Psychiatric technologists, also called psychiatric technologists or behavioral health technologists, serve as the core of the mental health treatment team and work directly with patients experiencing a disability, illness, or substance abuse. They often work with doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors as part of a treatment team. There are different levels of certification, from high school diplomas to bachelor's degrees and work experience. Depending on your skill level and goals, you can determine your ideal position within the treatment team. This article describes what a mental health technician does and the training requirements needed to work in this field.

What does mental health technology do?

 If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health problem, you can use mental health skills as part of your overall treatment plan. Mental health technicians work in a variety of settings, including outpatient mental health facilities and long-term care facilities for both adults and children. Mental health technicians wear many hats, including:

Administer prescribed medications
Be available for patients who need to talk
Check vital signs and behavior patterns
Completing new patient admission forms
Management of therapeutic or recreational activities
When it comes to mental health technology, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Instead, the technologist's approach to patients usually reflects the philosophy of the institution in which they work. 

Mental health technician vs. mental health assistant
The name may sound similar and generally work in the same facilities, but mental health assistants help with more work, including transportation, to help with personal hygiene, such as bathing and meals. Assistants typically require a high school diploma or GED with an average salary of $31,570.2.

Whether you choose the Technician or Assistant route, it's important to remember that most of these jobs are in hospitals or 24-hour facilities and mean working weekends, nights, and holidays.

Where do mental health technologies work? 

People who work in this field often work in different environments. These may include titles including mental health technician, psychiatric technician, or behavioral health technician. Common settings for mental health technicians to work include mental hospitals, mental health facilities, and other health care facilities.2 Because most mental health facilities are open 24 hours a day, technicians often work evening shifts, at night, on weekends, and on public holidays.

How to find a job as a mental health technician?
Career opportunities for mental health technicians are growing. According to the US Department of Labor, there were more than 82,800 psychiatric technicians in 2019, and the number of jobs is expected to grow 13% through 2029, much faster than the average estimate.

Summary
Mental health technicians are also called psychiatric or behavioral technicians. They play an important role in mental health care and perform a variety of roles in the direct care of people with mental health problems, illnesses, or disabilities.

The minimum education required to enter this field is a high school diploma or GED, but obtaining a degree or further education and certification can lead to employment and higher wages. Mental health technicians are used in various fields, including hospitals, individual clinics, and houses.