What is Behavioral Health
Behavioral health is an central part of our overall health and well-being. It includes mental health, substance use prevention and recovery, and the ways our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life experiences affect our physical and emotional wellness.
Supporting Health and Well-Being
Behavioral health programs and services help people understand wellbeing, build resilience, manage mental health and substance use related conditions, strengthen relationships, and improve quality of life. Behavioral health programs support people across the lifespan, from young children and families to older adults, and are provided in many settings, including schools, healthcare organizations, community programs, workplaces, and social service agencies.
Who Can Pursue a Behavioral Health Career?
Behavioral health offers career opportunities for people with a wide range of interests, skills, educational backgrounds, and lived experiences. Some careers offer entry-level opportunities and on-the-job training, while others require specialized education, certification, or advanced degrees.
Many people enter the field because they are passionate about supporting others and strengthening connection and resilience in their communities. Others draw on lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, recovery, caregiving, or navigating behavioral health services. These experiences can provide valuable insight and help professionals connect with the individuals, families, and communities they serve.
Whether you are interested in working directly with individuals and families, supporting community programs, providing peer support, coordinating services, or delivering clinical care, there are many pathways into the field and opportunities for career growth over time. Learn more about potential career types and pathways.
Why Behavioral Health Matters
Strong behavioral health systems help individuals, families, and communities thrive. As awareness of mental health and wellness continues to grow, behavioral health professionals play an important role in promoting well-being, preventing challenges before they escalate, and helping people access the support they need. Learn more about why this work matters.
Explore Pathways to Behavioral Health Careers
Whether you are just starting your career, considering a career change, or looking to advance within the field, behavioral health offers many opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Explore this website to learn more about career pathways, education and training opportunities, job openings, and resources to help you find a path that aligns with your interests and goals. View education and training pathways for behavioral health careers.