How to Be Behavioral Health Care Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 3, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Behavioral Health Care Manager is a key component in the delivery of quality mental health services. By providing case management, crisis intervention, and follow-up services, they are able to help individuals with mental health issues manage their illness and maintain their health and wellbeing. In addition, they are able to connect individuals with supportive systems, such as self-help groups and community resources, to help them lead healthier lives. By providing these services, the Behavioral Health Care Manager helps to reduce the risk of relapse, improve quality of life, and promote overall well-being for those living with mental health issues.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as psychology, social work, counseling or public health, is typically required to become a behavioral health care manager. Coursework typically covers topics such as abnormal psychology, social welfare policies, case management and health care law.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire behavioral health care managers with at least two years of experience in the field. Working as a case manager or in a related role may help gain the experience needed for advancement.
Obtain Certification. Certification may be required for some positions, and voluntary certification is available for those who wish to demonstrate their proficiency and knowledge. The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management offers the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality credential, which requires passing an exam and completing continuing education requirements.
Participate in Professional Organizations. Becoming a member of professional organizations, such as the National Association of Mental Health Professionals, provides access to resources and networking opportunities.
Pursue Further Education. Some employers may require or prefer applicants with master's degrees. Master's degree programs in health care administration or health services administration may provide more specialized courses and allow students to focus on areas of interest.

Behavioral Health Care Managers play an important role in the mental health of individuals and communities. They are responsible for understanding the causes and effects of mental health issues, developing and implementing effective treatment plans, and providing ongoing support to those in need. To be an ideal and competent Behavioral Health Care Manager, one must possess a variety of skills, such as strong interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of mental health conditions, and the ability to provide compassionate care.

They must also be knowledgeable about mental health resources, understand legal and ethical issues related to mental health care, and be able to work collaboratively with other health care professionals. With these qualities, Behavioral Health Care Managers can help those in need to get the best possible care.

You may want to check Applied Behavioral Analysis Case Manager Supervisor, Child Developmental Behaviorist, and Behaviorist Consultant for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement individual treatment plans for clients with behavioral health needs.
Monitor client progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed.
Provide individual and group counseling services.
Collaborate with other health care providers to coordinate comprehensive care.
Facilitate referrals to community resources, such as housing and job search services.
Monitor medication compliance and provide medication management services.
Provide crisis intervention services to clients in need.
Educate clients and families on mental health topics.
Complete administrative tasks, such as writing reports, scheduling appointments and maintaining client records.
Act as a liaison between clients, their families, and other health care providers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive understanding of mental health and substance abuse disorders
Knowledge of the principles of recovery and evidence-based treatment
Ability to assess patient's cognitive, emotional, physical, and social functioning
Skill in developing an individualized treatment plan
Expertise in creating therapeutic relationships with patients
Ability to effectively manage crisis situations
Competence in providing individual, family, and group therapy
Knowledge of community resources and ability to facilitate referral and follow-up
Understanding of cultural, age related, and gender differences in patient care
Familiarity with documentation and billing requirements
Ability to provide quality assurance and monitor patient care
Competency in using technology for communication, recordkeeping, research, and communication with other professionals

Behavioral Health Care Managers are responsible for providing comprehensive care to those struggling with mental health issues. To do this effectively, they must possess a variety of skills, including the ability to assess and diagnose mental health concerns, create individualized treatment plans, build relationships with clients, collaborate with other professionals in the field, advocate for their clients, and manage time and resources efficiently. These skills are essential for providing effective behavioral health care services as they enable Behavioral Health Care Managers to accurately identify the root causes of mental health concerns, develop effective treatments, and ensure that their clients receive the best possible care.

Furthermore, these skills help Behavioral Health Care Managers to stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatments, understand the complexities of mental health, and maintain positive relationships with their clients. having a strong set of skills is essential for Behavioral Health Care Managers to be successful in their roles and help their clients achieve better mental health.

Industrial Organizational Behaviorist, Clinical Behaviorist, and Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

Tell me about a time when you had to handle an emotionally charged situation?
How have you handled a difficult client in the past?
What strategies do you use to build rapport with clients?
How do you handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and quality assurance?
Describe your experience with developing and implementing treatment plans?
How do you ensure that clients adhere to their treatment plans?
What experience do you have in providing crisis intervention services?
How do you handle ethical dilemmas that may arise during a counseling session?
How do you ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed of changes in a clients care?
What techniques do you use to collaborate with other healthcare professionals?

Common Tools in Industry

Psychotherapy. A type of mental health treatment used to help individuals better understand and manage their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. (e. g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Crisis Intervention. A form of psychological intervention used to help individuals cope with traumatic events. (e. g. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Medication Management. The use of medications to treat mental health disorders. (e. g. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Case Management. A type of care coordination that helps individuals access the resources they need to manage their mental health. (e. g. Connecting individuals to medical, educational, and therapeutic services)
Referrals. The process of connecting individuals with the most appropriate services and resources for their needs. (e. g. Referring a patient to a specialist or other community resources)
Screening and Assessment. The use of standardized tools to identify mental health issues, determine eligibility for services, and develop treatment plans. (e. g. Administering a depression screening test)
Collaboration and Consultation. The process of building relationships with other providers to share information, coordinate care, and ensure the best care possible for patients. (e. g. Consulting with a psychiatrist about medication options)
Education and Training. The process of providing individuals and families with information about mental health issues and resources available to them. (e. g. Providing a family with information about local support groups)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
American Psychological Association (APA)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
National Council for Behavioral Health
American Psychiatric Association (APA)
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
International Association for Counseling (IAC)
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)

We also have Behavioral Therapist, Operations Analyst - Behavioral Science, and Child Behaviorist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Mental Health Care. Mental health care is a branch of health care that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health disorders. It includes the provision of counseling, psychotherapy, medication management and other therapeutic interventions to address physical, cognitive, emotional and social issues.
Substance Abuse Treatment. Substance abuse treatment is an approach to treating individuals struggling with addiction to substances such as drugs, alcohol, and other illicit substances. Treatment typically involves a combination of counseling, medication management, therapy, and educational programs to help individuals gain control over their use of the substance.
Crisis Intervention. Crisis intervention is a short-term form of mental health treatment for individuals who are in the midst of a mental health crisis or in danger of becoming suicidal or engaging in violent behavior. It is a goal-directed approach that helps the person regain control over their emotions and behaviors.
Supportive Counseling. Supportive counseling is a type of therapy that helps people cope with difficult life situations by providing them with support, understanding, and guidance. It can help individuals find solutions to problems, develop problem-solving skills, and improve their overall mental health.
Wellness Programs. Wellness programs are designed to help individuals improve their overall physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. These programs often involve activities such as exercise, nutrition education, mindfulness exercises, and stress management techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Behavioral Health Care Manager?

A Behavioral Health Care Manager is a mental health professional who provides clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals and families with mental health issues.

What types of services do Behavioral Health Care Managers provide?

Behavioral Health Care Managers provide a variety of services, including counseling, psychotherapy, medication management, case management, and crisis intervention.

What types of mental health conditions do Behavioral Health Care Managers treat?

Behavioral Health Care Managers treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and personality disorders.

What qualifications must a Behavioral Health Care Manager have?

Behavioral Health Care Managers must have a master's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. They must also be licensed or certified by their state to practice as mental health professionals.