Army MOS · Medical
68X Behavioral Health Specialist
Overview
A Behavioral Health Specialist assists with inpatient and outpatient mental health management and treatment under the supervision of qualified mental health professionals. They collect and record psychosocial and physical data and counsel or treat clients with personal, behavioral, or mental health problems.
Core Skills
- electronic medical record (EMR) documentation
- clinical data collection and entry
- screening and assessment support
- case management support
- patient counseling and education
- confidential records handling
- intake and triage procedures
- group facilitation support
- interdisciplinary team collaboration
- crisis support and escalation
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record
- Allscripts Sunrise
- Cerner ProFile
- Epic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical System
Civilian Career Paths
- Behavioral Health
- Clinical Technician
- Public Health
- Administration
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- National Certification in Nicotine and Tobacco Treatment (NCNTT)
- Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT)
Career Growth
- Board Certified Autism Technician (BCAT)
- Mental Health Technician Certification (MHTC)
- ACRP Project Manager (ACRP-PM)
- Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor Exam (AADC)
- Alcohol & Drug Counselor Exam (ADC)
What the Work Involves
- Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
- Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.
- Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.
- Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.
- Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
Related Occupations
- Psychiatric Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Physical Therapist Aides
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 68X. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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