MockQuestions

Behavioral Health Technician Mock Interview

Question 21 of 28 for our Behavioral Health Technician Mock Interview

Get More Information About Our Behavioral Health Technician Interview Questions

Question 21 of 28

Give me an example of when you had a particularly difficult patient, how did you go about handling him or her?

"I once had a patient who would show up intoxicated to our sessions even after going to AA. He would shout and scream at me and the doctors. This was particularly difficult for me because I was new to the clinic and had not experienced this situation before. However, I soon realized that this was nothing personal but rather the patient exhibiting defensive behaviors for his actions. I stayed calm and listen to what the patient had to say. I never spoke back but I did firmly tell him what the rules of the clinic were and kept reminding him that we are only here to help him. After a few times of him verbally attacking me, he came to realize that I wouldn't react to his outbursts and calmed down on his own. I learned from this particular experience that patients need me to get better and the only way they will get better if I can offer any guidance as calmly as possible."

Next Question

How to Answer: Give me an example of when you had a particularly difficult patient, how did you go about handling him or her?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Behavioral Health Technician job interview.

  • 21. Give me an example of when you had a particularly difficult patient, how did you go about handling him or her?

      How to Answer

      This question is asking you to demonstrate a challenging time when you were working.
      Tell the interviewer what the incident was, why you thought it was challenging and how you overcame it. Be sure to tell the interviewer what you learned from the situation as well.

      Here is a sample answer "I once had a patient who would show up intoxicated to our sessions even after going to AA. He would shout and scream at me and the doctors. This was particularly difficult for me because I was new to the clinic and had not experienced this situation before. However, I soon realized that this was nothing personal but rather the patient exhibiting defensive behaviors for his actions. I stayed calm and listen to what the patient had to say. I never spoke back but I did firmly tell him what the rules of the clinic were and kept reminding him that we are only here to help him. After a few times of him verbally attacking me, he came to realize that I wouldn't react to his outbursts and calmed down on his own. I learned from this particular experience that patients need me to get better and the only way they will get better if I can offer any guidance as calmly as possible."

      Written by Heather Douglass

      1st Answer Example

      "I once had a patient who would show up intoxicated to our sessions even after going to AA. He would shout and scream at me and the doctors. This was particularly difficult for me because I was new to the clinic and had not experienced this situation before. However, I soon realized that this was nothing personal but rather the patient exhibiting defensive behaviors for his actions. I stayed calm and listen to what the patient had to say. I never spoke back but I did firmly tell him what the rules of the clinic were and kept reminding him that we are only here to help him. After a few times of him verbally attacking me, he came to realize that I wouldn't react to his outbursts and calmed down on his own. I learned from this particular experience that patients need me to get better and the only way they will get better if I can offer any guidance as calmly as possible."

      Written by Heather Douglass

      2nd Answer Example

      "If I'm ever anticipating a difficult patient I'm always sure to leave the treatment door open, review session rules with my client and let another staff member know about the possible situation that may arise."

      Written by Heather Douglass

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I once had an intoxicated client scream and yelled at the nurses and me. This was difficult for me because I was new at the time and never experienced anything like this before. I stayed calm, listened to what the client had to say, and reminded him that we are only here to help him. It soon became evident that this was nothing personal; this was merely a defense mechanism. I continued to remind him of the rules of the clinic firmly. After a few minutes of verbal attack, the client realized I was not reacting to his outbursts, and he calmed down on his own."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      It sounds as though you handled this situation seamlessly, even though you were new, and it was probably very intimidating. This answer really shows off your steady and confident character. Good work!

    • Next Question