EREnlistReadyASVAB & Army CareersOpen web app

Medical · Army career profile

68X Behavioral Health Specialist

As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you'll work under the supervision of psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers to help administer mental health care to Soldiers. You'll conduct intake interviews and counsel patients to ensure they get the treatment they need to be productive and healthy members of the Army. Additionally, you'll help your fellow Soldiers learn to manage any existing mental health conditions, behavior problems, struggles with drugs and alcohol, and stresses that arise as part of Army service.

ASVABST 101
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 20 weeks of Advanced Individual Training
Physical demandsModerate
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you'll work under the supervision of psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers to help administer mental health care to Soldiers.
  • You'll conduct intake interviews and counsel patients to ensure they get the treatment they need to be productive and healthy members of the Army.
  • Additionally, you'll help your fellow Soldiers learn to manage any existing mental health conditions, behavior problems, struggles with drugs and alcohol, and stresses that arise as part of Army service.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Data CollectionPatient CareCounsel Clients & PatientsEnjoy helping and caring for othersCommunicate EffectivelyRemain calm under stress

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 3–12 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (20 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Health Sciences
  • Allied Health

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 68X experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Healthcare technician

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$90,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local licensing

Example employers: Hospitals, Clinics, Public health systems

Search current Healthcare technician jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

Related medical MOS options

18DSpecial Forces Medical SergeantAs a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, you'll become Green Berets, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. Though you’ll primarily train with an emphasis on first-response and trauma medicine much like a paramedic in the civilian world, you’ll also have a working knowledge of dentistry, veterinary care, public sanitation, water quality, and optometry.68ABiomedical Equipment SpecialistAs a Biomedical Equipment Specialist, you’ll maintain and repair medical equipment that Soldiers rely on, including X-ray systems and life-support monitors. You’ll diagnose problems, fix malfunctions, and install mechanical or radiological equipment to keep critical medical technology running.68BOrthopedic SpecialistAs an Orthopedic Specialist, you'll assist with all kinds of patient care at an Orthopedic clinic—where patients are treated for pain and injuries to bones, joints, and muscles. You'll help prep patients for surgery, monitor their care afterwards, and even assist orthopedic surgeons with procedures in the operating room.68CPractical Nursing SpecialistAs a Practical Nursing Specialist, you'll provide the highest level of quality medical care to Soldiers and their families by performing preventive, therapeutic, and emergency nursing care under the supervision of a physician, registered nurse, or non-commissioned Officer.

Compare this MOS with other Army careers.

Use the EnlistReady web app to save MOS options, add private notes, take the career quiz, and compare up to three profiles.

Open the career explorer