A Day in the Life of a Certified Behavioral Health Technician

When asked to describe her job briefly, Valery Mitz responded, "Making a difference." As a professional behavioral health technician, Valery spends her days helping others in recovery. As a mother of two, she appreciates her position and the flexibility that management provides. We sat down with Valery to better understand her journey and what makes working as a behavioral health technician unique.

Can you describe your journey and what brought you to your current position? Before becoming a certified behavioral health technician, I was raising my two kids, ages five and two. Before that, I worked for two years at a call center and several years in customer service. I returned to what I knew once I was ready to re-enter the workforce with my prior experience.

I knew the office manager position was perfect, and at first, I was hired through a temp agency for the position. I started in the office, and through seamless coaching and completing the 30-hour behavioral health technician course at Hazel Institute, I was brought on as a behavioral health tech and released from my contract with the temp agency.

The greatest gift this job has given me is a steady income, time to spend with my family, and a sense of purpose and joy for what I do every day!

Can you describe a "day in the life" working as a behavioral health tech? How do you start and end your day?

A day in the life of a certified behavioral health technician (BHT) can be both rewarding and challenging, involving a range of responsibilities focused on supporting patients with mental health and behavioral issues. Here's a typical day from when I walk in at 8:00 am:

Morning:

1. Shift Start: The day usually starts with a shift handover from the previous team. This includes receiving patient updates, their progress, and any overnight incidents.
2. Morning Meeting: A brief team meeting is held to discuss the day's schedule, specific patient needs, and any new admissions or discharges.
3. Patient Check-Ins: Conducting morning check-ins with patients, assessing their mental and physical state, and providing necessary support or medications.
4. Group Therapy Sessions: Facilitating or assisting in group therapy sessions, including art therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or support groups.
5. Individual Support: Meet with patients individually to offer support, monitor progress, and assist with their personalized treatment plans.

Midday:

1. Documentation: Updating patient records and documenting any significant interactions, changes in behavior, or incidents.
2. Lunch and Social Activities: Supervising and sometimes participating in lunch and social activities, ensuring a supportive environment.
3. Collaborating with Other Professionals: Working closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to discuss patient care plans and progress.

Afternoon:

1. Therapeutic Activities: Leading or assisting with therapeutic activities such as exercise, recreational therapy, or educational workshops.
2. Crisis Intervention: Being prepared to handle any crises that arise, such as a patient having an emotional outburst or engaging in self-harm behaviors. This involves using crisis prevention techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
3. Family Meetings: Occasionally participating in meetings with patients' families to provide updates on progress and offer support and education.

Evening:

1. Patient Check-Ins: Conducting evening check-ins to ensure patients settle down and address end-of-day concerns.
2. Evening Therapy or Activities: Facilitating or assisting with evening therapy sessions or activities, which might be more relaxed, such as movie nights or quiet time.
3. End-of-Shift Documentation: Ensuring all patient records are current, documenting the day's events, and preparing notes for the next shift.
4. Shift Handover: Conducting a handover to the incoming team, providing updates on patient status and any vital information for the night shift.

End of Day:

1. Debriefing: A quick debrief with the team to discuss significant events, share experiences, and provide mutual support.
2. Self-Care: As a BHT, it's essential to engage in self-care practices after a shift to manage the emotional and physical demands of the job. This could include exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.

Do you have a favorite time management tip? What is the work/life balance like in your role?

Smile and take your day one step at a time. Maintaining a positive attitude as a behavioral health tech helps me manage my time effectively. I love my role, and my husband's and family's support is a big part of my success.

 This support seamlessly balances my professional responsibilities with my personal life. The flexibility of my job and the understanding nature of my management contribute significantly to this wonderful work/life balance.

How do you keep yourself centered between helping clients throughout the day?

Our team knows how to have fun, and the managers are excellent at breaking up the day with collaborative team meetings. These meetings are productive and a great way to stay connected and energized.

Additionally, I keep a silly picture of my kids on my desk to help me smile throughout the day and a vanilla-scented candle that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. These small but reliable touches help me stay centered and focused, ensuring I provide extraordinary service to our clients.

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