• You enjoy working with a team and helping others succeed.

• You like organizing people, programs, and ideas.

• You care about improving mental health in your community.

• You want a career that combines leadership and service.

• You like solving problems and making systems better.

Management in behavioral health is a meaningful career where your leadership helps others thrive.

With a Bachelor or higher degree:

• Program Manager

A Program Manager plays a vital role in helping to transform the lives of patients. They oversee the day-to-day operations in mental health and/or addiction treatment programs. They collaborate with staff to plan services, manage personnel, and ensure the program meets clients’ needs. In behavioral health, they also track program results and ensure the programs comply with ethical standards and state rules. 

With a master's or higher degree:

• Clinical Supervisor

A Clinical Supervisor is a key leader in the counseling profession, responsible for mentoring less experienced counselors. Clinical supervisors provide feedback, consultations, and evaluations to help develop the skills and knowledge of the counselors they oversee. They review casework to ensure that therapeutic practices meet the ethical and legal standards of the State of Ohio. Clinical supervisors build strong teams, encourage collaboration, and handle conflicts. They also help shape the culture of their organization while making sure that diversity and cultural differences are respected in every part of the process. In Ohio, clinical supervisors need a special supervisory endorsement for their professional license.  [Learn more about careers in Clinical Supervision →]

• Agency Director

An Agency Director provides the leadership and vision for the organization. They enforce best practices, accreditation, and ethical standards in all aspects of the work— from hiring staff and managing budgets to ensuring clients receive the care they need. They oversee clinical services, office operations, and work with local mental health and recovery boards to advance the mission of the agency to serve the community in the best way possible. [Learn more about Management careers→]

Other job titles you may see:

• Project Manager

• Grants Manager

• Operations Manager

• Compliance Manager

These leadership roles allow you to shape programs, support staff, and guide services that help people in need.

• Lead teams of counselors, case managers, and support staff.

• Oversee programs and services that help people with mental health or substance use challenges.

• Make decisions about hiring, training, and budgeting.

• Solve problems and improve how services are delivered.

• Make sure the agency meets quality standards and follows rules.

Managers make sure the work of helping people is done well, efficiently, and with care.

• Mental health and addiction treatment centers.

• Hospitals and healthcare systems.

• Community-based nonprofits and support programs.

• Schools and youth service agencies.

• County mental health boards or government departments.

Managers are needed anywhere behavioral health programs are offered.

• Clients and Patients: Managers make sure people receiving services—like counseling, addiction treatment, or crisis support—get the help they need in a safe, respectful, and timely way.

• Families and Caregivers: They support families by making sure programs are available to help with parenting, stress, and mental health challenges at home.

• Staff and Teams: Managers lead and support counselors, caseworkers, peer supporters, and others, helping them do their jobs well and grow professionally.

• The Organization: They guide the agency’s goals, track results, manage budgets, and keep things running smoothly.

• The Community: Managers build partnerships, respond to local needs, and make sure services are reaching the people who need them most—especially those who face barriers like poverty or discrimination.

Managers serve both people in need and the professionals who help them, creating strong, caring systems that make a difference in the community.

• Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree is usually the minimum for entry-level management or supervisor positions. Common majors include social work, psychology, nursing, public health, or a related field.

• Master's degree: Many higher-level roles, like agency director, require a graduate degree. Good options include social work (MSW), counseling, psychology, public administration (MPA), or business administration (MBA).

• Experience: Most managers work in behavioral health for several years before moving into leadership. Hands-on experience helps you understand how services work, what clients need, and how to support a team.

• Ongoing Training: Many managers also take extra courses in leadership, budgeting, supervision, or nonprofit management to grow their skills over time.

Education plus real-world experience helps you become a strong, confident leader in behavioral health.

Some managers pursue certifications in nonprofit management, health services administration, or leadership. The following clinical licenses and professional credentials are often required for leadership roles in behavioral health settings:

• Licensed Social Workers (LSW) and Licensed Independent Social Workers (LISW)

• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC)

• Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors LICDC or LCDC III

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Psychologist

• Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant

• Certified Health Education Specialist

Click here to learn more about licenses, credentials, and certifications.