How to become a mental health technician

As more people in the U.S. seek treatment for mental health crises and psychiatric conditions, mental health technicians have become instrumental in ensuring patients get the help they need. If you have compassion for others and want to start a career as a mental health technician (MHT), then this guide is for you.

What does a mental health technician do?

Mental health technicians (MHTs) are entry-level healthcare support professionals trained to provide direct patient care for people with mental health conditions and developmental disabilities. Depending on the facility and employer, MHTs may also be referred to as psychiatric technicians, psychiatric associates, or behavioral health technicians.

MHTs work under the supervision of nurses or doctors in clinical settings, such as public and private psychiatric hospitals, in-patient or out-patient treatment centers for mental health or substance use, state-sponsored mental health clinics, and offices of mental health practitioners.

They may assist patients with daily living and hygiene tasks, monitor patient behaviors, implement treatment plans, administer medications, lead group therapy sessions, de-escalate patient conflicts, and offer emotional support to those in crisis.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), MHTs earned a median annual wage of $39,700 in 2023. The Bureau projects employment for MHTs to grow by 17% over the next decade, with 21,300 new job openings.

Steps to become a mental health technician

Working as an MHT is often a starting point for those exploring a career in mental healthcare, but there are steps you can take to better prepare yourself for the role and increase your chances of being hired as an MHT.

Step 1: Meet educational requirements

As an entry-level role, MHTs may only be required to have a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer MHTs to already have a degree or be currently pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a closely related field. Relevant coursework in psychology, human behavior, medical terminology, and basic healthcare can provide a solid theoretical foundation and practical skills that will be useful in your work as an MHT.

Step 2: Develop hard and soft skills

Having a wide variety of skills, both hard and soft, can help you manage your job duties and handle unanticipated challenges.

Hard Skills:

• Understanding basic medical terminology
• Taking and monitoring vital signs
• Administering medications according to protocols
• Using electronic health record management systems
• Deploying crisis intervention or de-escalation techniques

Soft Skills:

• Emotional intelligence
• Verbal and written communication
• Confidentiality and good judgment
• Conflict resolution
• Active listening, empathy, patience, and compassion
• Cultural and religious sensitivity

Step 3: Gain practical experience

Employers often look for candidates who have previous medical or mental healthcare experience. The hands-on experience you gain by working with mental health patients allows you to develop your practical skills and learn the daily demands of the job. These opportunities can also expose you to a variety of mental healthcare roles, types of facilities, and levels of patient severity.

You can gain experience via:

• Clinical internships
• Hospital volunteer programs
• Job shadowing
• Entry-level healthcare support roles
• Psychiatric ward assistant positions
• Patient advocacy roles

Step 4: Pursue relevant certifications

While not mandatory for MHTs, having relevant certifications like the ones listed below can make you more attractive to prospective employers. You may be required to pass an exam, participate in on-the-job training, or enroll in a certification program.

Some relevant certifications include:

• Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician (NCPT/AAPT)
• Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT)
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training
• Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT)
• CPR, Basic Life Support, and First Aid certification

Step 5: Continue professional development

It's important for MHTs to stay up-to-date on the latest psychological research and best practices for patient care. Below are some possible opportunities to continue growing as a mental health professional:

• Attend professional workshops
• Take courses at a local community college, university, or career-technical school
• Join professional associations
• Network with healthcare professionals
• Attend mental healthcare conferences or symposiums
• Read academic journals for the latest research in psychology and mental health

Get started on edX

Start your journey to becoming a mental health technician by exploring edX's psychology and mental health programs to get the knowledge and skills you'll need to succeed in caring for patients with mental health challenges.