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Mental Health Technician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewMental health technicians are sometimes called psychiatric technicians or mental health associates. Their role is to help treat and accommodate the needs of individuals with emotional issues or mental illness.
These technicians typically work in hospital settings under the supervision of a psychiatrist. They help patients with the details of their lives, including eating routines, sleeping patterns, and basic hygiene. Mental health technicians also help the emotionally disturbed and mentally disabled to assume a greater degree of responsibility for work, recreation, and social relations, helping them to increase their functionality in these settings.
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Career RequirementsThe most basic prerequisite for entry into a training program to become a mental health technician is a high school diploma. Some courses require associate degrees but this is less common.
Mental health technicians are required to undertake a minimum of two years training beyond high school. The two years of training leads to an associate degree and the opportunity to become a certified mental health technician or a licensed mental health technician, depending on the specific requirements of each state.
Courses for mental health technicians include biology, biochemistry, social sciences, and behavioral sciences.
More information about state requirements and education programs is available from the following organizations:
The National Mental Health Association
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
http://www.nmha.org
The American Psychiatric Association
1400 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
www.psych.org
The Center for Mental Health Services
National Institute of Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
www.mentalhealth.org
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Job OutlookMany people suffer from emotional issues and mental disabilities and many mental health issues are created by increased age. With this in mind, it is certainly to be expected that mental health technicians can enjoy considerable job security and job opportunities in general.
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Career TrackAt present, mental health technicians are employed in hospitals, community mental health centers, aftercare programs centers, crisis centers, alcohol and drug program centers, sheltered workshop centers, child guidance clinics, and offices of private psychiatrists.
Advancement to supervisory positions is generally available to those who have demonstrated experience and ability in the field.
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CompensationStandard compensation for mental health technicians ranges between $25,000 and $40,000 per year depending upon experience and the precise nature of the job. Additional benefits may include paid vacations, medical and dental insurance, and disability insurance.
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