How to become A Mental Health Technician

Since the dawn of civilisation, mental health conditions have been either stigmatised or ignored. As key players of a mental health treatment team, Mental Health Technicians stand testimony to the growing awareness of and increasing empathy for patients coping with mental disabilities and illnesses or addiction.

• MHT
• Psychiatric Technician
• Mental Health Worker 
• Licensed Psychiatric Technician

What do Mental Health Technicians do?

A Mental Health Technician would typically need to:

• Work directly with patients suffering from mental disorders or addictions to ensure safe and faithful adherence to the therapy plans created by the psychiatrist and social worker
• Observe and record the patient’s behaviour and vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate; take samples of urine, stool or sputum, if required 
• Inform the psychiatrist in case of any abnormal observations, recordings or test results
• Conduct safe and comfortable therapeutic and recreational activities for patients
• Administer prescribed medications and other treatments as per the instructions of the doctor and other authorised medical professionals
• Perform administrative duties such as filling out admittance forms for new patients and admitting/discharging them
• Assist patients with everyday activities from eating and bathing to folding clothes and exercising
• Restrain patients who tend to become violent so they do not harm themselves or others
• Monitor the behavioural patterns and progress of patients; report any marked changes to their respective healthcare providers
• Offer emotional and social support to patients whenever they need it

Mental Health Technicians work in facilities that treat individuals with mental disorders and disabilities. The majority are residential facilities run by the government, religious groups, private organisations or secular entities. Some facilities may limit themselves by the age or gender of the patients, while others treat a wide range of patients.

Mental Health Technicians typically 40 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. Part-time work is also possible. In healthcare settings that are open 24x7, you may work shifts during weekends, evenings, nights and holidays.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Mental Health Technicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Mental Health Technicians are generally employed by: 

• Public & Private Medical and Surgical Hospitals
• Residential Mental Health & Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centres
• Prisons
• Government Agencies
• Public & Private Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
• Treatment Centres For Individuals With Eating Disorders
• Nursing Homes
• Hospices
• Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Centres
• Residential Treatment Centres & Group Homes For The Intellectually Disabled

Professional associations and organisations, such as The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), are crucial for Mental Health Technicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Difficulties involved in being on-call and on one’s feet for most of the workday
• High susceptibility to injuries and illnesses 
• Frustration and inadequacy when dealing with physically or mentally uncooperative patients
• Risks associated with the exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals and materials
• Unreliable and inflexible working hours leading to reduced time spent with one’s family and for self-care

Top-tier employers prefer candidates with prior experience in the clinical realm. One of the best introductions to a career in mental health is community or voluntary work at a local hospital, clinic, mental health charity or nursing home.

It must be noted that the incidence of relevant paid positions such as that of a certified nursing assistant or licensed practical nurses is also on the rise. Customer service representatives and cashiers can also apply for the post provided they have the necessary knowledge and skills. 

Your academic programs may also include an internship, fieldwork or supervised clinical experience that allows you to understand what it is like to work around other healthcare professionals and patients. Cooperative programs can help you gain academic credit for structured work experience. 

In addition, working with a diverse range of clients helps you build an understanding of different behaviours, situations and problems you may encounter during your practice as a Mental Health Technician. 

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experienced MHTs to learn compassion and patience, which are crucial for success in this profession. You will also learn how to observe patients and identify changes in their behaviour or signs of discomfort.

The training, which might last from a few weeks to several months, may occur via seminars, workshops, lectures, and in-service learning. You must be able to work independently only after your trainer declares you are fit to do so.

Most aspiring Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) attend community colleges and technical schools to acquire a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in psychiatric or mental health technology. The programs, which may range from one semester to two years typically include courses in biology, psychology and counselling.

Candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent may be eligible for entry-level positions. At the same time, those with a bachelor’s degree in mental health technology find it helps in landing a lucrative job. 

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation demonstrates a Mental Health Technician’s competence in CPR, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. 

When they acquire voluntary certification, candidates who lack official licensure may gain recognition as para-professionals and as bonafide members of mental health teams.

The certification usually ranges across four levels, beginning with Level 1, which requires a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development), continuing with Levels 2 and 3, which require a college or university degree and ending with Level 4, which requires a bachelor’s degree in subjects related to mental health or developmental disabilities. In addition, students must spend at least one, two or three years in the field to complete Levels 2, 3 and 4  respectfully.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Mental Health Technicians. Employees with consistently high-performance levels and a bachelor’s degree may be eligible for promotion to supervisory positions or specialisation in areas such as substance abuse or autism.

There are opportunities to work in the private sector or set up your own practice if you wish to focus on scientific research or an academic career, teaching students at universities. You can also advance to become a Psychologist or Psychiatrist after fulfilling the necessary conditions.

MHTs with significant experience may become Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Managers or Nurse Consultants en route to opting for a specialist role. They can also aspire to the post of Medical Lead before assuming managerial roles of increased responsibility and stature.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree along with prior work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Mental Health Technician build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. 

Attending courses, conferences, meetings and workshops, undertaking research and peer-reviewing journal papers allow you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

MHTs who wish to focus on scientific research and an academic career should begin their preparation to enter this highly competitive field very early in their post-secondary education.

If you are keen on becoming a psychologist, undertake a master’s program or PhD in a related field. On the other hand, an MHT passionate about psychiatry should acquire a medical degree in psychiatry or a related subject. Either way, you will need to begin with a bachelor’s degree; luckily for you, most providers accept courses taken at a technical school or community college as credit towards a degree.

Why Become a Mental Health Technician

Mental Health Technicians play a crucial role in helping patients turn their lives around to a semblance of normalcy and stability. Their phenomenal success in supporting, motivating and encouraging the patients to live productively has led to a considerable rise in demand for MHTs.

Consequently, MHTs get to experience job security and satisfaction - quite rare commodities in today’s job market - along with essential social security benefits. However, there is always scope for career advancement in this field which has a cornucopia of further education and subsequent career pathways.

Dresscode

Mental Health Technicians typically wear loose-fitting scrubs and comfortable cotton shirts and pants,  all of which are usually provided by the employer. In large healthcare settings, hospitals, for example, scrubs may be colour coded to represent a particular department. Wearing closed-toe shoes is also a must to prevent contact with potentially dangerous substances.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Mental Health Technicians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Mental Health Technician, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 264 million people suffer from some form of mental disorder such as anxiety, bipolar disorder or depression.

While it is no walk in the park, the intrinsic satisfaction Mental Health Technicians experience tending to patients in emotional distress makes their exceptionally challenging job worth the while.

Hone your empathy and observational insight to help your patients understand life beyond their mental illness and place them on a speedy recovery path.