Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in New Jersey
Behavioral health therapist jobs in New Jersey are consistently active, with strong demand across community mental health centers, hospital systems, and outpatient behavioral health practices at every level from entry-level clinician through senior therapist and clinical supervisor. The busiest hiring markets are Newark, Camden, and Trenton, where established employers like RWJBarnabas Health, Atlantic Health System, and Hackensack Meridian Health operate large behavioral health programs. The most in-demand specialties include substance use disorder counseling, trauma-focused therapy, and child and adolescent behavioral health. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 69+ Behavioral Health Therapist jobs
Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.
Responsibilities:The Mental Health Technician, Admissions, functions as a caregiver for a specific patient population in order to achieve desired outcomes. This position focuses on expanding knowledge and skills and on providing effective direct and indirect care, as part of the interdisciplinary team, to a variety of complex patients. Under the direction of the registered nurse, promotes patient satisfaction, comfort, and safety. The incumbent assists with a variety of patient, unit, and environment-related tasks and participates in patient safety initiatives. May be assigned and floated to Communication Specialists during the shift. The Mental Health Technician's primary location will be at a Carrier Clinic facility.
- Provide patient care, based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the guests/patients served in the assigned service.
- Provide for effective and safe guest/patient outcomes through practice, judgment, and critical actions.
- Ongoing communication with patients, nursing colleagues, and other members of the health care team regarding the patient's status and rendered care.
- Take self-directed or self-motivated initiative to do more than is expected or required in the job, acting before being required to by events, improving job performance, and/or creating new opportunities
- Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration of our patients' plan of care from admission to ensure safe transitioning and continuum of care
- Participate in Unit/Department Performance Improvement [PI] activities
Specific Job Functions may include, but not limited to:
- Welcomes patients and completes initial triage in collaboration with the admissions triage nurse coordinator and/or admissions specialist. Participates in the orientation of patients to the unit/area and develops rapport with patients, family members, and significant others.
- Prepares the patient for assessment/admission, physical examination, and procedures.
- Participates in patient search at admission, upon return from pass, or as clinically indicated, under the direction of a Registered Nurse consistent with network policy.
- Recognizes and responds to opportunities to enhance patient satisfaction.
- Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients on the unit.
- Observes and reports patients' conditions, behavior, reaction to treatment, and complaints to the nurse, psychiatrist, and/or other advanced practice professional.
- As needed, obtains clinical data, temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, O2 saturation, and documents findings in the patient record and notifies the RN immediately of abnormal results.
- Draws intravenous or capillary blood as needed from newborn through geriatric-aged patients using proper aseptic collection techniques, assure appropriate labeling and processing of specimens to expedite throughput of patients.
- Performs venipuncture for laboratory tests as needed.
- Demonstrates a reliable and dependable ability to follow through with designated responsibilities in the collecting, labeling, and transporting of specimens to the proper area at the appropriate time: always correctly labels the type of specimen collected, including the patient's name and room number.
- Performs EKG for patients as needed and directed.
- Assures the presence, functionality, and cleanliness of all necessary equipment.
- Applies bandages, slings, compression boots, and hypothermia blankets according to standard, as needed and directed by the RN.
- Where applicable, provides support to the psychiatry consultation liaison service by organizing the setup of equipment and direct observation of the patient and equipment during the consultation via telehealth.
- Assists in the transport of patients to departments or units upon request.
- Provides 1:1 direct observation as needed to monitor safety.
- Assists in the seclusion, restraint, and monitoring of agitated patients under the direction of the RN.
- Documents data on seclusion, restraint, precaution, and 15-minute check sheets in line with the network restraint policy.
- Performs 15-minute safety checks and documents data.
- Assists with preparation as necessary assuring the patient is assisted with meals/ or fed as needed.
- Checks inventory of assigned area and restocks as directed by RN.
- Ensures the room environment is prepared for admission, specifically for behavioral health patients.
- Provides direct hygiene and comfort care to patients, including bathing, toileting, oral hygiene, incontinent care, and bed making.
- Assists the patients with dressing/undressing as needed and placing patient belongings in the appropriate bag labeled with the completed property checklist and handled consistently with hospital policy. Assists with inspecting all clothing/property brought to patients during visiting hours. Ensures that prohibited material is not brought into the hospital by patients or visitors. Monitors the return of clothing to the patient's family.
- Performs and documents glucose finger sticks and collects other specimens as needed and directed.
- Provides post-mortem care as directed.
- Facilitates group clinical treatment activities, as directed.
- Obtains and documents patient weights and observes and documents the patient's intake and output.
- Provides a safe patient environment by answering call lights promptly and communicating with the RN immediately for any change in the patient's condition.
- Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs, not limited to (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing, and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.)
- Ensures that paperwork and electronic records are completed accurately and within procedural time limits.
- Answers incoming calls promptly and courteously, determining the appropriate destination and routing calls efficiently. This includes handling main hospital lines, emergency lines, physician answering services, and various hotlines.
- Responds to and manages emergency codes (e.g., Traumas, Fires, Disasters, Life Safety, Medical Alerts, Facility Alerts, Security Alerts, and alarms according to established procedures, including notifying appropriate personnel and departments, documenting events, and initiating necessary actions as needed. Provides information regarding patient location, visiting hours, hospital departments and services, on-call schedules, and directory assistance.
- Operates the paging system upon request for overhead on-ground and off-ground.
- Operates and maintains communication systems and computer-based databases. This includes troubleshooting issues, reporting malfunctions, and coordinating with technical staff. Keeps all console log books and manuals updated.
- Maintains accurate records and documentation, including call logs, emergency reports, and database updates, and provides timely responses to inquiries.
- Responsible for monitoring Zero Eyes hardware and calling emergency alerts as necessary.
- Responsible for managing fleet vehicle logs and completing sign-out of vehicles.
- Stays informed about hospital events, procedures, and on-call schedules.
- Greets visitors, registers their arrival, and provides visitor credentials.
- Provides directions to destinations and orientation to the overall facility and grounds layout.
- Notifies units of families or significant others who have arrived to pick up discharging patients.
- Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
- Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.
Physical Demands
- Long periods of sitting with frequent standing, walking or moving.
- Requires periods of keying on the computer terminal to input information.
- Requires constant verbal communication in person or using the phone.
- Exposure to communicable diseases.
- Lifting > 35 pounds.
- Extended wearing of PPE.
- Application of a surgical mask for long periods of time.
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
- The ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing patient needs, a strong sense of accountability for improving the lives of our patients and their caregivers, an exceptional focus on teamwork, dedication to ongoing education, and the ability and passion to deliver the highest quality of care and service based on a strong sense of patient focus are all required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office platforms.
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
- Experienced or certified in phlebotomy and checking EKG, vital signs, and blood sugar.
- At least one (1) year of PCT, MHT, CNA, or other behavioral health experience in a hospital setting is strongly preferred.
- Experience with behavioral health patients.
- Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, Mental Health Technician, or Patient Care Technician who has successfully completed a PCT program which includes Phlebotomy, EKG, and nursing assistant course both in the theoretical and clinical setting.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification within 60 days of entering the position.
Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.
Responsibilities:The Mental Health Technician, Admissions, functions as a caregiver for a specific patient population in order to achieve desired outcomes. This position focuses on expanding knowledge and skills and on providing effective direct and indirect care, as part of the interdisciplinary team, to a variety of complex patients. Under the direction of the registered nurse, promotes patient satisfaction, comfort, and safety. The incumbent assists with a variety of patient, unit, and environment-related tasks and participates in patient safety initiatives. May be assigned and floated to Communication Specialists during the shift. The Mental Health Technician's primary location will be at a Carrier Clinic facility.
- Provide patient care, based on physical, psychosocial, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the guests/patients served in the assigned service.
- Provide for effective and safe guest/patient outcomes through practice, judgment, and critical actions.
- Ongoing communication with patients, nursing colleagues, and other members of the health care team regarding the patient's status and rendered care.
- Take self-directed or self-motivated initiative to do more than is expected or required in the job, acting before being required to by events, improving job performance, and/or creating new opportunities
- Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration of our patients' plan of care from admission to ensure safe transitioning and continuum of care
- Participate in Unit/Department Performance Improvement [PI] activities
Specific Job Functions may include, but not limited to:
- Welcomes patients and completes initial triage in collaboration with the admissions triage nurse coordinator and/or admissions specialist. Participates in the orientation of patients to the unit/area and develops rapport with patients, family members, and significant others.
- Prepares the patient for assessment/admission, physical examination, and procedures.
- Participates in patient search at admission, upon return from pass, or as clinically indicated, under the direction of a Registered Nurse consistent with network policy.
- Recognizes and responds to opportunities to enhance patient satisfaction.
- Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients on the unit.
- Observes and reports patients' conditions, behavior, reaction to treatment, and complaints to the nurse, psychiatrist, and/or other advanced practice professional.
- As needed, obtains clinical data, temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, O2 saturation, and documents findings in the patient record and notifies the RN immediately of abnormal results.
- Draws intravenous or capillary blood as needed from newborn through geriatric-aged patients using proper aseptic collection techniques, assure appropriate labeling and processing of specimens to expedite throughput of patients.
- Performs venipuncture for laboratory tests as needed.
- Demonstrates a reliable and dependable ability to follow through with designated responsibilities in the collecting, labeling, and transporting of specimens to the proper area at the appropriate time: always correctly labels the type of specimen collected, including the patient's name and room number.
- Performs EKG for patients as needed and directed.
- Assures the presence, functionality, and cleanliness of all necessary equipment.
- Applies bandages, slings, compression boots, and hypothermia blankets according to standard, as needed and directed by the RN.
- Where applicable, provides support to the psychiatry consultation liaison service by organizing the setup of equipment and direct observation of the patient and equipment during the consultation via telehealth.
- Assists in the transport of patients to departments or units upon request.
- Provides 1:1 direct observation as needed to monitor safety.
- Assists in the seclusion, restraint, and monitoring of agitated patients under the direction of the RN.
- Documents data on seclusion, restraint, precaution, and 15-minute check sheets in line with the network restraint policy.
- Performs 15-minute safety checks and documents data.
- Assists with preparation as necessary assuring the patient is assisted with meals/ or fed as needed.
- Checks inventory of assigned area and restocks as directed by RN.
- Ensures the room environment is prepared for admission, specifically for behavioral health patients.
- Provides direct hygiene and comfort care to patients, including bathing, toileting, oral hygiene, incontinent care, and bed making.
- Assists the patients with dressing/undressing as needed and placing patient belongings in the appropriate bag labeled with the completed property checklist and handled consistently with hospital policy. Assists with inspecting all clothing/property brought to patients during visiting hours. Ensures that prohibited material is not brought into the hospital by patients or visitors. Monitors the return of clothing to the patient's family.
- Performs and documents glucose finger sticks and collects other specimens as needed and directed.
- Provides post-mortem care as directed.
- Facilitates group clinical treatment activities, as directed.
- Obtains and documents patient weights and observes and documents the patient's intake and output.
- Provides a safe patient environment by answering call lights promptly and communicating with the RN immediately for any change in the patient's condition.
- Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs, not limited to (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing, and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.)
- Ensures that paperwork and electronic records are completed accurately and within procedural time limits.
- Answers incoming calls promptly and courteously, determining the appropriate destination and routing calls efficiently. This includes handling main hospital lines, emergency lines, physician answering services, and various hotlines.
- Responds to and manages emergency codes (e.g., Traumas, Fires, Disasters, Life Safety, Medical Alerts, Facility Alerts, Security Alerts, and alarms according to established procedures, including notifying appropriate personnel and departments, documenting events, and initiating necessary actions as needed. Provides information regarding patient location, visiting hours, hospital departments and services, on-call schedules, and directory assistance.
- Operates the paging system upon request for overhead on-ground and off-ground.
- Operates and maintains communication systems and computer-based databases. This includes troubleshooting issues, reporting malfunctions, and coordinating with technical staff. Keeps all console log books and manuals updated.
- Maintains accurate records and documentation, including call logs, emergency reports, and database updates, and provides timely responses to inquiries.
- Responsible for monitoring Zero Eyes hardware and calling emergency alerts as necessary.
- Responsible for managing fleet vehicle logs and completing sign-out of vehicles.
- Stays informed about hospital events, procedures, and on-call schedules.
- Greets visitors, registers their arrival, and provides visitor credentials.
- Provides directions to destinations and orientation to the overall facility and grounds layout.
- Notifies units of families or significant others who have arrived to pick up discharging patients.
- Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
- Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.
Physical Demands
- Long periods of sitting with frequent standing, walking or moving.
- Requires periods of keying on the computer terminal to input information.
- Requires constant verbal communication in person or using the phone.
- Exposure to communicable diseases.
- Lifting > 35 pounds.
- Extended wearing of PPE.
- Application of a surgical mask for long periods of time.
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
- The ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing patient needs, a strong sense of accountability for improving the lives of our patients and their caregivers, an exceptional focus on teamwork, dedication to ongoing education, and the ability and passion to deliver the highest quality of care and service based on a strong sense of patient focus are all required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office platforms.
Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
- Experienced or certified in phlebotomy and checking EKG, vital signs, and blood sugar.
- At least one (1) year of PCT, MHT, CNA, or other behavioral health experience in a hospital setting is strongly preferred.
- Experience with behavioral health patients.
- Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, Mental Health Technician, or Patient Care Technician who has successfully completed a PCT program which includes Phlebotomy, EKG, and nursing assistant course both in the theoretical and clinical setting.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification within 60 days of entering the position.
See All 69 Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in New Jersey
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Therapist Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Therapist Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health therapist jobs across New Jersey.
- Active New Jersey Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential required
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related field
- Experience delivering individual, group, and family therapy in a clinical setting
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation standards
- Knowledge of evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
- Ability to conduct biopsychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans
Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health therapist in New Jersey?
Becoming a behavioral health therapist in New Jersey requires a master's degree in counseling, social work, or psychology, followed by licensure through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Most clinicians pursue either the Licensed Professional Counselor credential or the Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential, each requiring supervised post-graduate hours and a passing score on the relevant national examination. Completing your supervised hours at a New Jersey community mental health center or hospital system is the most common path to meeting the state's requirements.
Which companies hire behavioral health therapists in New Jersey?
Employers hiring behavioral health therapists in New Jersey right now include Hackensack Meridian Health, Center For Family Services, and Penn Medicine, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. New Jersey's dense network of nonprofit community behavioral health organizations, hospital-affiliated outpatient practices, and county-run mental health boards means openings are distributed across both urban centers and suburban counties throughout the state.
Which New Jersey cities have the most behavioral health therapist jobs?
The cities with the most behavioral health therapist openings in New Jersey are Belle Mead, Princeton, and Warren County. Newark anchors the largest share of listings because of its concentration of hospital systems and federally qualified health centers, while Camden and Trenton generate steady volume through county behavioral health boards and nonprofit providers that serve high-need urban populations.
Are there remote behavioral health therapist jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, because telehealth delivery of therapy is widely accepted and reimbursable in New Jersey. About 36% of behavioral health therapist openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the strong telehealth infrastructure that expanded across the state in recent years. Individual outpatient therapy, case management support, and intake assessment roles are the functions most frequently offered in remote or hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health therapist in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a clinician-in-training or associate therapist role at a community mental health center while completing your supervised hours toward New Jersey licensure. Large New Jersey employers like RWJBarnabas Health and Hackensack Meridian Health run post-graduate training programs and offer supervision toward LPC or LCSW licensure. Candidates moving from case management, crisis intervention, or psychiatric rehabilitation roles at county mental health boards also transition successfully. Having your master's degree and a provisional New Jersey credential in process gives you a clear edge over candidates who have not yet started the licensing pathway.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health therapist jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to behavioral health therapist jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your credentials and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 69 Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in New Jersey
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