Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate
Prepare for a Career with a Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate from NECC
Why pursue a certificate for Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist?
Would you like to help treat children and adolescents with behavioral health issues, empowering them to thrive? If so, our Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate is tailor-made for you. Our program will show you how to work with children and families impacted by stress due to issues such as substance abuse, suicide ideation, trauma, poverty, and mental health disorders, preparing you for a gratifying career in the behavioral health field.
NECC Certificates: Empowering the Next Generation of Children’s Behavioral Health Specialists
Experiencing trauma at an early age can be exceedingly devastating for a child’s mental health and well-being. Children’s behavioral health specialists are a vital part of our society, assessing and treating minors impacted by trauma and other mental health issues. At NECC, our Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate offers a mix of classroom learning and supervised field work, giving students an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in treatment environments.
Available in full-time or part-time learning formats, upon completion of this 22-credit program you will be prepared to enter the workforce in an entry-level position, or applying these credits towards our Human Services Associate Degree.
What you’ll get from our Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist program
Help Clients Navigate Life’s Emotional Challenges
Immerse yourself in the children’s behavioral health world, as you learn about issues that impact the quality of life and emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and families. Gain insights into the latest mental health treatments and how to communicate effectively with behavioral health professionals and clients, while abiding by the legal and ethical standards set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ departments of Mental Health and Children and Families.
Gain real-world experience through 150 hours of supervised field work in an agency that treats children and their families, preparing you for the career of your dreams.
Gear Up for a Great Career in the Children’s Behavioral Health Field
At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great children’s behavioral health specialist, child psychologist, behavioral health technician, or other professional, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:
Prepare to work professionally while helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life’s emotional challenges- Communicate effectively with professional teams, agencies, youth, and their families throughout the mental health treatment process
- Coordinate care and leverage community resources to support client goals, while observing and abiding by the legal and ethical constraints set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health, and Department of Children and Families
Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with children’s behavioral health professionals in the community.
Your Schedule, Your Rules
Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around.
Where this journey can take you
Behavioral health specialists are vital team members at mental health facilities, clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and learning institutions.
Like a blank canvas, you can use your certificate as a foundation to build upon, empowering you to explore a wide variety of academic and career paths.
Imagine yourself serving in one of these children’s behavioral health roles:
- Helping clients improve their mental health and well-being as a Children’s Behavioral Health Therapist
- Streamlining communication between children and families as a Children’s Behavior Analyst
- Enhancing the treatment experience as a Behavioral Health Technician
- Helping youth develop essential life skills as a Children’s Behavior Instructor
Why choose NECC for your Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate?
We Get It
At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate courses are designed with you in mind.
NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.
With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.
Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe children’s behavioral health principles.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
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What Can I Do With This Major?
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Career Outlook for Children’s Behavioral Health Specialists North of Boston
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for substance abuse, behavioral health, and mental health counselors-–including those who work with children—are projected to increase 19% over the next eight or nine years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
At NECC, our Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as behavioral health specialists, child psychologists, behavior instructors, and more. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!
How Much Can I Expect to Make as a Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist?
The earning potential for those employed in children’s behavioral health professions varies based on several factors, including education, licenses, certifications, experience, setting, and skills. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist in Massachusetts was $80,228 as of November 2024.
With a Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate from NECC, you’ll be qualified to start or advance your career in these roles:
Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist
Helps children and their families improve their mental health and well-being through tailored strategies and treatment plans. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $80,228 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $71,902 and $89,143.¹
Children’s Behavior Analyst
Observes baseline levels of behavior, assesses children to determine their strengths and weaknesses, and creates treatment plans that prioritize collaboration between children and their families. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $80,045 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $70,605 and $86,255.¹
Behavioral Health Technician
Works with patients and families to treat mental illness, developmental disorders, and behavioral issues. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $44,200 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $39,900 and $50,000.¹
Mental Health Counselor
Assesses and treats children with mental and emotional health disorders, relationship issues, and other significant life challenges. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $83,257 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $75,030 and $92,779.¹
Child Psychologist
Assesses and treats the mental, emotional, social, and behavioral health of children and adolescents. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $130,668 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $118,625 and $145,144.¹
Children’s Behavior Instructor
Helps children and adolescents develop life skills, improve social interactions, and treat behavioral issues: The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $72,993 as of November 2024. The wage range typically falls between $64,650 and $81,024.¹
How to Get Started Earning a Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate in the Merrimack Valley Region
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!
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Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.
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