What does a Mental Health Technician do?
Published 3 min read
A mental health technician is a professional who provides support and care to patients with mental illness. They work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care for their patients. Mental health technicians typically have an associate’s degree in psychology or a related field.
Mental Health Technician job duties include:
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living
- Providing support and encouragement to patients
- Observing and documenting patient behavior
- Participating in treatment planning and implementation
- Leading or co-leading groups
- Facilitating individual therapy sessions
- Transporting patients to appointments
- Maintaining a safe and clean environment
- Interacting with family members
- Providing crisis intervention
Mental Health Technician Job Requirements
Mental health technicians typically have at least an associate's degree in a mental health-related field. Some jobs may require certification, and most jobs will require at least some experience working with clients in a mental health setting. Mental health technicians typically work under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker.
Mental Health Technician Skills
- Patience
- Active listening
- Communication
- Emotional intelligence
- Conflict resolution
- Stress management
- Observation
- Documentation
- Reporting
- Medication administration
- Crisis intervention
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How to become a Mental Health Technician
Mental health technicians typically work under the supervision of a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker. They provide direct care and support to people with mental illness. In some cases, they may also provide case management services and coordinate care with other providers.
Mental health technicians typically have at least an associate’s degree in mental health or a related field. Some positions may require certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). To become certified, candidates must have completed a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and pass an exam.
Those interested in becoming a mental health technician should consider taking courses in psychology, sociology, and human services. It is also important to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Mental health technicians must be able to empathize with clients and build trust-based relationships.
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