What They Do:
Behavioral health technicians support individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. They assist with daily activities, observe and document behavior, provide emotional support, and help maintain safe, supportive treatment environments under clinical supervision.

Where They Work:
Behavioral health centers, hospitals, residential treatment programs, and community mental health organizations.

Training & Credentials:
A high school diploma or GED may be sufficient for entry-level positions, although some employers prefer an associate or bachelor's degree in psychology, human services, or a related field. Employers typically provide on-the-job training, including crisis intervention, safety procedures, and documentation. With additional education, workers can advance into case management, counseling, or behavioral health program coordination.

Salary Average (Massachusetts):
Entry-level: $38,000–$44,000
Mid-level: $44,000–$53,000
Experienced: $53,000–$65,000+

What They Do:
Case managers help individuals and families access services that support their health, safety, and well-being. They assess needs, develop service plans, coordinate referrals, and connect clients with resources such as housing, healthcare, financial assistance, and community programs.

Where They Work:
Community service organizations, social service agencies, hospitals, behavioral health programs, and nonprofit organizations.

Training & Credentials:
Many case management positions require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field, although some entry-level positions accept an associate degree or relevant experience. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills are essential. With experience or additional education, case managers can advance into program management, social work, or clinical services.

Salary Average (Massachusetts):
Entry-level: $43,000–$50,000
Mid-level: $50,000–$62,000
Experienced: $62,000–$78,000+

What They Do:
Community health workers help individuals and families access healthcare, health education, and community resources. They provide outreach, help people navigate healthcare systems, address barriers to care, and promote healthier lifestyles.

Where They Work:
Community health centers, hospitals, public health departments, nonprofit organizations, and community outreach programs.

Training & Credentials:
A high school diploma or GED is often sufficient to begin, although some employers prefer relevant experience or additional education. Community Health Worker training programs are available, and Massachusetts offers voluntary CHW certification through its Board of Certification of Community Health Workers. With experience, workers can advance into care coordination, health education, outreach management, or public health roles.

Salary Average (Massachusetts):
Entry-level: $42,000–$48,000
Mid-level: $48,000–$64,000
Experienced: $64,000–$78,000+

What They Do:
Mental health clinicians assess and treat individuals experiencing emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges. They provide counseling, develop treatment plans, and help clients build coping strategies, manage mental health conditions, and improve overall well-being.

Where They Work:
Mental health clinics, hospitals, community service organizations, schools, private practices, and behavioral health programs.

Training & Credentials:
Clinical counseling positions typically require a master's degree in mental health counseling, social work, or a related field, along with supervised clinical experience and appropriate Massachusetts licensure. Common credentials include Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). With experience, clinicians can advance into clinical supervision, program leadership, specialized therapy, or private practice.

Salary Average (Massachusetts):
Entry-level: $43,000–$55,000
Mid-level: $55,000–$77,000
Experienced: $77,000–$96,000+

What They Do:
Recovery coaches provide peer-based support to individuals recovering from substance use disorders. They help clients set personal recovery goals, navigate treatment and support services, build healthy routines, and maintain progress toward long-term recovery.

Where They Work:
Recovery centers, community service organizations, hospitals, substance use treatment programs, and nonprofit organizations.

Training & Credentials:
A high school diploma or GED is often sufficient to begin, and lived experience with recovery is commonly valued or required for peer-based positions. Massachusetts offers Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) credentials, which involve approved training, supervised experience, and other certification requirements. With experience, recovery coaches can advance into peer supervision, recovery program coordination, or other behavioral health roles.

Salary Average (Massachusetts):
Entry-level: $38,000–$44,000
Mid-level: $44,000–$52,000
Experienced: $52,000–$62,000+

What They Do:
Direct support professionals assist individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in everyday activities, personal care, and independent living. They help clients develop life skills, participate in community activities, and work toward personal goals.

Where They Work:
Residential support programs, group homes, community service organizations, day programs, and individual homes.

Training & Credentials:
A high school diploma or GED is typically sufficient to get started. Employers generally provide training in personal care, safety, communication, and disability support, and may require CPR, First Aid, or other specialized certifications. With experience, workers can advance into residential program supervision, service coordination, or human services management.

Salary Average (Massachusetts):
Entry-level: $36,000–$43,000
Mid-level: $43,000–$50,000
Experienced: $50,000–$60,000+