Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct

Behavioral Health Technician Certification Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

(Covers psychology, crisis intervention, patient care, mental health disorders, ethics, documentation, and communication)

• What is the primary role of a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)?
• Diagnose mental health disorders
• Prescribe medications
• Assist in the care and treatment of patients with behavioral or mental

health issues

• Provide psychotherapy independently

Rationale: BHTs support treatment plans under the supervision of licensed

professionals by assisting in daily patient care and behavioral interventions.

• / 4

• Which of the following best describes “therapeutic communication”?
• Giving personal opinions
• Using active listening and empathy to build rapport with patients
• Giving advice to patients
• Using medical jargon to sound professional

Rationale: Therapeutic communication focuses on understanding,

empathy, and active listening to promote patient trust and openness.

• A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase. What

should the BHT prioritize?

• Encourage detailed discussions about their feelings
• Allow the patient to spend excessive energy freely
• Maintain a low-stimulus environment and monitor safety
• Challenge their beliefs

Rationale: A calm, structured environment helps reduce overstimulation

and ensures safety during manic episodes.

• Which defense mechanism involves transferring feelings from one

person to another less threatening person?

• Projection
• Displacement
• Denial
• Regression 2 / 4

Rationale: Displacement occurs when emotions are redirected from the

original source to a safer substitute target.

• Which term refers to the process of adapting to stress using healthy

coping strategies?

• Regression
• Repression
• Adaptation
• Compensation

Rationale: Adaptation is the ability to manage stress through appropriate

and effective coping mechanisms.

6. When assisting a client who is suicidal, the first action should be to:

• Leave the client alone to calm down
• Ask indirect questions about suicide
• Directly ask about suicidal thoughts or plans
• Promise confidentiality regardless of risk

Rationale: Asking direct, nonjudgmental questions helps assess suicide risk

and initiate appropriate safety interventions.

• What is the best example of a nonverbal cue that may indicate a

patient’s distress? 3 / 4

• Talking excessively
• Avoiding eye contact and fidgeting
• Smiling and laughing
• Sitting calmly

Rationale: Nonverbal cues like restlessness or avoiding eye contact often

signal anxiety or discomfort.

• Which documentation principle should BHTs always follow?
• Record only major incidents
• Use abbreviations freely
• Record accurately, objectively, and promptly
• Include personal opinions about behavior

Rationale: Documentation should be factual, timely, and free of personal

bias to ensure accurate records.

• What is the first step in crisis intervention?
• Developing coping skills
• Offering medication
• Ensuring the safety of the patient and others
• Evaluating long-term goals

Rationale: Safety is the top priority before addressing emotional or

behavioral concerns.

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