17 Behavioral Health Coach Interview Questions and Answers

As a behavioral health coach, you’ll work with clients to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. You’ll need to be a good listener, have a non-judgmental attitude, and be able to motivate people. You’ll also need to know how to ask the right questions and give feedback in a way that helps people grow.

If you’re considering a career as a behavioral health coach, you may be wondering what the interview process is like. What kind of questions will you be asked? How can you prepare?

In this guide, we’ll give you a sampling of behavioral health coach interview questions and answers to help you get ready for your next interview.

Are you comfortable working with people who have mental health issues or substance abuse problems?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have the right personality and skills to work in a behavioral health setting. They may also want to know how comfortable you are working with people who might be experiencing challenging situations or emotions. To answer this question, consider sharing your experience working with these populations and emphasize any specific skills that helped you support them.

Example: “I’ve worked with many clients who have mental health issues or substance abuse problems, and I find it very rewarding to help them overcome their challenges. In my previous role as a therapist, I often worked with individuals who were struggling emotionally or had substance abuse problems. I found that my ability to listen carefully and provide compassionate advice was helpful for many of my clients.”

What are some of the most important skills for a behavioral health coach to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to behavioral health coaching.

Example: “I believe that empathy is one of the most important skills for a behavioral health coach to have. It’s essential to understand what patients are going through so I can provide them with the best support. Another skill that is crucial is communication. A behavioral health coach needs to be able to communicate effectively with both patients and their team members. Finally, patience is another key skill because there may be times when patients don’t respond as quickly as we would like.”

How would you help a client who is struggling to make progress toward their goals?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach challenges with clients and how you use your skills to support them. Use examples from previous experience in which you helped a client overcome obstacles or develop new strategies for overcoming challenges.

Example: “I would first ask the client what they are struggling with, then I would try to identify the root cause of their problem. If it’s something that can be solved by providing more information about the issue, I will do so. For example, if a client is having trouble managing their stress levels, I might explain some techniques they can use to reduce stress. If the problem is deeper than that, I may suggest additional resources or refer them to someone else who can provide further assistance.”

What is your experience working with clients who have a limited income?

Behavioral health coaches often work with clients who have limited incomes. This question helps employers understand your experience working with this type of client and how you can help them achieve their goals. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure the client’s needs are met while also helping them meet financial obligations.

Example: “I’ve worked with several low-income clients in my previous role as a behavioral health coach. I always make sure that they know about any free resources available to them. For example, if they need therapy but don’t have insurance, I will refer them to organizations that offer reduced rates for uninsured individuals. I also encourage them to apply for Medicaid or other government assistance programs.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided support to a client who was grieving the loss of a loved one.

Grief is a common experience for many people, and behavioral health coaches often help their clients cope with the loss of loved ones. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with grieving individuals and can provide them with the support they need. In your answer, try to describe how you helped your client through their grief and what skills or techniques you used.

Example: “When I worked as a grief counselor at my previous job, I had a client who was struggling after her father’s death. She would call me multiple times each day asking for advice on how to cope. I tried to be empathetic and supportive during our conversations, but eventually I realized that she needed more structure in her life. So, I created a list of daily activities that she could do to distract herself from her grief. This helped her feel like she was taking care of herself while also allowing her to process her emotions.”

If a client is resistant to your coaching, how would you handle the situation?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle challenging situations and the strategies you use to overcome them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you helped a client overcome their resistance and achieve success.

Example: “In my experience as a behavioral health coach, I’ve encountered clients who are resistant to change. In these cases, I try to first determine why they’re resisting coaching and then find ways to address those reasons. For example, if a client is resistant because they don’t want to give up unhealthy habits, I’ll work with them to develop healthier alternatives that still meet their needs. By addressing the underlying issues, I’m able to help clients overcome their resistance and make positive changes.”

What would you do if you noticed that a client was exhibiting signs of depression or anxiety?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation that could be challenging. It’s important to show your ability to recognize and respond to these situations in a way that helps clients feel supported and cared for.

Example: “I would first ask them if they were experiencing any symptoms of depression or anxiety, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness or worthlessness. If they said yes, I would encourage them to seek professional help from their primary care physician or a mental health specialist. In the meantime, I would offer support by listening to them and validating their feelings. I would also refer them to resources that might help them cope with their emotions.”

How well do you understand the Medicaid system and other insurance policies?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the Medicaid system and other insurance policies. This can be an important skill for behavioral health coaches, as they often work with clients who have limited access to healthcare due to their low income levels. In your answer, try to show that you understand how these systems work and what steps you would take to help a client navigate them.

Example: “I am very familiar with the Medicaid system and other insurance policies because I worked in a hospital setting for several years. During my time there, I helped many patients apply for Medicaid and assisted them when they had questions about their coverage. I also know that it’s important to stay up-to-date on any changes to these policies so I regularly read articles or attend seminars to learn more.”

Do you have experience working with people who have learning disabilities?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with people who have special needs. They want to make sure that you can help their clients succeed in the workplace and understand how to support them. In your answer, share what types of learning disabilities you’ve worked with and how you helped your clients overcome challenges.

Example: “I’ve worked with many clients who have dyslexia, ADHD and other learning disabilities. I always start by asking my client what they find most challenging about school or work. Then, I try to create a plan that helps them overcome those challenges. For example, when working with a client who has dyslexia, I would first assess their reading comprehension skills. Then, I would develop a study plan that focuses on improving their reading comprehension.”

When working with a client who has substance abuse problems, what is the best way to establish trust?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach working with clients who have substance abuse problems. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of establishing trust and helping your client feel comfortable in therapy.

Example: “I find it’s important to establish a trusting relationship with my clients as soon as possible. I do this by being empathetic, compassionate and nonjudgmental when they talk about their substance abuse issues. This helps them know that I’m not going to judge them for their past actions or decisions and that I want to help them overcome these challenges. It also shows them that I am invested in their well-being.”

We want to improve our outreach to underprivileged communities in the area. How would you go about doing this?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for helping others and the community. It also allows you to demonstrate how you can use your skills to benefit a company’s outreach efforts.

Example: “I would start by researching what resources are available in the area, such as government programs or nonprofit organizations that provide mental health services. I would then reach out to these organizations to see if they have any needs or opportunities for collaboration. For example, maybe there are certain times of year when their staff members need additional training on specific topics. If so, I could offer my services to train them at no cost.”

Describe your process for helping a client who is new to therapy or coaching.

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach new clients and the steps you take to ensure they feel comfortable with your coaching style. You can describe a specific process or give an overview of what you do when working with a new client.

Example: “I always start by asking my client about their goals for therapy, which helps me learn more about them as a person and what they hope to achieve through our sessions. I also ask them about their previous experiences with mental health care so that I can better understand where they’re coming from. This information helps me create a plan for each session that addresses their needs while also helping them develop skills and strategies for managing their mental health.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for a behavioral health coach position with our company?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the role. They want to know what makes you a good fit for their company and how you can contribute to its success. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are qualified for this position. Think about your education, experience and personality traits that make you an ideal candidate.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others achieve their goals. I have worked as a behavioral health coach for five years now, and in that time I’ve helped many people overcome their mental health issues. I feel like my skills and knowledge would be beneficial to your team. I also think I would be a great fit because I am committed to providing excellent customer service. I always strive to meet the needs of my clients.”

Which therapy methods do you prefer to use when working with clients?

This question can help the interviewer understand your preferred methods of therapy and how you interact with clients. It can also show them which skills you have developed over time. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few different techniques that you use regularly and why they are effective for you or your clients.

Example: “I find that CBT is one of the most useful therapies because it helps people identify their negative thoughts and replace them with more positive ones. I’ve found that many of my clients benefit from learning about mindfulness as well, since it can help them focus on the present moment and reduce stress. Another method I like to use is ACT, which focuses on identifying what actions will lead to long-term happiness.”

What do you think is the most important thing that a behavioral health coach can do for their clients?

This question can help the interviewer understand your philosophy as a behavioral health coach. Your answer should reflect your personal values and how you approach coaching clients.

Example: “I think that the most important thing I can do for my clients is to be there for them when they need me. As a behavioral health coach, it’s easy to get caught up in data collection or other tasks related to our job, but ultimately we are here to support our clients through their struggles. When I am working with a client, I make sure to check in with them regularly to see how they’re doing and offer any assistance they may need.”

How often should you check in with clients to ensure they’re making progress toward their goals?

Behavioral health coaches must be able to manage their time effectively and communicate with clients regularly. This question helps the interviewer evaluate your ability to schedule appointments, meet deadlines and stay in touch with clients. In your answer, explain how you plan your schedule and keep track of important dates and events.

Example: “I usually set up weekly meetings with my clients, but I also check in with them daily or every other day by phone or email. If a client is having trouble meeting their goals, I may increase our frequency of communication so that we can work together to find solutions.”

There is a conflict between two clients on your caseload. How do you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer assess your conflict resolution skills and ability to work with clients who have opposing views. Use examples from previous experience where you helped two clients resolve a conflict, or describe how you would handle such a situation if it has never happened in your career.

Example: “In my last role as a behavioral health coach, I had two clients on my caseload who were both struggling with anxiety. One client was taking medication for their anxiety while the other preferred alternative methods of treatment. When they came into our weekly check-in meeting, one client expressed that they felt anxious all the time and wanted to try medication. The other client said they didn’t want to take any medications because they believed their current treatment plan was working well for them.”