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Behavioral Health

Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant

Provide support to a behavioral health care team and patients under the supervision of a Master’s-level clinician. Areas of focus include behavioral health and wellness, intercultural competency, therapeutic communication, case management, and crisis intervention.

Annual openings

90

Median wage

$46,130

Typical education

High school (GED). Completion of Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant training (usually 10 credit hours) is required to obtain a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant credential.

Growth 2026–2032

+4%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED). Completion of Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant training (usually 10 credit hours) is required to obtain a Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant credential.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

A Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant credential as outlined by the State of Colorado Behavioral Health Administration is valued by employers. Click here for more information and to see where the training is available.

Work experience

This is an entry-level job so no work experience is expected. However, previous work experience in the behavioral health field is valued.

Employer competency information

The following competencies are important for this job

  • Oral and written communication (both with a patient and with creating documentation)
  • Critical thinking/analysis
  • Empathy
  • Confidentiality/discretion
  • Cultural competence
Salary/Demand information shared with Psychiatric Aide.
This occupation and the training for it was created in 2024 as a good entry-level job in the Behavioral Health pathway that does not require a Bachelor’s degree. We recommend that you search for local job postings to understand who is employing people with this credential in your area. Reach out to an employer to speak with someone that can help you understand what the job is like at their organization. We also recommend that you check your local colleges to see which provide the training needed to obtain the credential.
You can find these jobs at hospitals, community behavioral health clinics, prisons and other organizations providing mental health or behavioral health care to clients.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenMay vary
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Healthcare Technicians

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Participate in recreational activities with patients, including card games, sports, or television viewing.
  2. Listen and provide emotional support and encouragement to psychiatric patients.
  3. Provide patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities with routine physical, emotional, psychological, or rehabilitation care under the direction of nursing or medical staff.
  4. Complete physical checks and monitor patients to detect unusual or harmful behavior and report observations to professional staff.
  5. Organize, supervise, or encourage patient participation in social, educational, or recreational activities.
  6. Provide patients with assistance in bathing, dressing, or grooming, demonstrating these skills as necessary.
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