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)
1. What is the primary role of a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)?
a. Diagnose mental health disorders
b. Prescribe medications
c. Assist in the care and treatment of patients with behavioral or mental
health issues
d. Provide psychotherapy independently
Rationale: BHTs support treatment plans under the supervision of licensed
professionals by assisting in daily patient care and behavioral
interventions.
,2. Which of the following best describes “therapeutic communication”?
a. Giving personal opinions
b. Using active listening and empathy to build rapport with patients
c. Giving advice to patients
d. Using medical jargon to sound professional
Rationale: Therapeutic communication focuses on understanding,
empathy, and active listening to promote patient trust and openness.
3. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase. What
should the BHT prioritize?
a. Encourage detailed discussions about their feelings
b. Allow the patient to spend excessive energy freely
c. Maintain a low-stimulus environment and monitor safety
d. Challenge their beliefs
Rationale: A calm, structured environment helps reduce overstimulation
and ensures safety during manic episodes.
4. Which defense mechanism involves transferring feelings from one
person to another less threatening person?
a. Projection
b. Displacement
c. Denial
d. Regression
,Rationale: Displacement occurs when emotions are redirected from the
original source to a safer substitute target.
5. Which term refers to the process of adapting to stress using healthy
coping strategies?
a. Regression
b. Repression
c. Adaptation
d. 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:
a. Leave the client alone to calm down
b. Ask indirect questions about suicide
c. Directly ask about suicidal thoughts or plans
d. Promise confidentiality regardless of risk
Rationale: Asking direct, nonjudgmental questions helps assess suicide risk
and initiate appropriate safety interventions.
7. What is the best example of a nonverbal cue that may indicate a
patient’s distress?
, a. Talking excessively
b. Avoiding eye contact and fidgeting
c. Smiling and laughing
d. Sitting calmly
Rationale: Nonverbal cues like restlessness or avoiding eye contact often
signal anxiety or discomfort.
8. Which documentation principle should BHTs always follow?
a. Record only major incidents
b. Use abbreviations freely
c. Record accurately, objectively, and promptly
d. Include personal opinions about behavior
Rationale: Documentation should be factual, timely, and free of personal
bias to ensure accurate records.
9. What is the first step in crisis intervention?
a. Developing coping skills
b. Offering medication
c. Ensuring the safety of the patient and others
d. Evaluating long-term goals
Rationale: Safety is the top priority before addressing emotional or
behavioral concerns.
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)
1. What is the primary role of a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)?
a. Diagnose mental health disorders
b. Prescribe medications
c. Assist in the care and treatment of patients with behavioral or mental
health issues
d. Provide psychotherapy independently
Rationale: BHTs support treatment plans under the supervision of licensed
professionals by assisting in daily patient care and behavioral
interventions.
,2. Which of the following best describes “therapeutic communication”?
a. Giving personal opinions
b. Using active listening and empathy to build rapport with patients
c. Giving advice to patients
d. Using medical jargon to sound professional
Rationale: Therapeutic communication focuses on understanding,
empathy, and active listening to promote patient trust and openness.
3. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is in a manic phase. What
should the BHT prioritize?
a. Encourage detailed discussions about their feelings
b. Allow the patient to spend excessive energy freely
c. Maintain a low-stimulus environment and monitor safety
d. Challenge their beliefs
Rationale: A calm, structured environment helps reduce overstimulation
and ensures safety during manic episodes.
4. Which defense mechanism involves transferring feelings from one
person to another less threatening person?
a. Projection
b. Displacement
c. Denial
d. Regression
,Rationale: Displacement occurs when emotions are redirected from the
original source to a safer substitute target.
5. Which term refers to the process of adapting to stress using healthy
coping strategies?
a. Regression
b. Repression
c. Adaptation
d. 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:
a. Leave the client alone to calm down
b. Ask indirect questions about suicide
c. Directly ask about suicidal thoughts or plans
d. Promise confidentiality regardless of risk
Rationale: Asking direct, nonjudgmental questions helps assess suicide risk
and initiate appropriate safety interventions.
7. What is the best example of a nonverbal cue that may indicate a
patient’s distress?
, a. Talking excessively
b. Avoiding eye contact and fidgeting
c. Smiling and laughing
d. Sitting calmly
Rationale: Nonverbal cues like restlessness or avoiding eye contact often
signal anxiety or discomfort.
8. Which documentation principle should BHTs always follow?
a. Record only major incidents
b. Use abbreviations freely
c. Record accurately, objectively, and promptly
d. Include personal opinions about behavior
Rationale: Documentation should be factual, timely, and free of personal
bias to ensure accurate records.
9. What is the first step in crisis intervention?
a. Developing coping skills
b. Offering medication
c. Ensuring the safety of the patient and others
d. Evaluating long-term goals
Rationale: Safety is the top priority before addressing emotional or
behavioral concerns.
