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Job outlook for behavioral health professionals in the United States
Are behavioral health professional jobs in demand?
Behavioral health professional job and salary trends over time
Behavioral health professional jobs over time
Behavioral health professional job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,506 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,492 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,490 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,416 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,324 | 0.00% |
Average behavioral health professional salary over time
Behavioral health professional salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $43,223 | $20.78 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $41,913 | $20.15 | +2.4% |
| 2023 | $40,912 | $19.67 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $39,911 | $19.19 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $39,146 | $18.82 | +2.3% |
Behavioral health professional jobs by state
Most common states for behavioral health professionals
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,885 | 57% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 303 | 44% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,127 | 38% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 268 | 35% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 325 | 34% |
| 6 | Alaska | 739,795 | 253 | 34% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 210 | 34% |
| 8 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,035 | 31% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,824 | 30% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 397 | 30% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 910 | 29% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 288 | 27% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 159 | 27% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 227 | 26% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 3,258 | 25% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,462 | 25% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,407 | 25% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 466 | 24% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 410 | 24% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 324 | 24% |
Most common cities for behavioral health professionals
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bangor | 5 | 16% | $26,799 |
| 2 | Lewiston | 5 | 14% | $27,122 |
| 3 | South Portland | 2 | 8% | $27,229 |
| 4 | Peoria | 4 | 4% | $44,991 |
| 5 | Fort Wayne | 5 | 2% | $40,681 |
| 6 | Tempe | 3 | 2% | $55,541 |
| 7 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $31,113 |
| 8 | Davenport | 2 | 2% | $38,084 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $55,573 |
| 10 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $36,920 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $41,830 |
Behavioral Health Professional job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of behavioral health professional experts
Adelphi University
Saint Xavier University
Tiffin University
Loyola University Chicago
Montana State University
Lancaster Bible College
Kent State University
Maryville University
University of Lynchburg
University of Lynchburg
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
East Tennessee State University
Miami Dade College
The University of Findlay
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Ohio University
Portland State University
Angelo State University
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC
Assistant Dean & Program Director, Master's programs in General Psychology and Mental Health CounselingAdelphi University
Mental And Social Health Services And Allied Professions
What general advice would you give to a Behavioral Health Professional?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: In the next few years, counselors will benefit from developing skills in emerging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and how such technology is being used by clients through various social media applications that might lead to clinical concerns (.e.g., dating, gambling, pornography). Integrating some of these new technologies into therapeutically sound interventions will be one way to address these concerns both in traditional therapy settings, as well as virtually (e.g., avatar therapy).
What general advice would you give to a Behavioral Health Professional?
Kristen Toole: Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Personal and professional development are
lifelong processes that are never really finished. So, it is essential to pace yourself and establish a
foundation of healthy practices from the outset. Creating habits and routines in the beginning
with the end in mind can be a good strategy for success and sustainability.
Keep work-life balance and boundaries in mind from the start because breaking bad habits can
be tricky once established. Think about where you ultimately want to be and build toward that
future one step at a time. Also, it is okay if plans change! You never know where open-
mindedness and willingness to learn may take you.
What will help Behavioral Health Professionals increase their earning potential?
Kristen Toole: Post-pandemic disparities have highlighted the necessity of prioritizing mental health and the
need for more mental health providers (Fink-Samnick, 2023; Health Resources & Services
Administration, 2023). The counseling field is expected to outpace the national average for
occupational growth six-fold over the next ten years (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022). There is
no question that counselors are in demand, but there are still a few strategies for new
professionals to maximize their salary potential.
A growing number of students are entering counseling graduate programs, having completed
undergraduate minors and focus areas in related fields. This is fantastic conceptually and can be
a vital strategy for enhancing their counseling work. Skill building is one way to optimize
success and salary.
Some graduate programs, like Xavier's, offer options for obtaining additional certifications along
the way to a master's degree. In Xavier's counseling program, students can choose courses that
allow them to get certificates in addiction counseling and medical trauma-informed care. For
clinical mental health counselors, this is an excellent way to demonstrate skill mastery, and for
school counselors, it provides a unique opportunity to broaden their scope of practice. Either
way, additional certifications exhibit a commitment that potential employers can appreciate.
Counselors who are well-informed about their market value and earning potential can engage in
informed offer negotiations. Additional skills are one way beginning professionals can increase
their starting salary. However, it is important to remember that total earnings include several
elements, and salary is just one piece of that puzzle.
Counselors are immensely versatile and can find work in various settings, so they need to
understand their options in addition to their earning potential. Benefits, schedule, and location
are other things that can impact the earnings bottom line and are essential to consider. Finally,
counselors must know themselves: personality, interests, work values, and abilities impact job fit
and, ultimately, work satisfaction. These are crucial considerations for mitigating compassion
fatigue (Stamm, 2010), which can limit counselors' longevity.
New professionals must research and reflect as they enter the job market. There are many things
to consider when choosing a job, and it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, various resources,
such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*Net, Glassdoor, and Monster, offer
indispensable tools and information to job seekers.
What general advice would you give to a Behavioral Health Professional?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: A practicing counselor's day is often full of sessions with clients. These sessions may be individual therapy, couples/families, or groups of individuals with some shared presenting issue. Counselors also have to complete paperwork associated with these sessions throughout the day. Some counselors also provide supervision to newer practitioners as a part of their work roles.
What Behavioral Health Professional skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: There is a critical need for mental health care in our world. Many want to help with this need, making counseling a good profession to enter now.
What will help Behavioral Health Professionals increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Counseling & Criminal JusticeTiffin University
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Health Professionals?
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.: The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues and needs all across the world. People need social interaction for well-being. The pandemic has contributed to increases in mental health and addictive disorders. Knowledge, training, treatment for psychological well-being has become even more critical as a personal and professional required skill across all fields.
Being able to understand and adapt to the limits of distance work will also be a lasting impact.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Behavioral Health Professionals?
Jonathan Appel Ph.D.: Clinical practice license/certifications are often critical for marketability and employment. At Tiffin University we provide a training track for Psychology students to get a Chemical Dependency License to practice with an undergraduate degree. There is a nationwide shortage for licensed addiction specialists. The demand for licensed counselors in this area has increased greater than the supply.
These students are very often among the first of our graduates to get hired. Opportunities are only increasing as the The American Rescue Plan Act will provide $4 billion for substance use disorder and mental health services.
We also provide close advising and assist students to attend graduate school to obtain additional clinical licenses in the fields of psychology, counseling and social work.
Sheryl Covitt
Adjunct Faculty in the School of EducationLoyola University Chicago
School of Education
What skills stand out on Behavioral Health Professional resumes?
Sheryl Covitt: I make sure that the resumes candidates share with me are clearly and concisely written and make a positive impression quickly, as this is the first document an interviewer will read. The description of each of their school-based experiences should include action words that describe what they did and with whom. Using key words such as progress monitoring, cultural/racial diversity, differentiation, working with families, relationship building, use of technology (this is a big one!), and collaboration will (hopefully) encourage the interviewer to explore that further with the candidate during the interview. I also let them know that resumes should include skills and accomplishments that are relevant to schools' needs. This requires them to do his/her research about the school district prior to submitting a resume to that school and before going in for the interview.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Health Professional job market given the pandemic?
Sheryl Covitt: -Diversity in skills: virtual, hybrid, in-person
-Flexibility with assignments: being able to teach multiple groups/topics in a variety of settings
-Use of technology
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Behavioral Health Professionals to find work opportunities?
Sheryl Covitt: I can't speak to locations outside the Chicagoland area but I can surmise that in communities around the country, urban, suburban and rural, there is a huge need for teachers especially as there has been a documented increase in the number of teachers retiring due to the pandemic and/or are of Baby Boomer age. Per the literature, there is an increased need for teachers in special education which includes pre-K, inclusion and lo-incidence, English as a Second Language, and specialty areas in both elementary and high school.
In Chicago, the need for teachers is city-wide-not just in the high-need areas. Chicago Public Schools has The Early Offer Program which provides student teaching candidates a chance to interview with a member of the CPS teacher recruitment staff well in advance of the traditional hiring season. If they think the candidate is a good fit, they will extend a guaranteed offer to teach in CPS, and then work with them throughout the spring and summer to meet principals and find a teaching position that is an ideal fit for you. As I understand the caveat with this program, it's that they seek to place candidates in schools in high need areas of the city and this may dissuade candidates from pursuing this option.
There ARE teaching jobs available and some of variables that candidates need to seriously consider before accepting a position are:
-salary
-benefits
-professional development
-supervision/mentoring
-the financial stability of the district and the past trends when balancing budgets
-viability of the content area in terms of district need.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Health Professionals?
Edward Dunbar: Yes. Prior to this pandemic our graduates had little to no training in telehealth (distance-based counseling), and there was a steep learning curve for people who graduated and entered the field prior to the pandemic. For our current students, we have been able to assist them with developing the skills for multiple modes of counseling (telehealth, in person counseling, etc.). Additionally, the increase in mental health issues, addiction issues, domestic violence, and unemployment will affect our graduating students for years. They will need to be well-versed in treating higher acuity issues and helping clients from low SES. The pandemic has also highlighted the social systems and systemic injustice/racism which has made our students look more closely at the role of power/privilege and oppression in addictions and mental health counseling.
Grace Palmisano
Lancaster Bible College
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Health Professional job market given the pandemic?
Grace Palmisano: Since the pandemic started, mental health concerns have skyrocketed as the pandemic disrupted the regularity of peoples' social and work lives. There is an increase of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addictions, and sadly suicides during the pandemic as people encounter loneliness, social isolation/distancing, loss of loved ones, unemployment, financial struggles, etc. Because of this, more people are seeking mental health services to help them cope through this pandemic.
So job opportunities in the mental health field will steadily increase as the need for mental health services have increased, even for therapists themselves. It is a strange time for therapists to also share similar experiences and stresses as the client when it comes to the pandemic. Because of that, there is additional stress for therapists to care for their own mental health needs while supporting their clients'. The complications are that most mental health positions do require formal education and training, which can slow the process down. Nevertheless, there are training opportunities in communities that seek to provide first-aid mental health training to the community just to be informed and even just know the "basics."
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Health Professional job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Andrew Wiley Ph.D.: Before the pandemic, the number of students who needed special education was already on the rise. There is no question that the pandemic will increase that number even further. This pandemic has had a negative impact on the learning and development of millions of kids. Reversing the damage will require an influx of dedicated and skilled specialists on a national scale.
Also, there was an acute shortage of licensed special education teachers before the pandemic. Now, the demand for qualified special educators will be greater than ever before. In addition to offering an incredible range of career opportunities, special education offers a unique opportunity to make a tremendous difference for children and their families. This is true now more than ever before.
What skills stand out on Behavioral Health Professional resumes?
Dr. Andrew Wiley Ph.D.: Graduates from the special education program at Kent State demonstrate adaptive expertise. The "expertise" is in specially designed instruction and interventions in academics, life skills, social skills, communication - whatever the special educational needs of students with disabilities may be. The "adaptive" refers to the ability to collaborate with other professionals to solve problems. What stands out on resumes is expert training in both research-based special education practices and the ability to function within a team. Kent State's special education program provides both.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Behavioral Health Professionals to find work opportunities?
Dr. Andrew Wiley Ph.D.: There is a demand for fully credentialled special educators in every part of the country. The demand is highest in both rural and urban areas, but suburban districts also need special educators. Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are all good places for a career in special education because of the particularly high salary compared to cost of living. But again, there are many special education careers to choose from anywhere in the United States. The demand continues to grow.
What skills stand out on Behavioral Health Professional resumes?
Michael Kiener Ph.D.: Regardless if you are counseling in person or virtually effective professionals will need to develop empathetic therapeutic relationships with their clients. Rehabilitation counselors that have experience working with post-traumatic stress and other forms of trauma will be highly valuable. The increased use of working remotely will require individuals to develop new technology skills and rehabilitation counselors who can work independently will be successful. Finally, volunteering, participation in professional organizations, and internships will help make individuals stand out when applying for jobs.
Daniel Hall Ph.D.
Program Director, Assistant Professor of Counselor EducationUniversity of Lynchburg
College of Education, Leadership Studies, & Counseling
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Health Professionals?
Daniel Hall Ph.D.: I do believe there will be an enduring impact from the coronavirus - not just on graduates, but on the mental health profession. Graduates will have personal experience with many of the stressors that might bring clients in for counseling services. So, it is my hope that all practitioners moving forward will have increased empathy and understanding that will contribute to their efficacy with clients across a spectrum of concerns.
As a profession, mental health counselors will need to be sure that they have engaged in appropriate self-care to mitigate any of the psychological effects of the pandemic they may be experiencing themselves. And, finally, there has been a huge expansion in the teletronic delivery of mental health services during Covid times. Even as face-to-face counseling becomes more widely available and returns as a viable and available option, electronic services have earned an acceptance that did not exist prior to the pandemic, and that delivery model will continue to be far more prevalent than it was before.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Health Professional resumes?
Daniel Hall Ph.D.: Specificity is an essential highlight that stands out on a resume - particularly as it relates to experience in the field. That means enough detail to clearly articulate professional skills. So, for example, not just a mention of facilitating small groups, but rather the topic of the group, the theoretical approach, etc. And, perhaps more importantly, outcomes. Applicants will really stand out if they can reference engagement in evidence-based best practices and then have data that demonstrates the success they have had in application and facilitation of those practices.
Jeanne Booth Ph.D.
Professor of Counselor Education and the Director of the Center for Family StudiesUniversity of Lynchburg
College of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Health Professional resumes?
Jeanne Booth Ph.D.: Specificity is an essential highlight that stands out on a resume - particularly as it relates to experience in the field. That means enough detail to clearly articulate professional skills. So, for example, not just a mention of facilitating small groups, but rather the topic of the group, the theoretical approach, etc. And, perhaps more importantly, outcomes. Applicants will really stand out if they can reference engagement in evidence-based best practices and then have data that demonstrates the success they have had in application and facilitation of those practices.
Kim Jones Ph.D.
Professor, Chair of Clinical ConcentrationUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock
School of Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Health Professional job market given the pandemic?
Kim Jones Ph.D.: As a result of the pandemic, the need for mental health services will increase due to the devastating impact the pandemic has had. The pandemic, with its resulting stress, social isolation, loss of loved ones, and income, has resulted in increased levels of reported depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug use. It has also negatively impacted children's emotional, educational, and psychological well-being.
It is reported that one in five U.S. citizens (47 million) have a mental health condition. These individuals are particularly vulnerable to relapse and a worsening of their conditions due to the stressful impact of the ongoing pandemic. The pandemic, in many instances, has also interrupted their usual regimen of mental health care.
Social workers will see a 13 percent growth rate in jobs between 2019 and 2029.
What skills stand out on Behavioral Health Professional resumes?
Kim Jones Ph.D.: The necessary skills for today's market include the ability to implement evidence-informed mental health approaches, the ability to display empathy, knowledge of crisis intervention models, organizational skills, good work ethic, both verbal and written communication skills, cultural competence, and the ability to adapt to changing technology.
Jamie Brown Ph.D.
ProfessorEast Tennessee State University
Department of Counseling and Human Services
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Behavioral Health Professionals?
Jamie Brown Ph.D.: We know that many of our graduates are drawn to the field of Human Services due to the issues they have faced in their own lives. We have seen an uptick in students sharing the fact they have struggled with Adverse Childhood Experiences during our remote teaching and advising. We need to be aware of Trauma-Informed teaching and outreach as a program and as a university.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Health Professional resumes?
Jamie Brown Ph.D.: Community involvement and activism can set a potential candidate apart from other applicants.
Dr. Thomas Uhle
Teacher Education ProgramMiami Dade College
School of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Behavioral Health Professional job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Thomas Uhle: From an educational perspective, many schools are in desperate need of teachers, especially those trained to work with students with exceptionalities and with English-language learners. In Spring 2020, the stress of a seemingly instant system-wide school shutdown was more than many teachers could bear. Some who were on the brink of retirement decided to end their careers earlier than planned rather than to endure the new, somewhat chaotic, entirely remote workplace they were in.
Moving forward, the job market will favor teachers who show that they are flexible, adaptable, and competent to work from several platforms, face-to-face and remote. One thing we have learned during this pandemic is that many services can be provided using technology, so the job market could reflect this as well. For children with disabilities, some supplemental services such as counseling and behavioral therapy could still be offered, uninterrupted, when classroom instruction has gone remote. The job description for teachers and service providers will change to reflect the necessity to be flexible.
What experience really stands out on Behavioral Health Professional resumes?
Dr. Robin Walters: In our field, several things stand out for social workers - first of all, it is essential to have volunteer experience. This indicates that you are willing to go above and beyond in your service to others. This is the hallmark of our profession, and we all are motivated to do this without reward and recognition. Field experience is also essential - our program here requires over 500 hours of field experience during a student's four years with us. This is far beyond our accrediting body needs; however, we see great value in having this as a goal. They have to experience two different placement types; this allows them to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. All of this adds to the value of their degree at the University of Findlay and prepares them for what is beyond the general expectation to have experience going into the field.
What type of skills will young Behavioral Health Professionals need?
Dr. Thomas Dearden Ph.D.: Indeed, the way we work is changing. The skills that young graduates will need are diverse. Transferable skills and soft skills will certainly be marketable. These include traditional crafts such as communication, but I also think the world expects more empathy from its employees. Young graduates with an understanding of racism, sexism, and environmental responsibility will become increasingly important.
How do you envision technology impacting Behavioral Health Professionals in the next 5 years?
Christine Suniti Bhat: The pandemic has already altered the way in which school counselors are engaging with their students. The importance of learning management systems and dynamic tools to interact with students online will continue to grow. School counselors will have to be prepared to deliver individual services as well as group and class interventions using technologies such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
This is something that we would not have anticipated five years ago. School counselors may also have to address issues related to isolation, loneliness, and excessive screen time, along with some of the issues that are related to the misuse of technology such as cyberbullying and sexting. Prevention (before problems arise) and intervention (addressing issues after they arise) are both important. Overall, health and wellness in relation to the use of technology will become more important.
Dr. Javier Casado Pérez Ph.D.
Counselor EducationPortland State University
Mental Health Counseling
What general advice would you give to a Behavioral Health Professional?
Dr. Javier Casado Pérez Ph.D.: New professionals entering the mental health counseling professions must expect substantive differences in the client's needs and goals for the counseling process. The global pandemic has increased both stress and social isolation, making the counselor's job even more critical, as they are often the client's only non-work-related virtual interaction. With the global pandemic and widespread anti-racist demonstrations, counselors should anticipate clients' desire to discuss work stress and burnout, parenting and caretaker stress, culture, identity development, and racial trauma, virtual fatigue, and difficulties in social relationships.
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.
Director, Quality Enhancement Plan Program Coordinator, M.S. Professional School Counseling Associate Professor, Curriculum and InstructionAngelo State University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Behavioral Health Professionals in the next 3-5 years?
Lesley Casarez Ph.D.: Graduates will need to learn to use technology in which virtual platforms are taking place and web conferencing platforms. Numerous platforms are being used, so the particular platform itself is not as crucial as being well-versed in how virtual education differs from face-to-face environments. Typically, the instructional role in online learning is more of a facilitator, as the educator guides the students to think critically, integrate, and apply new knowledge. This may be difficult for educators who would rather stand in front of a classroom and pass on their knowledge through lecture-based formats. Additionally, being well-versed in various web conferencing platforms will benefit graduates, as they move into a career that is currently requiring communication in virtual environments.