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Mental Health vs. Behavioral Health

What is the difference?

Mental Health is the connection between the health and well-being of the body and the mind. Behavioral Health is a larger umbrella that includes mental health. Beyond just the body and mind, behavioral health encompasses the emotions, lifestyle, habits, and behaviors affecting health and well-being.  

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In other words, behavioral health includes the relationship between our daily habits (good and bad) and their impact on physical and mental health, including mental health disorders and substance abuse or other addictions

What Do Youth and Child Behavioral Health Workers Do?

Individuals who work in behavioral health with children, youth, and families provide a variety of services in various settings. 

  • Location
    Participating county employers are currently in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake, and Sacramento Counties (with expansion to new areas each year) The courses are all online through Chabot College, except for one Biology course. Apprentices will complete the Biology Course requirement at a college near them.
  • Benefits
    Job placement at partner employers (see website for geographic areas serving this cohort) Sample employers are featured here Livable wages with periodic raises and benefits Online college coursework and credits towards an associate degree in Social Work and Human Services Academic supplies: laptop, books, and study Materials Chabot Community College Student Support Services, academic counseling, and campus supports Mentored on-the-job training and supplemental training Periodic cohort meetings and summits (virtual and in-person) Get more information and apply here
  • Who is eligible?
    Individuals at least 18 years old (some agencies may prefer or require apprentices who are older than 21 years) Individuals with 6 or fewer units of transferable college units – usually 2 courses. (You are likely not a fit at this time if you have more than 6 transferable units) Individuals who can work in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake or Sacramento Counties Individuals with personal experience in child welfare, behavioral/mental health, juvenile justice, or related systems are preferred
  • How to get more information
    Click here to Learn about partner employers Get more information and ask questions
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What Tools Are There To Help Me Explore a Career in Behavioral Health?

These tools will help you identify work-related interests, what you consider important in a job, and help you explore occupations that relate closely to those attributes.  

  • Location
    Participating county employers are currently in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake, and Sacramento Counties (with expansion to new areas each year) The courses are all online through Chabot College, except for one Biology course. Apprentices will complete the Biology Course requirement at a college near them.
  • Benefits
    Job placement at partner employers (see website for geographic areas serving this cohort) Sample employers are featured here Livable wages with periodic raises and benefits Online college coursework and credits towards an associate degree in Social Work and Human Services Academic supplies: laptop, books, and study Materials Chabot Community College Student Support Services, academic counseling, and campus supports Mentored on-the-job training and supplemental training Periodic cohort meetings and summits (virtual and in-person) Get more information and apply here
  • Who is eligible?
    Individuals at least 18 years old (some agencies may prefer or require apprentices who are older than 21 years) Individuals with 6 or fewer units of transferable college units – usually 2 courses. (You are likely not a fit at this time if you have more than 6 transferable units) Individuals who can work in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake or Sacramento Counties Individuals with personal experience in child welfare, behavioral/mental health, juvenile justice, or related systems are preferred
  • How to get more information
    Click here to Learn about partner employers Get more information and ask questions
Working Outdoors
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  • Location
    Participating county employers are currently in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake, and Sacramento Counties (with expansion to new areas each year) The courses are all online through Chabot College, except for one Biology course. Apprentices will complete the Biology Course requirement at a college near them.
  • Benefits
    Job placement at partner employers (see website for geographic areas serving this cohort) Sample employers are featured here Livable wages with periodic raises and benefits Online college coursework and credits towards an associate degree in Social Work and Human Services Academic supplies: laptop, books, and study Materials Chabot Community College Student Support Services, academic counseling, and campus supports Mentored on-the-job training and supplemental training Periodic cohort meetings and summits (virtual and in-person) Get more information and apply here
  • Who is eligible?
    Individuals at least 18 years old (some agencies may prefer or require apprentices who are older than 21 years) Individuals with 6 or fewer units of transferable college units – usually 2 courses. (You are likely not a fit at this time if you have more than 6 transferable units) Individuals who can work in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake or Sacramento Counties Individuals with personal experience in child welfare, behavioral/mental health, juvenile justice, or related systems are preferred
  • How to get more information
    Click here to Learn about partner employers Get more information and ask questions

What Are Some Personality Characteristics & Work Settings for Behavioral Health Workers?

What are the Jobs and Educational Requirements for People Working in Behavioral Health?

Like any other field, job titles in behavioral health vary and often are dependent on the level of formal education. Titles in your city or county may vary.

  • Location
    Participating county employers are currently in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake, and Sacramento Counties (with expansion to new areas each year) The courses are all online through Chabot College, except for one Biology course. Apprentices will complete the Biology Course requirement at a college near them.
  • Benefits
    Job placement at partner employers (see website for geographic areas serving this cohort) Sample employers are featured here Livable wages with periodic raises and benefits Online college coursework and credits towards an associate degree in Social Work and Human Services Academic supplies: laptop, books, and study Materials Chabot Community College Student Support Services, academic counseling, and campus supports Mentored on-the-job training and supplemental training Periodic cohort meetings and summits (virtual and in-person) Get more information and apply here
  • Who is eligible?
    Individuals at least 18 years old (some agencies may prefer or require apprentices who are older than 21 years) Individuals with 6 or fewer units of transferable college units – usually 2 courses. (You are likely not a fit at this time if you have more than 6 transferable units) Individuals who can work in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake or Sacramento Counties Individuals with personal experience in child welfare, behavioral/mental health, juvenile justice, or related systems are preferred
  • How to get more information
    Click here to Learn about partner employers Get more information and ask questions
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Are There Job Opportunities and Good Wages In Behavioral Health?

Behavioral health jobs in California are in high demand and the need continues to rise. Wages vary by city and county and generally increase with more training and education. 

  • Location
    Participating county employers are currently in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake, and Sacramento Counties (with expansion to new areas each year) The courses are all online through Chabot College, except for one Biology course. Apprentices will complete the Biology Course requirement at a college near them.
  • Benefits
    Job placement at partner employers (see website for geographic areas serving this cohort) Sample employers are featured here Livable wages with periodic raises and benefits Online college coursework and credits towards an associate degree in Social Work and Human Services Academic supplies: laptop, books, and study Materials Chabot Community College Student Support Services, academic counseling, and campus supports Mentored on-the-job training and supplemental training Periodic cohort meetings and summits (virtual and in-person) Get more information and apply here
  • Who is eligible?
    Individuals at least 18 years old (some agencies may prefer or require apprentices who are older than 21 years) Individuals with 6 or fewer units of transferable college units – usually 2 courses. (You are likely not a fit at this time if you have more than 6 transferable units) Individuals who can work in Alameda, Mendocino, Lake or Sacramento Counties Individuals with personal experience in child welfare, behavioral/mental health, juvenile justice, or related systems are preferred
  • How to get more information
    Click here to Learn about partner employers Get more information and ask questions

Sign up for announcements and additional information.
For questions e-mail: behavioralhealth@clpccd.org

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