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The differences between mental health associates and behavioral health specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a mental health associate and a behavioral health specialist. Additionally, a behavioral health specialist has an average salary of $44,808, which is higher than the $36,510 average annual salary of a mental health associate.
The top three skills for a mental health associate include patients, customer service and vital signs. The most important skills for a behavioral health specialist are patients, social work, and substance abuse.
| Mental Health Associate | Behavioral Health Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $36,510 | $44,808 |
| Hourly rate | $17.55 | $21.54 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 122,947 | 130,222 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
Typically working for clinics and learning institutions, a behavioral health specialist is in charge of counseling and treating patients with behavioral issues. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting initial assessment through interview and observation, maintaining records and data, developing treatment plans, and referring patients to other support services when necessary. Moreover, a behavioral health specialist must communicate with the patient's families or guardians, discuss conditions, and provide advice on taking care of them. Aside from treating patients, it is also essential to continuously monitor their behavior while building positive relationships with them.
Mental health associates and behavioral health specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mental Health Associate | Behavioral Health Specialist | |
| Average salary | $36,510 | $44,808 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $51,000 | Between $29,000 And $66,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Columbia University in the City of New York | Maxim Healthcare Group |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a mental health associate and a behavioral health specialist in terms of educational background:
| Mental Health Associate | Behavioral Health Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 66% | Bachelor's Degree, 58% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between mental health associates' and behavioral health specialists' demographics:
| Mental Health Associate | Behavioral Health Specialist | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0% | Male, 29.2% Female, 70.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 15% | 15% |