How to Be Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 24, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians, are responsible for helping individuals learn how to manage their mental health through cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. The technicians use evidence-based practices to help an individual identify and challenge maladaptive thinking patterns, emotions and behaviors that may be contributing to their mental health issues. With the help of a CBT, individuals learn to replace these unhealthy patterns with healthier ones.

By doing so, the individual can reduce their symptoms of distress and improve their overall wellbeing. The effects of CBT on mental health have been proven to be positive and long-lasting, making this type of therapy a valuable asset in any treatment plan.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Pursue a degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. While not always required, many employers prefer to hire Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians who have obtained at least an associates degree in psychology, counseling, or another related field.
Gain experience in the field. Many employers require that applicants for Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician positions have experience working with clients and in a mental health setting. Experience can be gained through internships or volunteer opportunities.
Obtain certification. Many employers prefer to hire Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians who have been certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). To become certified, individuals must have a minimum of a masters degree in counseling or psychology, as well as complete the required coursework and supervised practice hours.
Apply for positions. After obtaining a degree, gaining experience, and becoming certified, individuals can start applying for jobs as Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians.

Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians are highly skilled professionals who use evidence-based practices to help individuals achieve their mental health and wellness goals. By utilizing a variety of methods such as talk therapy, behavioral modification, and problem-solving strategies, CBHTs are able to effectively assess and address the psychological needs of their clients. Through their expertise, CBHTs help improve the quality of life for those suffering from mental health issues, empowering them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Furthermore, the efficiency of Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians is evident in their ability to effectively manage caseloads, develop effective treatment plans, and provide timely interventions. CBHTs have an immense impact on their clients' well-being and are invaluable resources in the field of mental health.

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Job Description

Provide direct patient care, including monitoring and documenting progress of patients, in accordance with treatment plans.
Facilitate therapeutic groups and activities such as coping skills, anger management, and self-esteem building.
Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling services to patients.
Administer assessments to determine appropriate levels of care and treatment goals.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with patients, family members, and other staff members.
Monitor and document patient behavior, attitude, and response to treatment.
Assist with the development of individualized treatment plans that focus on cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Participate in team meetings to discuss patient progress and needs.
Educate patients on healthy lifestyle choices, coping skills, and other relevant topics.
Collaborate with other staff members to create a safe, therapeutic environment for patients.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Demonstrated knowledge of mental health principles, practices, and disorders
Ability to complete comprehensive assessments of clients and develop appropriate treatment plans
Familiarity with evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy
Understanding of the principles of trauma-informed care
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures
Ability to use therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change
Skills in crisis intervention and de-escalation
Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals and organizations
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to maintain client confidentiality and privacy standards
Knowledge of community resources, including housing and employment services
Proficiency with electronic health record systems and other health IT tools

Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians (CBHTs) must possess a wide range of skills in order to be successful. The most important skill they must have is the ability to recognize patterns of behavior and thought in their clients and to use evidence-based approaches to address them. CBHTs must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to develop a rapport with clients in order to create a safe, therapeutic environment.

They must also have excellent communication skills in order to effectively explain and implement treatment strategies. CBHTs must be able to think critically and strategically in order to provide the best care possible. By doing so, they can help their clients develop the skills to better manage their own mental health issues.

This includes the ability to identify triggers and develop strategies for coping with them. the ability to recognize patterns of behavior and thought and to apply evidence-based approaches is essential for Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians to be successful in their field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with cognitive behavioral health clients?
How would you go about assessing a client's current mental state?
What techniques do you use to create and maintain a therapeutic relationship between yourself and your clients?
Describe a successful intervention you have used to help a cognitive behavioral health client.
How do you handle challenging behavior from clients?
What strategies do you use to motivate clients to participate in their own treatment plans?
How do you ensure that your clients are receiving the best possible care?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest advances in cognitive behavioral health?
Are you familiar with any evidence-based practices that can be used to help cognitive behavioral health clients?
Are there any areas of cognitive behavioral health treatment that you feel particularly passionate about?

Common Tools in Industry

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A form of psychotherapy that helps individuals reframe and challenge their negative thought patterns and behaviors. (e. g. Cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment. (e. g. Mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness)
Exposure Therapy. A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on gradually exposing an individual to the fear or anxiety provoking situation in order to reduce fear and anxiety. (e. g. Systematic desensitization, flooding)
Motivational Interviewing. A technique used to help individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change by focusing on their personal goals and values. (e. g. Asking open-ended questions, reflective listening)
Reality Therapy. A type of counseling that focuses on helping individuals gain a sense of control over their lives by taking responsibility for their decisions and actions. (e. g. WDEP Model, choice theory)
Solution-Focused Therapy. A type of short-term therapy that helps individuals identify solutions to their problems rather than focusing on the problem itself. (e. g. Miracle question, scaling questions)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Mental Health Counselors
American Psychiatric Association
American Professional Counselors Association
American Psychological Association
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
National Board of Certified Counselors
National Coalition of Mental Health Professionals
Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

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Common Important Terms

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people identify and modify their distorted thinking patterns, which can help them make better decisions and break unhealthy habits.
Behavioral Health Technician. A health care professional who assists in providing therapeutic interventions to individuals suffering from behavioral health issues. They may provide support and guidance to individuals, families and groups in order to improve their quality of life.
Mental Health. A state of wellbeing in which an individual is able to cope with the demands of everyday life, work productively, and contribute to their community.
Wellness. The state of being in good physical, mental, and emotional health.
Trauma-Informed Care. A practice of understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. This approach emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both providers and clients.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation. A process of restoring or improving a persons functioning in the areas of interpersonal relationships, social skills, daily living skills, work/career skills, and leisure activities.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). A type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps people learn how to regulate their emotions and tolerate distress.
Comorbidity. The presence of two or more illnesses or disorders in a single individual at the same time.
Substance Abuse. The excessive or reckless use of drugs or alcohol for non-medical purposes.
Motivational Interviewing (MI). An evidence-based practice designed to help individuals increase their motivation to make positive behavior changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician? A1: A Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician is a professional who works with individuals, families and groups in a clinical setting to help them manage mental health issues through cognitive behavioral therapy. Q2: What qualifications are needed to become a Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician? A2: To become a Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED, complete an accredited training program, and pass a background check. Q3: What duties does a Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician perform? A3: A Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician typically performs tasks such as providing crisis management and supportive counseling, conducting assessments and interventions, developing treatment plans, and coordinating referrals to other mental health professionals. Q4: What is the job outlook for Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians? A4: The job outlook for Cognitive Behavioral Health Technicians is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of Mental Health Technicians is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029. Q5: What is the average salary of a Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician? A5: The average salary of a Cognitive Behavioral Health Technician is around $32,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.

Web Resources

Behavioral Health Technician - Blue Ridge Community College www.blueridge.edu
What Is a Behavioral Health Technician? | GCU Blog www.gcu.edu
Behavioral Health Technician Certificate - Columbia Southern University www.columbiasouthern.edu