What is a behavior therapist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.

A behavior therapist helps individuals overcome maladaptive behaviors and develop healthier habits. They use evidence-based interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy for issues including anxiety, depression, addiction, and phobias. Through assessment and observation, behavior therapists identify behaviors and work with clients to develop personalized treatment plans, creating positive reinforcement and changing underlying beliefs. They may work in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, or private practices. Ultimately, behavior therapists help clients achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.

What general advice would you give to a behavior therapist?

Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.

Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Vanguard University

Opportunities come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are still out there. Whether you are seeking to land a job in education or the non-profit sector, you will need to familiarize yourself and get used to all things digital, for the sake of communicating effectively. The younger your student or service partner's mindset, the more digitally savvy you will need to be, especially in the classroom and in the non-profit world.

ScoreBehavior TherapistUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $36,864

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.8

Growth rate 14%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.48%

Asian 4.57%

Black or African American 6.97%

Hispanic or Latino 13.94%

Unknown 5.53%

White 68.51%

Gender

female 80.53%

male 19.47%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

9.8

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a behavior therapist?

Pros

Flexible work schedule with options for part-time and full-time work
High demand for behavior therapists, leading to job security
Opportunities for career growth and advancement
Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunity to work independently or as part of a team

Cons

Work can be physically demanding, requiring standing or moving around for long periods of time
Required paperwork and documentation can be time-consuming and tedious
Limited control over client schedules or treatment plans due to insurance requirements
May require working with clients who have aggressive or violent behaviors
May face ethical dilemmas when working with clients who are not motivated to change

Key steps to become a behavior therapist

Explore behavior therapist education requirements

Most common behavior therapist degrees

Bachelor's

70.9 %

Master's

16.7 %

Associate

8.1 %

Start to develop specific behavior therapist skills

Skills	Percentages
Autism	19.15%
Applied Behavior Analysis	17.59%
Behavior Analysis	10.33%
Autism Spectrum Disorder	6.76%
Behavior Analysts	4.69%

Research behavior therapist duties and responsibilities

Teach family members and teachers different ways to achieve cooperation with child and transfer skills to ensure an efficient learning environment.
Provide applied behavior analysis services to individuals diagnose with autism and other developmental disabilities to enhance their quality of life.
Provide basic parent education of correct implementation of ABA principles.
Provide one-on-one aba-base treatment to children who have been diagnose with autism and other developmental disorders.

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