are mental health professionals who help clients manage mental health conditions, emotional disorders, and substance abuse issues.

They work with individuals, families, and groups to improve mental health and maintain mental wellness.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients’ mental health conditions by conducting interviews, observations, tests, and surveys
• Developing personalized treatment plans for patients based on their specific needs and conditions
• Providing counseling and therapy services to patients, either individually or in group settings
• Collaborating with healthcare providers, social workers, and other professionals to coordinate patient care
• Implementing behavioral interventions and cognitive behavioral therapies to help patients manage their conditions
• Teaching patients coping strategies and self-help techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
• Documenting patient progress and updating treatment plans as necessary
• Providing crisis intervention services to patients in emergency situations
• Conducting community outreach and education programs to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental wellness
• Keeping up-to-date with latest research and developments in the field of behavioral health to provide the best care to patients

 

Behavioral Health Consultant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Behavioral Health Consultant to join our team.

The Behavioral Health Consultant will be responsible for providing mental health and substance abuse consultation to patients.

They will work closely with our healthcare providers to help devise personalized treatment plans.

Our ideal candidate is an empathetic professional with a deep understanding of behavioral health.

They must have a strong ability to assess and diagnose patients, and work towards improving their well-being.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and substance abuse consultation.
• Work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.
• Provide short-term counselling and crisis intervention as necessary.
• Provide psychoeducation to patients and their families.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans and make recommendations for adjustments as necessary.
• Document and maintain patient records in accordance with professional standards.
• Refer patients to appropriate resources or services.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards.

 

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Current license to practice in the state.
• Experience in a healthcare or mental health setting.
• Knowledge of behavioral health and evidence-based treatments.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Compassionate and understanding with a strong ability to empathize with patients.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Behavioral Health Consultant
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with the possibility of remote consultations. Some travel may be required for training or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Behavioral Health Director.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Behavioral Health Consultant Do?

Behavioral Health Consultants typically work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, or mental health facilities.

They can also be self-employed, offering their services to individual clients or organizations.

Their primary role involves working closely with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and therapists to provide comprehensive care to patients.

They assess and evaluate patients’ mental, emotional, and behavioral health and create personalized treatment plans to address any identified issues.

Behavioral Health Consultants provide counseling and therapeutic services to patients dealing with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and trauma.

They utilize therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and other approaches based on the patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

They also play a vital role in educating patients, families, and healthcare teams about mental health, aiming to reduce stigma and promote understanding.

This can involve leading workshops, creating educational materials, or advocating for improved mental health services.

Behavioral Health Consultants may also conduct research to contribute to the field of behavioral health, staying up-to-date with the latest research findings and integrating them into their practice.

Finally, they often have a role in crisis intervention, providing immediate therapeutic support to individuals in crisis and collaborating with other professionals to ensure the person’s safety and well-being.

 

Behavioral Health Consultant Qualifications and Skills

A competent Behavioral Health Consultant should have the qualifications and skills that match the job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of psychological theories and practices to assess and treat mental health conditions
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with clients, making them feel comfortable and understood
• Empathy and compassion to understand the clients’ emotional state and provide appropriate support
• Problem-solving skills to identify underlying issues contributing to the mental or behavioral health problem and develop appropriate treatment plans
• Communication skills to convey complex psychological concepts in a manner that clients can understand and apply
• Resilience and stress management skills to handle emotionally charged situations and maintain personal well-being
• An understanding of confidentiality and ethical guidelines in the mental health profession
• Time management skills to effectively handle multiple clients and tasks, ensuring each client receives adequate attention and care
• Critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret the mental and emotional conditions of clients

 

Behavioral Health Consultant Experience Requirements

Entry-level Behavioral Health Consultants generally require at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field, accompanied by 1 to 2 years of experience, which can be gained through internships or part-time roles in mental health settings.

Candidates with a master’s degree in counseling or social work are often preferred.

In some cases, a state license to practice therapy or counseling may also be required.

Professionals with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a more comprehensive understanding of the field and have gained valuable experience in dealing with a variety of patient cases, from mild to severe mental health issues.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field may be ready for more senior roles or management positions, as they have demonstrated their ability to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders, as well as manage crisis situations.

Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, providing training and supervision to less experienced staff, and developing and implementing behavioral health programs are all advantageous at this level.

Moreover, some roles may require specific experience with certain populations, such as children, adolescents, veterans, or people struggling with substance abuse.

 

Behavioral Health Consultant Education and Training Requirements

Behavioral Health Consultants typically hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, counseling, or similar disciplines.

They must be licensed in the state in which they practice, and the licensing requirements often include completion of an accredited degree program, a certain number of supervised clinical hours, and passing a state licensing exam.

In their degree programs, Behavioral Health Consultants learn about a variety of subjects such as human behavior, counseling techniques, ethical practices, and mental health disorders.

Many professionals also complete internships or residencies to gain practical experience in the field.

In addition to formal education, Behavioral Health Consultants often participate in ongoing education and professional development activities to keep up with the latest research and advances in their field.

Certifications may be required or preferred for some positions, particularly those in specialized areas of practice.

These could include Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), or other related certifications.

It is also beneficial for Behavioral Health Consultants to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as they often work directly with clients and other healthcare professionals.

 

Behavioral Health Consultant Salary Expectations

A Behavioral Health Consultant earns an average salary of $75,000 (USD) per year.

This income can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience in the field, level of education, specialty, and geographical location.

 

Behavioral Health Consultant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Behavioral Health Consultant need?

Behavioral Health Consultants need excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and other healthcare professionals.

They should have a deep understanding of mental health and behavior change principles.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential, as they often deal with individuals in crisis situations.

They should also have knowledge of counseling techniques, psychological theories, and therapeutic interventions.

 

Do Behavioral Health Consultants need a degree?

Yes, Behavioral Health Consultants typically need a minimum of a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.

Additionally, they may require licensure such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or equivalent, depending on the state.

Some roles may even require a doctoral degree.

 

What should you look for in a Behavioral Health Consultant resume?

When reviewing a Behavioral Health Consultant’s resume, you should look for a relevant degree and licensure.

Look for experience in mental health settings and familiarity with a variety of therapeutic interventions.

Experience with specific populations (such as children, adolescents, or the elderly) may also be important depending on the role.

Evidence of ongoing professional development and training in the field is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Behavioral Health Consultant?

A good Behavioral Health Consultant is empathetic and has the ability to build strong relationships with patients.

They must be non-judgmental and respectful of their patients’ circumstances and choices.

They should have strong critical thinking skills, as they often need to adapt therapeutic approaches to the individual needs of their patients.

A commitment to continuous learning is also crucial in this field, as mental health research and treatments are constantly evolving.

 

What are the daily duties of a Behavioral Health Consultant?

On a typical day, a Behavioral Health Consultant may conduct individual or group therapy sessions, assess new patients, develop treatment plans, and consult with other healthcare professionals.

They could also spend time updating patient records, conducting research, participating in team meetings, and staying up-to-date with developments in the field.

Their duties may vary depending on the setting, such as a hospital, private practice, or community health center.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the essence of what it means to be a Behavioral Health Consultant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about offering guidance.

It’s about fostering mental health and well-being, one client at a time.

With our comprehensive Behavioral Health Consultant job description template and insightful real-world examples, you’re ready to make a significant move.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted job postings or polishing your resume to the utmost standard.

Remember:

Every piece of advice is a step towards better mental health.

Let’s foster a healthier society. Together.

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