NuSerenity Wellness provides clinical behavioral health services through trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs). All clinical staff operate under the direct supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to ensure quality, compliance, and ethical care.
These services are designed for individuals who need structured support with mental health, wellness, and navigating community resources. Our team bridges the gap between clinical treatment and real-world daily life.
Community Health Workers (CHWs)
Community Health Workers promote overall health, wellness, and address the social factors that affect your quality of life. CHWs provide outreach, education, care coordination, resource linkage, and advocacy.
Work settings: Community clinics, public health programs, schools, and outreach events.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Additional training or certification in community health advocacy is often preferred.
Certification: Varies by state. Often includes certification or training through the Arizona Association of Community Health Workers (AACHI).
Supervision: Work independently or with healthcare teams. Supervised per agency policies by licensed healthcare providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, or licensed behavioral health professionals.
Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs)
Behavioral Health Technicians support mental health care and behavioral interventions. BHTs provide direct client support, monitoring, implementation of behavior plans, and crisis assistance.
Work settings: Hospitals, mental health clinics, residential and outpatient facilities.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Specialized training or certification required.
Certification: Usually required, such as Arizona BHT certification. Varies by state and is governed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS).
Supervision: Work under supervision of licensed mental health professionals (LCSW, LPC, or psychologist) with appropriate oversight experience. Regular, documented supervision sessions as specified by licensing and agency policies.
Key Differences: CHW vs. BHT
| Aspect | Community Health Workers (CHWs) | Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Promoting overall health, wellness, and addressing social determinants of health | Supporting mental health care and behavioral interventions |
| Role and Responsibilities | Outreach, education, care coordination, resource linkage, advocacy | Client support, monitoring, implementing behavior plans, crisis assistance |
| Work Settings | Community clinics, public health programs, schools, outreach events | Hospitals, mental health clinics, residential and outpatient facilities |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certification often preferred | High school diploma or equivalent; specialized training or certification required |
| Certification Requirements | Varies by state; often certification or training in community health advocacy | Certification usually required, such as Arizona BHT or similar; varies by state |
| Governing Authority | State Departments of Health, Arizona Association of Community Health Workers (AACHI) | State health boards, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) |
| Training and Education Focus | Cultural competency, health education, social determinants, advocacy | Mental health, behavioral interventions, crisis response |
| Diagnosis and Treatment | Do not diagnose or treat medical or mental health conditions | Do not diagnose or prescribe; support treatment plans |
| Supervision | Work independently or with healthcare teams; typically supervised as per agency policies | Work under supervision of licensed mental health professionals or clinicians |
| Who is Eligible to Supervise? | Licensed healthcare providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, or licensed behavioral health professionals | Licensed mental health clinicians (e.g., LCSW, LPC, psychologist) with appropriate oversight experience |
| Supervision Frequency and Details | Varies by program and agency; generally ongoing supervision to ensure quality and compliance | Regular, documented supervision sessions, as specified by licensing and agency policies |
| Goals | Improve community health, reduce disparities, increase access to services | Support clients' mental health and behavioral goals |
| Interpersonal Skills | Cultural competence, advocacy, communication, trust-building | Empathy, active listening, crisis management skills |
Fee Structure: Clinical Services
Behavioral health services provided by CHWs and BHTs may be eligible for insurance reimbursement when medical necessity criteria are met. Your insurance plan determines the rates.
Insurance: When available, services are submitted to insurance for reimbursement through private insurance payers or Medicaid.
Currently contracted with: AEDNA. Additional private payer contracts coming soon.
Coverage, copays, deductibles, and authorizations are determined by your specific insurance plan. Any non-covered services, denied claims, copays, deductibles, or coinsurance amounts are the patient’s responsibility.
Payment due: At the time of service or upon insurance determination.
Contact: contact@nuserenitywellness.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a community health worker?
A community health worker is a trained professional who helps individuals access health services, navigate social support systems, and improve their overall well-being. CHWs often serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and the community, focusing on education, outreach, and care coordination.
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What is a behavioral health technician?
A behavioral health technician provides direct support to individuals receiving mental health services. BHTs work under the supervision of licensed clinicians and assist with implementing behavior plans, monitoring progress, providing crisis support, and helping clients develop coping skills.
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Do community health workers or behavioral health technicians diagnose conditions?
No. Neither CHWs nor BHTs diagnose or prescribe treatment. CHWs focus on health education, advocacy, and resource connections. BHTs support treatment plans created by licensed mental health professionals. Both roles operate under clinical supervision.
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Can I use insurance for behavioral health services?
Yes, when medical necessity criteria are met. We currently accept AEDNA and are actively contracting with additional private payers. Medicaid may also be accepted. Coverage, copays, deductibles, and authorizations depend on your specific insurance plan.
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What is the difference between clinical behavioral health services and life coaching?
Clinical behavioral health services involve trained CHWs and BHTs working under the supervision of a licensed clinician. These services address mental health, behavioral interventions, and community health needs. Life coaching is a non-clinical, self-pay service focused on goal-setting, personal growth, and skill development. It is not psychotherapy and does not involve diagnosis or treatment.
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How are clinical staff supervised at NuSerenity Wellness?
ll clinical staff, including CHWs and BHTs, work under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Supervision includes regular, documented sessions to ensure quality care, compliance, and ethical standards.
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Do I need a referral to receive behavioral health services?
A referral is not always required, but it depends on your insurance plan. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and we can help determine the best path forward.
