Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Behavioral health specialist jobs in Virginia are in strong demand, concentrated in community mental health centers, veterans services, state-operated facilities, and nonprofit behavioral health agencies, with openings at every level from entry-level case associate through senior clinician and program supervisor. The busiest hiring markets are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach, where employers such as Inova Health System, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Bon Secours Mercy Health maintain consistent openings. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia include substance use disorder treatment, crisis intervention, and co-occurring disorders. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Open roles109+
Top employerInova Health System
Top cityPortsmouth, VA
Cities hiring40
Work type75% On-site
Top industryHealthcare
Showing 5 of 109+ Behavioral Health Specialist jobs
Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician
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Added 1d ago
City of Chesapeake
Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician
Chesapeake, Virginia
Added 1d ago
Part-Time Emergency Behavioral Health Clinician – Licensed
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Added 1d ago
City of Chesapeake
Part-Time Emergency Behavioral Health Clinician – Licensed
Chesapeake, Virginia
Added 1d ago
Behavioral Health Technician (BHU)
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Added 1d ago
Sovah Health
Behavioral Health Technician (BHU)
Danville, Virginia
Added 1d ago
Regional Behavioral Health Technician-Northern Virginia (Greenbrook)
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Added 1d ago
Neuronetics
Regional Behavioral Health Technician-Northern Virginia (Greenbrook)
Reston, Virginia
Added 1d ago
Supervisor of Behavioral Health Therapy
We won't show you this job again
Added 2d ago
UVA Health
Supervisor of Behavioral Health Therapy
Manassas, Virginia
Added 2d ago
Added 1d ago
Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician
City of Chesapeake·Chesapeake, Virginia
Job functions:
$68k - $101k/yr
Master's degree in social work
1,001-5,000 employees
Job Description
Position Information
Working Title of Vacant Position
Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician
Job Type
Full Time
Posting Type
Public
Number of Vacancies
1
Department
CHES INT BEHAV HEALTHC
Division
CIBH MENTAL HLTH SVC
Requisition Number
2026317
Number of hours worked per week
40
Work Schedule
Sun-Thurs 9pm-5:30am with a 30 min lunch.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Work Site Location
Chesapeake, VA
Position Driving Requirement
O - Occasional
Pay Grade
GE15
Pay Basis
Semi-Monthly
Advertised Salary
Starting Range: $68,040 – $101,210
Actual starting salary depends on education, credentials and experience.
10% Specialty Assignment Pay + 7% shift Differential.
Actual starting salary depends on education, credentials and experience.
10% Specialty Assignment Pay + 7% shift Differential.
Job Description
Be the Calm in Someone’s Crisis
Every day, people experiencing a behavioral health crisis need someone who can provide hope, compassion, and expert clinical care. At Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare’s (CIBH) Crisis Receiving Center, a Licensed Clinician I plays a vital role in helping individuals stabilize, connect to treatment, and begin their recovery journey.
Every day, people experiencing a behavioral health crisis need someone who can provide hope, compassion, and expert clinical care. At Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare’s (CIBH) Crisis Receiving Center, a Licensed Clinician I plays a vital role in helping individuals stabilize, connect to treatment, and begin their recovery journey.
Our Crisis Receiving Center provides a safe, welcoming alternative to emergency departments and law enforcement involvement for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises. Working alongside psychiatrists, nurses, peer recovery specialists, and other behavioral health professionals, you’ll provide immediate assessment, intervention, and treatment in a collaborative, recovery-focused environment.
What You’ll Do
What You’ll Do
- Conduct comprehensive behavioral health and substance use assessments for individuals presenting in crisis.
- Complete suicide risk, violence risk, and safety assessments and develop individualized safety plans.
- Provide crisis intervention, brief therapeutic counseling, stabilization services, and solution-focused interventions.
- Develop person-centered treatment and discharge plans that promote recovery and continuity of care.
- Coordinate transitions to outpatient services, crisis stabilization, residential treatment, inpatient care, and community-based supports as clinically appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with psychiatrists, nurses, peer recovery specialists, emergency services clinicians, case managers, and community partners.
- Facilitate therapeutic groups and psycho-educational interventions as assigned.
- Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with Medicaid, DBHDS, licensing, and agency standards.
- Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, case consultations, and quality improvement activities.
- Promote a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment that emphasizes dignity, hope, and person-centered care.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
Required Qualifications
VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Requires a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related field, or another degree as approved by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
Requires a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related field, or another degree as approved by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
- Requires State of Virginia licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Counselor (LPC), Clinical Psychologist (LCP).
- A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist MD/DO, or a Bachelor’s Prepared Registered Nurse (RN) with five years of experience may be considered in the Emergency Services Program.
- May consider as a marginal (under-grade) applicant a Resident in Counseling or Supervisee in Social Work applicant who is currently registered with the Board of Health Professions with the ability to obtain licensure within the probationary period.
- May require Pre-Screening Certification within 6 weeks of employment (12 weeks for part-time staff) for those in the Emergency Services Program.
- Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience providing crisis intervention, emergency behavioral health, or psychiatric services.
- Experience working with adults experiencing acute mental health and substance use crises.
- Knowledge of suicide risk assessment, crisis de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practices.
- Experience treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Familiarity with evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
- Experience with electronic health records and Medicaid documentation requirements.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date
08/17/2026
Job Close Date
08/31/2026
Open Continuous
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is located at 216 Great Bridge Blvd, Chesapeake, VA.
Please ensure that all employment entries on the resumes are listed as either Full or Part time.
Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
Please ensure that all employment entries on the resumes are listed as either Full or Part time.
Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
ADA Checklist
Overall Physical Strength Demands
Overall Physical Strength Demands
S=Sedentary - Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or small weights frequently; sitting most of the time.
Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Standing
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Sitting
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Walking
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Lifting
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Lifting Amount
Exerting up to 10 lbs
Carrying
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Carrying Weight
Exerting up to 10 lbs
Pushing/Pulling
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Pushing/Pulling Weight
Exerting up to 10 lbs
Reaching
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Handling
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Fine Dexterity
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Kneeling
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Crouching
Never- Never occurs.
Crawling
Never- Never occurs.
Bending
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Twisting
N = Never
Climbing
Never- Never occurs.
Balancing
Never- Never occurs.
Vision
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Hearing
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Talking
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Foot Controls
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used
Office equipment: computer, copier, fax, scanner, phone,
Protective Equipment Required
none required
Health and Safety
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Mechanical Hazards
N = Never
Chemical Hazards
N = Never
Electrical Hazards
N = Never
Fire Hazards
N = Never
Explosives
N = Never
Communicable Diseases
S = Seasonally
Physical Danger or Abuse
S = Seasonally
Other
If Other, Description
Environmental Factors
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Dirt and Dust
N = Never
Extreme Temperatures
N = Never
Noise and Vibration
N = Never
Fumes and Odors
N = Never
Wetness/Humidity
N = Never
Darkness or Poor Lighting
N = Never
Primary Work Location
Office Environment
Non-Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Time Pressures
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Emergency Situations
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Frequent Change of Tasks
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Tedious or Exacting Work
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Noisy/Distracting Environment
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Other
If Other, Description
Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)
Supervisor
Professional References
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
Minimum Requests
0
Maximum Requests
4
City of Chesapeake
Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician
Chesapeake, Virginia
Added 1d ago1,001-5,000 employees
Job functions:
$68k - $101k/yr
Master's degree in social work
Job Description
Position Information
Working Title of Vacant Position
Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician
Job Type
Full Time
Posting Type
Public
Number of Vacancies
1
Department
CHES INT BEHAV HEALTHC
Division
CIBH MENTAL HLTH SVC
Requisition Number
2026317
Number of hours worked per week
40
Work Schedule
Sun-Thurs 9pm-5:30am with a 30 min lunch.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Work Site Location
Chesapeake, VA
Position Driving Requirement
O - Occasional
Pay Grade
GE15
Pay Basis
Semi-Monthly
Advertised Salary
Starting Range: $68,040 – $101,210
Actual starting salary depends on education, credentials and experience.
10% Specialty Assignment Pay + 7% shift Differential.
Actual starting salary depends on education, credentials and experience.
10% Specialty Assignment Pay + 7% shift Differential.
Job Description
Be the Calm in Someone’s Crisis
Every day, people experiencing a behavioral health crisis need someone who can provide hope, compassion, and expert clinical care. At Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare’s (CIBH) Crisis Receiving Center, a Licensed Clinician I plays a vital role in helping individuals stabilize, connect to treatment, and begin their recovery journey.
Every day, people experiencing a behavioral health crisis need someone who can provide hope, compassion, and expert clinical care. At Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare’s (CIBH) Crisis Receiving Center, a Licensed Clinician I plays a vital role in helping individuals stabilize, connect to treatment, and begin their recovery journey.
Our Crisis Receiving Center provides a safe, welcoming alternative to emergency departments and law enforcement involvement for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use crises. Working alongside psychiatrists, nurses, peer recovery specialists, and other behavioral health professionals, you’ll provide immediate assessment, intervention, and treatment in a collaborative, recovery-focused environment.
What You’ll Do
What You’ll Do
- Conduct comprehensive behavioral health and substance use assessments for individuals presenting in crisis.
- Complete suicide risk, violence risk, and safety assessments and develop individualized safety plans.
- Provide crisis intervention, brief therapeutic counseling, stabilization services, and solution-focused interventions.
- Develop person-centered treatment and discharge plans that promote recovery and continuity of care.
- Coordinate transitions to outpatient services, crisis stabilization, residential treatment, inpatient care, and community-based supports as clinically appropriate.
- Collaborate closely with psychiatrists, nurses, peer recovery specialists, emergency services clinicians, case managers, and community partners.
- Facilitate therapeutic groups and psycho-educational interventions as assigned.
- Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with Medicaid, DBHDS, licensing, and agency standards.
- Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, case consultations, and quality improvement activities.
- Promote a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment that emphasizes dignity, hope, and person-centered care.
The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits.
Required Qualifications
VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Requires a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related field, or another degree as approved by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
Requires a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a closely related field, or another degree as approved by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:
In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of two years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:
- Requires State of Virginia licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Counselor (LPC), Clinical Psychologist (LCP).
- A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist MD/DO, or a Bachelor’s Prepared Registered Nurse (RN) with five years of experience may be considered in the Emergency Services Program.
- May consider as a marginal (under-grade) applicant a Resident in Counseling or Supervisee in Social Work applicant who is currently registered with the Board of Health Professions with the ability to obtain licensure within the probationary period.
- May require Pre-Screening Certification within 6 weeks of employment (12 weeks for part-time staff) for those in the Emergency Services Program.
- Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience providing crisis intervention, emergency behavioral health, or psychiatric services.
- Experience working with adults experiencing acute mental health and substance use crises.
- Knowledge of suicide risk assessment, crisis de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practices.
- Experience treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
- Familiarity with evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
- Experience with electronic health records and Medicaid documentation requirements.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date
08/17/2026
Job Close Date
08/31/2026
Open Continuous
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is located at 216 Great Bridge Blvd, Chesapeake, VA.
Please ensure that all employment entries on the resumes are listed as either Full or Part time.
Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
Please ensure that all employment entries on the resumes are listed as either Full or Part time.
Medical Marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.
ADA Checklist
Overall Physical Strength Demands
Overall Physical Strength Demands
S=Sedentary - Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or small weights frequently; sitting most of the time.
Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Standing
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Sitting
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Walking
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Lifting
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Lifting Amount
Exerting up to 10 lbs
Carrying
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Carrying Weight
Exerting up to 10 lbs
Pushing/Pulling
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Pushing/Pulling Weight
Exerting up to 10 lbs
Reaching
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Handling
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Fine Dexterity
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Kneeling
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Crouching
Never- Never occurs.
Crawling
Never- Never occurs.
Bending
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Twisting
N = Never
Climbing
Never- Never occurs.
Balancing
Never- Never occurs.
Vision
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Hearing
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Talking
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Foot Controls
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used
Office equipment: computer, copier, fax, scanner, phone,
Protective Equipment Required
none required
Health and Safety
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Mechanical Hazards
N = Never
Chemical Hazards
N = Never
Electrical Hazards
N = Never
Fire Hazards
N = Never
Explosives
N = Never
Communicable Diseases
S = Seasonally
Physical Danger or Abuse
S = Seasonally
Other
If Other, Description
Environmental Factors
D = Daily W = Several Times Per Week M = Several Times Per Month S = Seasonally N = Never
Dirt and Dust
N = Never
Extreme Temperatures
N = Never
Noise and Vibration
N = Never
Fumes and Odors
N = Never
Wetness/Humidity
N = Never
Darkness or Poor Lighting
N = Never
Primary Work Location
Office Environment
Non-Physical Demands
C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time. F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time. O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time. R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week. N = Never- Never occurs.
Time Pressures
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Emergency Situations
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Frequent Change of Tasks
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime
Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.
Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team
Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.
Tedious or Exacting Work
Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
Noisy/Distracting Environment
Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.
Other
If Other, Description
Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)
Supervisor
Professional References
Professional References
Please provide contact information for professional references.
Minimum Requests
0
Maximum Requests
4
See All 109+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Portsmouth
15 jobsRichmond
10 jobsLeesburg
9 jobsFairfax
8 jobsLynchburg
5 jobsFalls Church
5 jobsCharlottesville
4 jobsSalem
3 jobsManassas
3 jobsArlington
3 jobsVirginia Beach
3 jobsReston
2 jobsTysons
2 jobsHampton
2 jobsSuffolk
2 jobsAnnandale
2 jobsLexington
2 jobsAlexandria
2 jobsChesapeake
2 jobsWilliamsburg
2 jobsFredericksburg
2 jobsAldie
1 jobGalax
1 jobDulles
1 jobLively
1 jobMarion
1 jobMcLean
1 jobStuart
1 jobBristol
1 jobNorfolk
1 jobCulpeper
1 jobDanville
1 jobHopewell
1 jobKilmarnock
1 jobWinchester
1 jobWoodbridge
1 jobWytheville
1 jobHarrisonburg
1 jobNewport News
1 jobNaval Medical Center Portsmouth
1 jobBehavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Inova Health System12
- Bon Secours8
- Connections Health Solutions8
- Bon Secours Mercy Health7
- University of Virginia5
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Investment & Asset Management
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health specialist jobs across Virginia.
- Active Virginia license or registration through the Board of Counseling or DBHDS
- Bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, social work, or counseling
- Experience with evidence-based practices such as CBT or motivational interviewing
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems
- Ability to pass a Virginia criminal background check and child protective services screening
- Valid Virginia driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based assignments
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health specialist in Virginia?
Virginia requires behavioral health specialists to obtain credentials through the Board of Counseling or register with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, depending on the role. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, with master's-level licensure preferred for clinical roles. Candidates pursuing licensure typically work toward a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential through the Board of Counseling.
Which companies hire behavioral health specialists in Virginia?
Employers hiring behavioral health specialists in Virginia right now include Inova Health System, Bon Secours, and Connections Health Solutions, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's large integrated health systems and state-funded community services boards are among the most consistent sources of full-time openings across the commonwealth.
Which Virginia cities have the most behavioral health specialist jobs?
Portsmouth, Richmond, and Leesburg have the most behavioral health specialist openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's concentration of veterans services and large health systems drives volume there, Richmond's role as the state capital brings state agency and nonprofit hiring, and Virginia Beach's dense military and community health infrastructure supports consistent demand in the Hampton Roads region.
Are there remote behavioral health specialist jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since much of the work involves direct client contact, crisis response, and on-site documentation. About 25% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with telehealth counseling and care coordination roles being the most likely to offer flexible or fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health specialist in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a behavioral health technician or mental health associate role, which Virginia community services boards and large health systems such as Inova and Bon Secours regularly fill without requiring prior clinical experience. Completing a Virginia DBHDS-approved direct support training or a crisis intervention certification strengthens applications significantly. Lateral moves from case management, social services aide, or peer support specialist roles are a recognized stepping stone toward a full behavioral health specialist title in Virginia.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings from employers across the commonwealth. Find roles that fit your experience and credentials and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 109+ Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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