<XBRL>
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  9.3.0.107 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 8/6/2019 9:05:08 AM-->
<!--Modified on: 8/6/2019 9:05:08 AM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#StatementBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementBalanceSheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#StatementBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#StatementStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementStatementsOfOperations" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#StatementStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityDeficit" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityDeficit" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#StatementStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityDeficitParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityDeficitParenthetical" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#StatementStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementStatementsOfCashFlows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndPrincipalActivities" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndPrincipalActivities" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureInitialPublicOffering" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureInitialPublicOffering" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureLiquidityAndGoingConcern" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLiquidityAndGoingConcern" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcel" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcel" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilities" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficit" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficit" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureLeases" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureLeasesTables" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureOrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureInitialPublicOfferingDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureInitialPublicOfferingDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureLiquidityAndGoingConcernDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLiquidityAndGoingConcernDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcelDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcelDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitAuthorizedDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitAuthorizedDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitCommonStockDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitCommonStockDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationFairValueAssumptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationFairValueAssumptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationStockOptionActivityDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationStockOptionActivityDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureLeasesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeasesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00090 - Document - Document and Entity Information" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:label="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName_637006791079038900" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_637006791079038900" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType_637006791079038900" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_637006791079038900" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag_637006791079038900" order="5" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_637006791079038900" order="6" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_637006791079038900" order="7" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory_637006791079038900" order="8" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079038900" order="9" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_637006791079038900" order="10" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_637006791079038900" order="11" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany_637006791079038900" order="12" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_637006791079038900" order="13" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_637006791079038900" order="14" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod" xlink:label="dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" xlink:to="dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_637006791079038900" order="15" use="optional" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00100 - Statement - BALANCE SHEETS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637006791079038900" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637006791079038900" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637006791079038900" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent_637006791079038900" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637006791079038900" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_DeferredOfferingCostNoncurrent" xlink:label="btai_DeferredOfferingCostNoncurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="btai_DeferredOfferingCostNoncurrent_637006791079038900" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637006791079038900" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637006791079038900" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637006791079038900" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets_637006791079038900" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_637006791079038900" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079038900" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079038900" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079038900" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637006791079038900" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_637006791079038900" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637006791079038900" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637006791079038900" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_637006791079038900" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637006791079038900" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637006791079038900" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_637006791079038900" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_637006791079038900" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="5" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00105 - Statement - BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079038900" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079038900" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079038900" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079195154" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079195154" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079195154" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_637006791079195154" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079195154" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00200 - Statement - STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_InterestExpenseAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNonoperatingNet_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637006791079195154" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted_637006791079195154" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted_637006791079195154" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityDeficit" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS&#x2019; EQUITY (DEFICIT)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_637006791079195154" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IPOMember_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_IPOMember_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_637006791079195154" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_637006791079195154" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637006791079195154" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6370067910791951541" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6370067910791951541" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_6370067910791951541" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_6370067910791951541" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityDeficitParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00305 - Statement - STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS&#x2019; EQUITY (DEFICIT) (Parenthetical)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/StatementStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00400 - Statement - STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637006791079195154" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_DueToParent" xlink:label="btai_DueToParent_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="btai_DueToParent_637006791079195154" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_637006791079195154" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637006791079195154" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_637006791079195154" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_637006791079195154" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6370067910791951541" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6370067910791951541" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_637006791079195154" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_637006791079195154" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCostsIncurredDuringNoncashOrPartialNoncashTransaction" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCostsIncurredDuringNoncashOrPartialNoncashTransaction_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtIssuanceCostsIncurredDuringNoncashOrPartialNoncashTransaction_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_TransferToAccumulatedDeficitFromNetParentInvestment" xlink:label="btai_TransferToAccumulatedDeficitFromNetParentInvestment_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_637006791079195154" xlink:to="btai_TransferToAccumulatedDeficitFromNetParentInvestment_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndPrincipalActivities" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10101 - Disclosure - Organization and Principal Activities" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesTextBlock" xlink:label="btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureInitialPublicOffering" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10201 - Disclosure - Initial Public Offering" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_InitialPublicOfferingAbstract" xlink:label="btai_InitialPublicOfferingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_InitialPublicOfferingTextBlock" xlink:label="btai_InitialPublicOfferingTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_InitialPublicOfferingAbstract" xlink:to="btai_InitialPublicOfferingTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLiquidityAndGoingConcern" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10301 - Disclosure - Liquidity and Going Concern" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" xlink:label="btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubstantialDoubtAboutGoingConcernTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubstantialDoubtAboutGoingConcernTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubstantialDoubtAboutGoingConcernTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10401 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcel" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10501 - Disclosure - Transactions with BioXcel" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10601 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10701 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_636585414535268530" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_636585414535268530" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10801 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficit" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="10901 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11001 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066908512073" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066908512073" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11101 - Disclosure - Income Taxes" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="11201 - Disclosure - Leases" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeasesTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="20402 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_UnauditedInterimConsolidatedFinancialInformationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="btai_UnauditedInterimConsolidatedFinancialInformationPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_UnauditedInterimConsolidatedFinancialInformationPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_DeferredOfferingCostsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="btai_DeferredOfferingCostsPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_DeferredOfferingCostsPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CompensationRelatedCostsPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpensePolicy_637006791079195154" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_PatentCostsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="btai_PatentCostsPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_PatentCostsPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerSharePolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30603 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="30803 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccruedLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31003 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066909611996" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066909611996" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_EmployeeMember" xlink:label="btai_EmployeeMember_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079195154" xlink:to="btai_EmployeeMember_637006791079195154" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_NonEmployeeMember" xlink:label="btai_NonEmployeeMember_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079195154" xlink:to="btai_NonEmployeeMember_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079195154" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079195154" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079195154" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="31203 - Disclosure - Leases (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40101 - Disclosure - Organization and Principal Activities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_NumberOfAdvancedProgram" xlink:label="btai_NumberOfAdvancedProgram_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_NumberOfAdvancedProgram_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_NumberOfEmergingProgram" xlink:label="btai_NumberOfEmergingProgram_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_OrganizationAndPrincipalActivitiesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_NumberOfEmergingProgram_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureInitialPublicOfferingDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40201 - Disclosure - Initial Public Offering (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_InitialPublicOfferingAbstract" xlink:label="btai_InitialPublicOfferingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_InitialPublicOfferingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IPOMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_IPOMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockGross" xlink:label="btai_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockGross_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockGross_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense_637006791079351442" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts_637006791079351442" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1_637006791079351442" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079351442" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079351442" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079351442" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079351442" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLiquidityAndGoingConcernDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40301 - Disclosure - Liquidity and Going Concern (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" xlink:label="btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_WorkingCapital" xlink:label="btai_WorkingCapital_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" xlink:to="btai_WorkingCapital_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_LiquidityAndGoingConcernAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40401 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAxis" xlink:label="srt_RestatementAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="srt_RestatementAxis_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementDomain" xlink:label="srt_RestatementDomain_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RestatementAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="srt_RestatementDomain_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RestatementAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="srt_RestatementAdjustmentMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RestatementDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="srt_RestatementAdjustmentMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_StockIssuanceCostsOtherThanUnderwriting" xlink:label="btai_StockIssuanceCostsOtherThanUnderwriting_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_StockIssuanceCostsOtherThanUnderwriting_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_637006791079351442" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637006791079351442" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637006791079351442" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithBioxcelDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - Transactions with BioXcel (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_BioxcelCorporationMember" xlink:label="btai_BioxcelCorporationMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_BioxcelCorporationMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_LumpSumPayableUponMilestonesMember" xlink:label="btai_LumpSumPayableUponMilestonesMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_LumpSumPayableUponMilestonesMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_PayableUponLaterTwelveMonthAnniversaryOfOfferingAndFirstDosingForBxcl501ProgramMember" xlink:label="btai_PayableUponLaterTwelveMonthAnniversaryOfOfferingAndFirstDosingForBxcl501ProgramMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_LumpSumPayableUponMilestonesMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_PayableUponLaterTwelveMonthAnniversaryOfOfferingAndFirstDosingForBxcl501ProgramMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_PayableUponLaterTwelveMonthAnniversaryOfOfferingAndSpecifiedMilestoneMember" xlink:label="btai_PayableUponLaterTwelveMonthAnniversaryOfOfferingAndSpecifiedMilestoneMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_LumpSumPayableUponMilestonesMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_PayableUponLaterTwelveMonthAnniversaryOfOfferingAndSpecifiedMilestoneMember_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_AssetContributionAgreementMember" xlink:label="btai_AssetContributionAgreementMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_AssetContributionAgreementMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_DevelopmentMilestonesMember" xlink:label="btai_DevelopmentMilestonesMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_DevelopmentMilestonesMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_SalesMilestonesMember" xlink:label="btai_SalesMilestonesMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_SalesMilestonesMember_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_LumpSumPaymentToParent" xlink:label="btai_LumpSumPaymentToParent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_LumpSumPaymentToParent_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_MaximumThresholdPeriodForPayment" xlink:label="btai_MaximumThresholdPeriodForPayment_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_MaximumThresholdPeriodForPayment_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_CumulativeNetSales" xlink:label="btai_CumulativeNetSales_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_CumulativeNetSales_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties_637006791079351442" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsPotential" xlink:label="btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsPotential_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsPotential_637006791079351442" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePotentialPercent" xlink:label="btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePotentialPercent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePotentialPercent_637006791079351442" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_TermOfAgreement" xlink:label="btai_TermOfAgreement_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_TermOfAgreement_637006791079351442" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_637006791079351442" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComputerEquipmentMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="5" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40701 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_636585414535580532" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_636585414535580532" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079351442" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ContractResearchOrganizationMember" xlink:label="btai_ContractResearchOrganizationMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_ContractResearchOrganizationMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ContractResearchOrganizationClinicalTrialsMember" xlink:label="btai_ContractResearchOrganizationClinicalTrialsMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_ContractResearchOrganizationMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_ContractResearchOrganizationClinicalTrialsMember_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ContractResearchOrganizationSecondClinicalTrialsMember" xlink:label="btai_ContractResearchOrganizationSecondClinicalTrialsMember_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="btai_ContractResearchOrganizationMember_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_ContractResearchOrganizationSecondClinicalTrialsMember_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermPurchaseCommitmentPeriod_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseExcludingAcquiredInProcessCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseExcludingAcquiredInProcessCost_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseExcludingAcquiredInProcessCost_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCostIncurredToDate" xlink:label="btai_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCostIncurredToDate_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCostIncurredToDate_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ReimbursedCostPercent" xlink:label="btai_ReimbursedCostPercent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="btai_ReimbursedCostPercent_637006791079351442" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrPrograms" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrPrograms_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_637006791079351442" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReceivablesLongTermContractsOrPrograms_637006791079351442" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesAndOtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40801 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_AccruedMaterialsAndClinicalTrialExpensesCurrent" xlink:label="btai_AccruedMaterialsAndClinicalTrialExpensesCurrent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="btai_AccruedMaterialsAndClinicalTrialExpensesCurrent_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_AccruedLegalExpensesCurrent" xlink:label="btai_AccruedLegalExpensesCurrent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="btai_AccruedLegalExpensesCurrent_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079351442" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637006791079351442" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637006791079351442" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_637006791079351442" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitAuthorizedDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40901 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - Authorized (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079351442" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079351442" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_637006791079351442" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079351442" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_637006791079351442" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079351442" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_637006791079351442" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_NumberOfVotePerCommonStock" xlink:label="btai_NumberOfVotePerCommonStock_637006791079351442" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="btai_NumberOfVotePerCommonStock_637006791079351442" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDeficitCommonStockDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40902 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - Common Stock (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IPOMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_IPOMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_JefferiesMember" xlink:label="btai_JefferiesMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_JefferiesMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_PercentageOfCommissionOnGrossSaleProceeds" xlink:label="btai_PercentageOfCommissionOnGrossSaleProceeds_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_PercentageOfCommissionOnGrossSaleProceeds_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockGross" xlink:label="btai_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockGross_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStockGross_637006791079507704" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637006791079507704" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_637006791079507704" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForUnderwritingExpense_637006791079507704" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredOfferingCosts_637006791079507704" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationFairValueAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41001 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Fair value assumptions (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066910611926" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066910611926" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockOptionMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockOptionMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_EmployeeMember" xlink:label="btai_EmployeeMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_EmployeeMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTermsOfAward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTermsOfAward_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardTermsOfAward_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExercisePrice_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMinimum_637006791079507704" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRateMaximum_637006791079507704" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMaximum_637006791079507704" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRateMinimum_637006791079507704" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharePrice_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharePrice_637006791079507704" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_637006791079507704" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_637006791079507704" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationStockOptionActivityDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41002 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066910811912" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066910811912" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockOptionMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockOptionMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_EmployeeMember" xlink:label="btai_EmployeeMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_EmployeeMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_NonEmployeeMember" xlink:label="btai_NonEmployeeMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_NonEmployeeMember_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_6370067910795077041" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_6370067910795077041" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_637006791079507704" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6370067910795077041" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_6370067910795077041" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_637006791079507704" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIntrinsicValue_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodIntrinsicValue_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_6370067910795077041" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_6370067910795077041" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingAggregateIntrinsicValue_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_637006791079507704" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantedWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm_637006791079507704" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_637006791079507704" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="8" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41003 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation - Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066911011898" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_636586066911011898" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockOptionMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockOptionMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_EmployeeMember" xlink:label="btai_EmployeeMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_EmployeeMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_NonEmployeeMember" xlink:label="btai_NonEmployeeMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_NonEmployeeMember_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_637006791079507704" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_BioxcelCorporationMember" xlink:label="btai_BioxcelCorporationMember_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_BioxcelCorporationMember_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="btai_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_637006791079507704" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_637006791079507704" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41101 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_636921347203576973" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxes_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_636921347203576973" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxes_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41201 - Disclosure - Leases - (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty" xlink:label="us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AreaOfRealEstateProperty_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMaturitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41202 - Disclosure - Leases - Maturities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFive_637006791079507704" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFive_637006791079507704" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_637006791079507704" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637006791079507704" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637006791079507704" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637006791079507704" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrentStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleList_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_637006791079507704" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637006791079507704" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.bioxceltherapeutics.com/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41203 - Disclosure - Leases - Additional Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_637006791079507704" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_OperatingLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:label="btai_OperatingLeaseInterestExpense_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_OperatingLeaseInterestExpense_637006791079507704" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend_637006791079507704" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewal" xlink:label="btai_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewal_637006791079507704" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewal_637006791079507704" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_637006791079663970" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_637006791079663970" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="btai-20190630.xsd#btai_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalAtPercentageOfMarketRates" xlink:label="btai_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalAtPercentageOfMarketRates_637006791079663970" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="btai_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalAtPercentageOfMarketRates_637006791079663970" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
</XBRL>
