If you are interested in working with other medical professionals to help people cope with mental health issues, a mental health technician job is right up your alley. What is a mental health technician? This person plays a vital role in a healthcare team and supports others in the care of their patients. It is a very rewarding yet challenging position at times, especially during patient crises, interventions, and other intense situations.
Behavioral Health Jobs is the best resource for finding a new career in the behavioral health industry. New jobs are uploaded daily for technicians, administrators, managers, and clinicians of all experience levels. Our job board allows you to filter your search by job title or keywords, work experience, education, job type, and other search criteria. If you are thinking about a career as a mental health technician, go to the Behavioral Health Jobs website today to begin a new career search.
What Is a Mental Health Technician?
A mental health technician plays a vital role in a healthcare organization. They assist psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and other medical professionals in the treatment of mild to severe mental health disorders. Technicians aid others in the treatment of major depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, bipolar disorders, substance use disorders, and other mental health illnesses.
A technician’s daily responsibilities will vary depending on the facility and the type of care they provide. This can include:
- Providing direct patient care per a treatment plan
- Administer specific medications and monitor patients for any adverse reactions
- Monitoring of all vital signs and behavioral patterns
- Provide assistance in group and private therapy sessions
- Assess patients’ progress and behaviors
- Educating patients and their families on mental health illnesses
To qualify as a mental health technician, you will need a High School diploma or GED at a minimum. Most companies will prefer an associate’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. For those who wish to specialize in a specific area, there are several certifications for mental health technicians. These include:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT)
- American Association of Psychiatric Technology (AAPT)
The average pay for mental health technicians is around $37,000 per year. A technical role is an excellent entry-level position where you can gain real-world experience while continuing your education.
The Behavioral Health Jobs website is the best place to begin a new career search for a career in mental healthcare. Our job board is updated daily with new jobs at hospitals, treatment centers, K-12 schools and universities, and other organizations.
The Job Duties of a Mental Health Technician
Like any position, the specific duties you will perform will depend on the organization and the type of care provided.
What does a mental health technician do? Here is a breakdown of some of the more common job duties of a mental health technician:
- Patient assessments – Technicians will perform full patient assessments when they first arrive for treatment and throughout the program. They will monitor their progress throughout the program and assess any changes to their physical and mental health. At the end of the program, they will evaluate their current health and determine the next stage of treatment.
- Administering medications – Using medication to treat mental health disorders is very effective in reducing those symptoms that interfere with the recovery process. Technicians will administer specific dosages and monitor patients for any adverse reactions during the program. Once the medication is no longer necessary, they will begin tapering down the medicine to avoid any withdrawals or other complications.
- Patient monitoring – An important duty for technicians is monitoring patients’ progress and updating the team on their condition. This is necessary to continue providing patients with the best possible care as their symptoms change.
- Mental health education – Learning about the specific disorder and what it does to the person is essential for true healing. Technicians will work with the patient and their family to explain how the condition affects them and what is necessary in order to maintain a healthier state of mind.
A mental health technician plays an important role in treatment centers, hospitals, and other facilities that offer mental health treatment. They are part of a team of healthcare providers with experience treating a wide range of mental health disorders, and this role is a great starting point for a more experienced position.
Find Mental Health Technician Jobs On the Behavioral Health Jobs Website
What is a mental health technician, and what does it take to succeed in this important role? The Behavioral Health Jobs website includes beneficial career advice to help job seekers find an exciting career as a technician, administrator, clinician, or other positions. Our career blog includes detailed job descriptions, interviewing tips, resume guides, and more to aid your career search.
To find a new job as a mental health technician today, check out the available jobs on the Behavioral Health Jobs website.
