What Can You Do With a Doctoral Degree in Behavioral Health Leadership in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What specializations are offered by doctoral degree programs in behavioral health leadership?

Doctoral degree programs in behavioral health leadership, including the fastest doctorate in behavioral health leadership online, often provide specialized tracks that enable students to align their studies with specific career goals. Common specializations include the following:

• Health Psychology: This specialization focuses on the connection between psychological well-being and physical health. It prepares leaders to design interventions that improve patient outcomes and promote healthier lifestyles.
• Healthcare Management: This track emphasizes leadership, organizational strategy, and operational efficiency. It equips graduates to manage healthcare systems, guide teams, and implement effective policies in clinical and administrative settings.
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Students in this specialization learn about workplace behavior and organizational dynamics. It enables them to lead initiatives that enhance employee well-being, productivity, and overall organizational effectiveness.
• Public Health: This specialization prepares leaders to address community-wide health issues, develop preventive programs, and influence policy. It teaches professionals how to ensure improved access to quality mental and behavioral healthcare services.

What jobs can I get with a behavioral health leadership degree?

Professionals with a behavioral health leadership degree may be eligible for higher-level roles, such as supervisory positions, in several related industries, including healthcare, education, and counseling. Explore the following occupations that may be available:

• Medical and Health Services Managers: These higher-ranking professionals oversee healthcare operations, manage staff, and implement policies that improve efficiency and patient care in hospitals, clinics, or mental health facilities.
• Health Education Specialists: Health education specialists plan and execute programs that promote wellness and mental health awareness. These programs can empower communities to adopt healthier behaviors and improve overall quality of life.
• Marriage and Family Therapists: With advanced leadership training, these therapists not only provide counseling services but may also supervise clinical teams or manage family therapy programs.
• Psychologists: Psychologists with a leadership and management background may provide mental healthcare services while contributing to organizational leadership and program development. This career path also connects with applied psychology jobs, where graduates use psychological principles to solve practical problems in business, healthcare, education, or human resources.
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: These counselors help individuals overcome challenges, while doctoral-level leaders may direct treatment programs and influence policy for broader impact.

The chart below provides a visualization of the employment levels of occupations related to behavioral health leadership in the US in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

How much can I earn with a behavioral health leadership degree?

In May 2024, medical and health services managers employed in the US had a median annual wage of $117,960. The figure is more than double the $49,500 median annual wage of all occupations across the country in the same period (US BLS, 2025). The threshold amount of the lowest 10% of medical and health services managers in terms of wage, which is $69,680, is also higher than the median annual wage of all US occupations (US BLS, 2025).

Moreover, other occupations relevant to behavioral health leadership may also give you decent compensation packages. Explore the median annual wage of these potential jobs in May 2024 (US BLS, 2025):

• Psychologists: $94,310
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: $59,190
• Marriage and Family Therapists: $63,780
• Health Education Specialists: $63,000

When considering these figures, it’s useful to compare them with broader data, such as applied sciences salary trends. Many applied sciences professionals in healthcare, public health, and social services earn comparable or even higher wages, underscoring how leadership in behavioral health aligns with well-paying, applied science–driven career fields.

How can a doctoral degree in behavioral health leadership help increase my income potential?

Notably, the typical level of educational attainment for these professionals across the country is a bachelor’s degree. A behavioral health leadership degree program at the doctoral level may provide you with the advanced leadership knowledge and skills necessary to improve your salary potential and employability.

In the US, the highest 10% of medical and health services managers in terms of wage earned over $219,080 in May 2024. To compare, as mentioned in the previous section, the median annual wage of these professionals in the same period was $117,960 (US BLS, 2025).

Aside from years of professional experience, these high-earners may have their advanced degrees to thank for their financial success. In 2022, 25- to 34-year-old Americans who worked full time and had earned master’s or more advanced degrees had median wages ($80,200) that were 20% higher than those with only bachelor’s degrees ($66,600) (US Census Bureau, 2023).

For students weighing different doctoral pathways, it can also be helpful to explore what can you do with a doctorate degree in organizational leadership, since many of the leadership and management roles overlap with those available in behavioral health but span broader industries.

Which industries have a demand for professionals with a behavioral health leadership degree?

The following industries employed the largest shares of the 562,700 medical and health services managers working in the US in 2023 (US BLS, 2025):

• Hospitals (State, Local, and Private): 30%
• Offices of Physicians: 12%
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: 9%
• Government: 7%
• Outpatient Care Centers: 7%

Among the medical and health services managers working in the industries mentioned above, those employed by the government had the highest median annual wage in May 2024, with $132,620. Meanwhile, those working in hospitals had the second-highest median annual wage in the same period, with $130,690 (US BLS, 2025).

The industries below follow the government and hospitals as the highest-paying sectors for medical and health services managers in the US (US BLS, 2025):

• Outpatient Care Centers: $106,990
• Offices of Physicians: $100,780
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: $99,250 

The chart below provides a visualization of the US industries that employed the largest shares of medical and health services managers in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What skills learned in behavioral health leadership degree programs are essential for career advancement?

Behavioral health leadership degree programs equip students with advanced skills that are critical for career growth and effective leadership in healthcare settings. Key skills include the following:

• Population-based Health Management: This area focuses on improving the health outcomes of entire populations by analyzing trends, addressing disparities, and implementing preventive strategies.
• Behavioral Healthcare Management: Students learn to oversee behavioral health programs. They ensure high-quality care delivery, compliance with regulations, and effective coordination of services.
• Financial Management in Healthcare: This area involves budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation. It enables leaders to maintain fiscal responsibility while expanding access to behavioral health services.
• Healthcare Information Management: Students gain expertise in managing patient records and utilizing health informatics systems to improve decision-making and enhance patient-care quality.
• Healthcare Quality Management: This area emphasizes implementing evidence-based practices and monitoring outcomes. Students are also taught how to lead quality-improvement initiatives to ensure safe and effective behavioral healthcare services.

These leadership skills also connect with broader advanced practice opportunities. For example, nurses interested in women's health careers with a DNP can apply similar competencies in quality improvement, population health, and financial management to roles that address maternal health, reproductive care, and women’s wellness initiatives.

What certifications can I pursue with a behavioral health leadership degree?

Certifications are great for helping professionals stand out. They validate specialized skills, show commitment to ongoing growth, and can open doors to leadership roles or higher salaries. With these benefits in mind, professionals with a behavioral health leadership degree may explore the following certifications:

Professionals with a behavioral health leadership degree may explore the following certifications:

• The Joint Commission’s Clinical Certifications: The Joint Commission offers many clinical and non-clinical certifications. For clinical certifications, individuals with a behavioral health leadership degree may pursue a Behavioral Health Home (BHH) Certification.
• The Joint Commission’s Non-clinical Certifications: Professionals may explore the Sustainable Healthcare Certification and the Excellent Health Outcomes for All Certification for non-clinical credentials.
• Certified Behavioral Health Specialist (CBHS): Professionals may also pursue the CBHS credential offered by National Performance Specialists (NPS). It provides national certification, which shows employers the knowledge and skill required of specialists.

What is the job outlook for behavioral health leadership professionals?

From 2023 to 2033, employment for medical and health services managers in the US is expected to grow by 29%. The figure is significantly faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations across the country. An average of around 61,400 annual job openings has been projected over the decade for these professionals (US BLS, 2025).

Notably, jobs for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are expected to increase by 19% from 2023 to 2033, which is also much faster than the average job growth rate for all US occupations. For marriage and family therapists, the career outlook is 16% during the same period (US BLS, 2025).

Moreover, aspiring psychologists and health education specialists can also expect a faster-than-average job growth rate over the same decade, at 7%. An average of about 13,000 job openings yearly has been forecasted for psychologists, while health education specialists may see an average of around 6,700 annual job openings (US BLS, 2025). Individuals aiming to enter the field quickly may want to check out accredited online degree programs, such as the shortest accredited online school psychology programs.

What are the alternative career paths available to graduates of behavioral health leadership degree programs?

Graduates of behavioral health leadership degree programs have versatile skills that allow them to pursue careers beyond traditional leadership roles. Notably, they may be required to obtain additional education and training for the alternative career paths featured below:

• School and Career Counselors and Advisors: These professionals support students in addressing academic, social, and emotional challenges while guiding them toward educational and career goals.
• Psychiatrists: With additional medical training, graduates can specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They may combine clinical care with leadership roles in mental health organizations.
• Social Workers: Social workers assist individuals and families in overcoming personal and social challenges. Those with leadership expertise can manage programs, advocate for policy changes, and direct community initiatives. They may supplement their expertise through relevant programs, such as the shortest online addiction psychology programs, to address substance use issues.

The chart below provides a visualization of the 2024 median annual wages of alternative career paths available to graduates of behavioral health leadership degree programs, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What alternative degrees can I take up instead of a behavioral health leadership degree?

Professionals interested in careers related to behavioral health leadership can consider alternative advanced degrees that align with their career goals, similar to options offered alongside the fastest behavioral health science degree online programs. Common alternatives include the following:

• Master of Social Work (MSW): An MSW degree prepares individuals for clinical practice, community advocacy, and leadership roles in social service organizations. They focus on supporting individuals and families in need.
• Master of Public Health (MPH): An MPH equips graduates with skills to address population health challenges, develop preventive programs, and influence public health policies.
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): A PsyD emphasizes clinical practice and the application of psychological principles to treat mental health disorders, complementing knowledge often introduced in accelerated online master's in industrial organizational psychology programs.

Here’s What Professionals with a Behavioral Health Leadership Degree Say about Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know about Getting a Doctoral Degree in Behavioral Health Leadership

What is the role of leadership in mental health?

Mental health leaders guide teams, develop supportive policies, and build a collaborative environment. They make sure that the mental health professionals under their supervision provide compassionate and effective care. They also advocate for awareness, inclusivity, and systemic improvements in mental health services.

Is a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) a PhD?

A DBH is not a PHD. While both are doctoral-level degrees, they serve different purposes.

The Doctor of Behavioral Health is a professional doctorate designed to prepare practitioners for advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership, and integrated care settings. It emphasizes applying evidence-based approaches, improving patient outcomes, and leading behavioral health initiatives within medical systems.

In contrast, a PhD is typically research-focused, preparing graduates to conduct original studies, contribute to academic scholarship, and often teach in higher education.

What is the difference between a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW)?

A DBH emphasizes integrated healthcare, clinical practice, and behavioral health management. Meanwhile, a DSW focuses on advanced social work leadership, policy, and practice in diverse community and clinical settings.

What type of leadership style would be most effective in a healthcare facility?

Transformational leadership is most effective in healthcare facilities. It inspires collaboration, motivates staff, and encourages innovation. It also prioritizes patient-centered care while adapting to evolving medical and organizational needs.