Behavior Therapist
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Individuals who act as Behavior Therapists engage in helping patients to overcome particular behaviors that may be creating challenges in their day-to-day lives. These professionals utilize specific methods of therapy to analyze and modify behaviors in order to assist patients in developing more constructive and efficient behaviors.
Education and Training
Generally, those working in the profession of Behavior Therapist hold at minimum a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialized concentration within this field. In order to exercise as a Behavior Therapist, specific State Licensing requirements must also be met, which can differ from state to state. These Licensing requirements will involve fulfillment of supervised experience, passing a board-approved examination, and fulfillment of continuing education requirements to retain an active license.
Skill Set
Behavior Therapists utilize various skills, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and applied behavior analysis. They must be comfortable working with a diverse range of individuals, possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, and demonstrate a genuine concern for patient well-being.
Career Path
Commonly, those who begin a career in the field of Behavior Therapy start as Behavioral Health Technicians, supporting the work of licensed Behavior Therapists. As experience is gained, more advanced positions may be pursued, such as Clinical Behavior Analyst. For those interested in progressing further in their careers, Doctoral-level degrees are available and may open the door to opportunities in research and teaching.
