Community & Behavioral Health

Mental Health Technician

Career Progression

Entry Level

Mental Health Technician

Mid Level

Mental Health Counselor

Senior Level

Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist

Pathway Category

Entry Level: These positions are the best entry points for someone with little experience or education, as they typically require only a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) or a technical certification/ training and little to no prior related work experience. Many workers enter this industry through the Direct Patient and Therapeutic Care families. Although these careers start with lower wages, they are often a great starting point with huge potential for promotion and advancement with hard work, dedication, and planning.

What does a person in this career do?

You remove barriers! People come to you with problems or concerns and you help put together a plan to help directly or connect them with the right people, services, and other community resources to get things done. Your patience, empathy, and passion for helping others makes your community a better place to live.

Occupations in the Community & Behavioral Health family specialize in mental health care, rehabilitation services, and overall social or public wellness. They strive to improve not only physical health, but also the hearts, spirits, and minds of those in their communities through a wide range of social and human services, often focusing on strategies for counseling, treatment, and preventative care maintenance. While much of the work in these occupations is conducted directly with patients within a community, a large portion of time is often also spent organizing events or sessions, collaborating with other public and private support agencies, advocating for patient rights and access, and educating members of the community about available goods, services, and assistance programs.

These occupations are good for someone who enjoys helping others, is comfortable around a wide range of people, and wants to make a positive impact on their community. Patience, empathy, and communication skills are very important in these occupations, some of which may also involve travel and working outside.

Description of duties

Assist doctors, nursing, and other medical staff with the care and management of mentally or emotionally impaired patients or residents in their daily living activities, participating in educational and recreational activities, or accompanying them to and from examinations and treatments. May need to occasionally restrain confused or distressed patients for the safety and security of themselves and others.

Quick Facts

Wage/Salary Range

Education & Training

Typical Work Environments

Personality Traits

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Mental Health Technician

Partners who hire for this position

Knowledge and Skills Required

  1. Basic Psychology and Human Behavior
  2. Therapy and Counseling
  3. Customer and Personal Service
  4. Comprehend and Deliver Instructions
  5. Observation and Critical Thinking
  6. Public Safety and Security

Other Job Titles

  • Behavioral Technician
  • Psych Technician
  • Mental Health Aide (MHA)
  • Psychiatric Aide
  • Mental Health Worker (MHW)
  • Psychiatric Nursing Aide
  • Resident Care Technician