Acknowledging the connection between behavioral health and the well-being of our communities is critical in helping people reach their full potential. A 2024 report from the Commonwealth Fund highlighted powerful evidence of that connection when it noted that behavioral health conditions are becoming the most common conditions that community health centers treat.
The science of behavioral health has a great deal to offer in terms of promoting community well-being. The discoveries that behavioral health scientists make can inform public health policy and result in the creation of programs that strengthen both the mental and physical health of people in communities across the globe.
Anyone who is considering enrolling in an online master of public health degree program and is interested in what a behavioral health scientist does can benefit from exploring how behavioral health can strengthen entire communities.
What a Behavioral Health Scientist Does
When working as behavioral health scientists, individuals study elements of human behavior such as actions, motivations, or social patterns. Their work contributes to developing interventions to promote positive change in a wide range of areas.
In addition to strengthening public and community health, insights from the work of behavioral health scientists can help to address issues in areas such as education, sustainability, and child abuse.
Responsibilities of a Behavioral Health Scientist
An individual working as a scientist in behavioral health can be responsible for the following:
- Performing and analyzing the results of experiments and applied studies that test hypotheses regarding behavioral health
- Conducting work with clients to help them gain insight into their behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors
- Participating in the development of policies that are informed by behavioral health research
- Creating specific interventions, programs, and technologies based on behavioral health research that can address specific issues
How Behavioral Health Scientists Support Community Wellbeing
Discoveries that scientists who work in behavioral health make underscore the crucial connections between mental health and public health, as well as the importance of mental health literacy in improving public health.
For example, the work of behavioral health scientists has contributed to the following:
- Creating community behavioral health centers, strengthening communities’ ability to offer comprehensive behavioral health care and 24-hour crisis services to support community mental health
- Integrating behavioral health services into community health centers, enabling clients to receive both primary care and mental health care at the same facility
- Developing programs designed to prevent substance use, with prevention specialists who help young people strengthen their resilience and build community resources
- Introducing patient navigator programs to improve health, helping communities improve their citizens’ access to care, as well as the quality of care their citizens receive
- Implementing community policies and programs to motivate people to engage in healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, engagement in nature, the use of sunscreen, or even preparation for severe storms
- Improving community housing programs, providing citizens with more choices regarding the neighborhoods in which they live
Salary and Employment Prospects for Behavioral Health Scientists
It is important for people who are interested in working as behavioral health scientists to learn about salary levels and employment prospects in the field.
Salary
According to Payscale, research scientists earned a median annual salary of about $89,400 as of January 2025. Those in the top 10 percent of the salary range earned about $130,000.
Some individuals who have behavioral science expertise may want to work directly with clients. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned a median annual salary of $53,710 as of May 2023.
Job Outlook
In general, the BLS projects strong employment prospects for people working in careers related to mental health. For example, it projects 19 percent growth in positions for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors through 2033. That growth rate significantly exceeds the BLS’s projection of 4 percent job growth across all occupations during the same time period.
How to Become a Behavioral Health Scientist
To work as behavioral health scientists, individuals need to satisfy the requirements outlined below.
1. Earn a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree
Earning an undergraduate degree in a discipline such as psychology, applied behavior analysis, sociology, or social work is a strong first step in becoming a behavioral health scientist. These degrees can establish a good foundation on which to build more advanced behavioral health expertise.
2. Gain Experience
Acquiring hands-on experience is also valuable. For example, individuals who aspire to apply behavioral health expertise to strengthen community well-being can participate in internships or work in entry-level positions at organizations such as counseling centers, substance abuse centers, or community health clinics.
3. Complete a Graduate Degree
Most behavioral health scientists pursue advanced expertise by earning a graduate degree in a subject such as behavioral science or public health. In particular, earning a master of public health in community health sciences can enable an individual to develop strong skills in areas such as the following:
- Health policy and management
- Public health design strategies
- Social and behavioral aspects of health
- Social innovation tools
- Biostatistics
4. Consider Obtaining Certifications
Individuals can also enhance their credentials by earning certifications. For example, they can earn the Certified in Public Health (CPH) certification through the National Board of Public Health Examiners or a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification through the Society of Clinical Research Associates.
The Skills and Expertise of Behavioral Health Scientists Can Promote Community Well-Being
Working as a scientist in behavioral health represents an opportunity to apply expertise to strengthen the health and well-being of our communities. Through their research, behavioral health scientists make discoveries that can strengthen and support communities in a host of meaningful ways.
If improving public health through behavioral science appeals to you, explore the Online Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences program from Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine. Tailored to mid-career professionals, the program prepares students to design public health interventions to address community-level issues.
Start achieving your educational and career goals in public health today.
Recommended Readings
Community Needs Assessment Survey: Examples and Overview
Public Health Program Evaluation Explained
Public Health Workforce Training and Development: Tips for Leaders
Sources:
Behavioral Analyst Certification Board, About Behavior Analysis
Indeed, “How to Become a Behavioral Scientist in 6 Steps”
Indeed, “What Does a Behavioral Scientist Do? Role and Job Duties”
National Association of Community Health Centers, Clinical Care: Behavioral Health
National Board of Public Health Examiners, About the Certification in Public Health (CPH)
Network of Behavioral Health Providers, Behavioral Health Internship and Practicum Fair
Payscale, Average Research Scientist Salary
Society of Clinical Research Associates, Certification, Program Overview
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Strong Growth Projected in Mental Health-Related Employment”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Career Spotlight, Behavioral Scientist
World Health Organization, Behavioural Sciences for Better Health