Per SSB 5189, a Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) is a person certified to deliver brief, evidence-informed interventions with a scope of practice that includes behavioral health under the ongoing supervision of a Washington state credentialed provider who has the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat identifiable mental and behavioral health conditions as part of their scope of practice. A BHSS does not have within their scope of practice the ability to make diagnoses but does track and monitor treatment response and outcomes using measurement-based care.
Employment Settings
A BHSS may be employed in any setting where behavioral health services are offered and there is a qualified professional to supervise the BHSS. Employment titles may vary (e.g., care manager, counselor assistant, clinical service provider, etc.). The BHSS is distinct from other bachelor-level provider types based on specific education, competency assessment, and state examination. In addition, the BHSS will provide brief treatment services using modalities appropriate to the bachelor level.
Population Served
The current UW curriculum prepares a BHSS to work with adults. Curriculum for working with adolescents and young adults is under development during the 2025-2026 academic year and will be shared with education partners upon completion. A BHSS may work with children and adolescents when the supervisor meets Health Care Authority (HCA) criteria to bill for child and adolescent services. It is expected that a BHSS will work within their competency area like all licensed or certified behavioral health provider types. Employers and supervisors must assess the competency of the BHSS to work with youth based on education and supervised training.
Billable Services
SSB 5189 ensures that a state certified BHSS can be employed in settings where the scope of practice is needed and that the cost of these services may be recovered by employers through state Medicaid and private pay insurance. For more information on billing, contact the Health Care Authority or see the HCA BHSS billing guide.
Sample Job Description
Disclaimer: A BHSS does not have within their scope of practice Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). To learn more about ABA, please consult with the Department of Health ABA Advisory Committee.