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behavioral health

American  
[bih-heyv-yer-uhl helth] / bɪˈheɪv jər əl ˈhɛlθ /

noun

  1. the field of medicine concerned with a person’s activities or habits and how these affect physical, mental, and social well-being.

  2. well-being as it relates to one’s activities and habits.


Etymology

Origin of behavioral health

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

But people often confuse the homelessness crisis and the behavioral health system crisis because these two crises converge—a dearth of affordable housing, and a lack of residential and inpatient treatment options.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 11, 2026

When he was admitted to the jail, he "denied any behavioral health issues or concerns and answered 'no' to all suicide screening questions," ICE says.

From BBC Mar. 20, 2026

That study found that telehealth accounts for 44% of all behavioral health visits and 9% of primary-care visits among beneficiaries in traditional Medicare.

From MarketWatch Jan. 24, 2026

The measure authorized billions in state bonds to expand mental health treatment capacity and housing for people with serious behavioral health needs.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 16, 2026

The platform offers same-day consultation with third-party providers for urgent care and behavioral health, the company said Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 8, 2026

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