Working in Behavioral Health
Getting Started
What is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral Health is the state of a person's mental, emotional, and social wellbeing and plays a key role in people’s overall health and wellness. Working in behavioral health means helping people during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Behavioral health professionals can help others achieve a better quality of life, navigate everyday stressors, obtain basic needs, and much more.
The field of behavioral health includes:
- Treatment of mental health and substance use disorders
- Suicide and substance use prevention
- Crisis intervention for people who’ve experienced an overdose, are in mental or emotional distress, or are having thoughts of suicide
- Recovery support for individuals and their loved ones
Populations
Settings
Community Mental Health Centers | Medical Hospitals and Clinics | Outpatient Treatment Agencies | Inpatient Treatment Centers | Psychiatric Hospitals | Residential Treatment Facilities | Recovery Support Housing | Group Homes | Nursing Homes | Non-profit Organizations | Crisis Stabilization Centers | Crisis Hotline | Schools | Correctional Facilities | Government Agencies
And more!
Reasons People Seek Behavioral Health Help
· Symptoms of mental illness such as anxiety, irritability, hallucinations, troubles concentrating, ongoing sadness, and more
· Hard times such as a traumatic event, loss of a loved one, lack of basic needs, relationship or familial issues, and more
· Participating in risky behavior or in legal trouble
· Unable to stop using drugs or alcohol
· A danger to themselves or others
· Troubles at work or school
· Negative self-image/low self-esteem
Check out this virtual tour of the Human Services Center - South Dakota's psychiatric hospital
Signs a Behavioral Health Career May be a Good Fit for You
You like to...
· Build relationships
· Collaborate with others
· Help people through hard times
· Solve complex problems
· Listen non-judgmentally
· Resolve conflict
Your skills include...
· Active listening
· Communication and interpersonal skills
· Critical thinking
· Problem-solving
· Negotiation
· Remaining neutral and non-judgmental
· Setting boundaries
· Taking notes and maintaining records
You have these attributes...
· Creative and innovative
· Empathetic
· Assertive
· Patient
· Professional while personable
· Solution-oriented
· Inquisitive
· Organized
Frequently Asked Question
What is Substance Use Disorder?
In clinical terms, addiction is referred to as substance use disorder (SUD). A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable, chronic disease that is diagnosed by a professional. It is not a choice or moral failing. SUD is a pattern of substance use that has a negative impact on a person’s everyday life.
It’s important to note that not everyone who uses or misuses drugs or alcohol will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder. The terms “substance misuse” or simply “substance use” are used as a broader term.
What is a Mental Health Disorder?
Mental health disorders are diagnosable conditions that effect mood, emotions, thinking, and/or behavior and impair a person’s ability to function in everyday life. Other terms used are “mental illness” and “mental health condition”. Mental health "issue", "challenge", or "concern" is used when someone is experiencing negative impacts on their mental health or symptoms of a mental health disorder, regardless of whether they’ve received a diagnosis.
What is Clinical Supervision?
Certain behavioral health professional licensures require clinical supervision. A clinical supervisor is an experienced professional who provides guidance and mentorship to a less experienced clinician. They help develop skills, discuss challenges, and promote resilience and professional growth. Clinical supervision ensures the clinician is managing their caseload and providing ethical, quality treatment.
What are Assessments?
An assessment is a process where a professional gathers information and evaluates a person’s mental health and/or substance use and its impact on their daily life. Methods for gathering information may include interviews, questionnaires, tests, a review of past records, observation, and occasionally input from other professionals or people close to the client. Assessments are then used to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.
What does "publicly-funded behavioral health system" mean?
The Division of Behavioral Health utilizes state and federal funds to ensure behavioral health services are accessible to all South Dakotans, no matter the complexity of their needs or their ability to pay. Agencies across the state are contracted to provide the services and receive funding for individuals in need of financial assistance. They can also accept Medicaid unlike private providers.
These providers serve the most vulnerable and underserved populations in South Dakota, making them essential to our communities. However, ongoing workforce shortages are placing significant strain on providers and threaten their ability to meet growing needs.
Good news - you can help!
You can make a meaningful difference by joining this vital network. Consider a career with a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) or another state-contracted agency and be part of the solution that strengthens behavioral health care across our state.