Certified Behavioral Health Technician Course Information
A Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) is an essential member of the clinical team, providing direct support to individuals receiving treatment for mental health or substance use disorders. This role focuses on maintaining a safe environment and implementing care plans under clinical supervision.
Participants in this course will gain a comprehensive understanding of behavioral health protocols, ethics, and crisis intervention. You will learn the required competencies for professional conduct and effective patient interaction within clinical settings.
This program is specifically designed to meet the rigorous training hours required for certification and prepares students for the challenges of entry-level clinical practice.
The following standards are required for state-level certification:
Eligibility & Requirements
Category
The Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) is an entry-level designation for those providing direct services in behavioral health settings.
Degree
Minimum of a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED).
Work Experience
1,000 hours of documented work experience in the behavioral health field (approximately 6 months of full-time work).
Supervision
24 hours of supervision specifically focused on CBHT domains, performed by a qualified supervisor.
Training
- Clinical Competence (12 hours)
- Ethics (4 hours)
- Documentation (4 hours)
- Health & Safety (10 hours)
Written Test
Successful completion of the CBHT examination which measures knowledge of the core competency areas.
References
Three professional letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's ethical conduct and behavioral health experience.
Renewal
Biannual renewal requires 20 hours of continuing education specifically related to behavioral health services.