Smoking cessation counseling is a behavioral intervention because it targets modifying an individual's habits and lifestyle choices to improve health outcomes. It involves educating and motivating patients to stop smoking, thereby reducing risk factors for many chronic diseases. Unlike surgical removal of tumors, blood transfusions, or antibiotic prescriptions, which are direct medical treatments, behavioral interventions focus on changing patient behavior to prevent disease. This approach is central to public health as it promotes sustainable, long-term health benefits through behavior change.

Reference: Public Health 101, Richard Riegelman, 2nd Edition.