Psychiatric Technician

Your Fit

Income

$43K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

9.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Psychiatric Technician?

A Psychiatric Technician is a healthcare worker specializing in the care of individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. They provide therapeutic care and monitor the physical and emotional well-being of patients under psychiatric or psychological treatment.

Sample job titles:

Mental Health Associate, Mental Health Technician (MHT), MHW (Mental Health Worker), Psychiatric Technician (PT)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Psychiatric Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Psychiatric Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$37K per year	$43K per year	$49K per year	$60K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.91K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Psychiatric Technician do?

Work environment

Psychiatric Technicians primarily work in psychiatric hospitals, residential mental health facilities, and outpatient clinics. The role can be emotionally demanding and often requires shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays to provide round-the-clock care for patients.

Quick task list

Observes patients' behavior and reports to medical staff.
Provides basic patient care, such as assisting with meals and personal hygiene.
Administers therapeutic care, including group and recreational activities.
Monitors patients' physical and emotional well-being.
Assists in restraining or managing patients who may be in crisis.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Adult Psychiatry: Focusing on the care of adults with mental health disorders.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Specializing in working with children and teenagers.
Geriatric Psychiatry: Providing care for elderly patients with mental health issues.
Developmental Disability Care: Working with individuals with developmental disorders like autism.
Substance Abuse Treatment: Assisting in the care of patients with substance use disorders.

Description

Psychiatric Technicians are vital members of mental health care teams, providing essential support to individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities. Their role involves both direct patient care and collaboration with psychiatrists, psychologists, and nurses to implement treatment plans. They need to be knowledgeable about various mental health conditions, treatment modalities, and therapeutic interventions.

Daily activities may include monitoring patient behavior, administering medications, leading therapeutic and recreational activities, and documenting patient progress. This career requires strong communication skills, patience, and empathy, as technicians work closely with patients who may exhibit challenging behaviors or be in distress.

The work of a Psychiatric Technician is both challenging and rewarding. It demands resilience and adaptability, as patient needs can change rapidly. Those in this profession have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of their patients, helping them to manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with mental health challenges.
The diversity of tasks and the dynamic nature of the work environment.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth through experiences with various psychiatric conditions.

You might make a good Psychiatric Technician if you are...

Compassionate and empathetic, with a strong desire to help those with mental health challenges.
Resilient and capable of handling emotionally taxing situations.
Observant and attentive to details, particularly regarding changes in patients' behaviors and needs.
A good communicator, able to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Interested in psychology, mental health, and human behavior.

Pros:

Rewarding work that makes a difference in patients' lives.
Opportunities to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and residential facilities.
Continuous learning and exposure to diverse aspects of mental health.

Cons:

Emotional and physical demands of working with patients in distress.
Potential for high-stress situations, including managing crises.
Irregular hours, with the possibility of night and weekend shifts.

How to become a Psychiatric Technician

Typical education

The education requirements for Psychiatric Technicians vary by state, ranging from a postsecondary certificate to an Associate's degree in psychiatric or mental health technology, typically involving 1 to 2 years of education beyond high school.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology to gain a foundational understanding of human behavior.
Biology or Human Anatomy to understand the basics of physical and mental health.
Health Education to learn about various health issues and care.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at community health centers or with mental health organizations.
Joining clubs focused on psychology or healthcare.
Participating in activities that develop empathy and communication skills, like peer counseling.

Preparation after high school

Complete a certificate or Associate's degree program in psychiatric or mental health technology.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities in mental health settings.
Consider certification through organizations like the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians.

More resources

American Association of Psychiatric Technicians - Provides certification and resources for psychiatric technicians.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Offers information on mental health conditions and support for those working in mental health care.
Psychiatric Technician Program Directory - A directory of educational programs and schools offering psychiatric technician training.
MentalHealth.gov - Provides resources and information about mental health in the United States.

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