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The differences between behavior interventionists and mental health associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a behavior interventionist, becoming a mental health associate takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a behavior interventionist has an average salary of $38,908, which is higher than the $36,510 average annual salary of a mental health associate.
The top three skills for a behavior interventionist include applied behavior analysis, autism and behavior analysis. The most important skills for a mental health associate are patients, customer service, and vital signs.
| Behavior Interventionist | Mental Health Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $38,908 | $36,510 |
| Hourly rate | $18.71 | $17.55 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 70,115 | 122,947 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A behavior interventionist, or sometimes called behavior intervention specialist (BIS), is an individual who provides support and training for students with behavioral challenges through behavior management techniques and coping skills. Behavior interventionists must assist in implementing Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP) or Individual Education Programs (IEP) to students who have difficulties in learning and advancing with their class. They are required to travel between different schools to attend case review meetings and meet with teachers who need assistance for managing problems in their classrooms. Behavior interventionists also consult with both medical and psychological professionals to develop and implement BIPs.
As a mental health associate, you will assist the medical team members in diagnosing and treating individuals with mental, developmental, and behavioral conditions. You may be tasked to facilitate individual and group therapy sessions, help patients with their day-to-day activities such as self-care and hygiene, and assist in administering medications prescribed by physicians. Other duties include planning and leading program activities, attending treatment rounds, and assisting with the physical care of patients. The qualifications and skills required for this role include a bachelor's degree in social science or psychology, previous work experience, and certification on basic life support.
Behavior interventionists and mental health associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Behavior Interventionist | Mental Health Associate | |
| Average salary | $38,908 | $36,510 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $51,000 | Between $25,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New York |
| Best paying company | Crescent City Schools | Columbia University in the City of New York |
| Best paying industry | Education | Professional |
There are a few differences between a behavior interventionist and a mental health associate in terms of educational background:
| Behavior Interventionist | Mental Health Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between behavior interventionists' and mental health associates' demographics:
| Behavior Interventionist | Mental Health Associate | |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 27.5% Female, 72.5% | Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 15% |