Psychiatric Technician Jobs & Career Guide
What’s in this guide?
- What is a psychiatric technician?
- Where do psychiatric technicians work?
- What does a psychiatric technician do day to day?
- How to become a psychiatric technician
- What career options are open to a psychiatric technician?
- How much money does a psychiatric technician earn?
- Which cities have the highest demand for psychiatric technicians?
What is a psychiatric technician?
A psychiatric technician is an entry-level mental health professional who works under the direction of a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional to provide care and treatment to individuals who have mental or emotional disorders.
Their responsibilities may include monitoring and documenting patients’ behavior and vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, administering medications, and leading group therapy sessions. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and residential treatment facilities.
In order to become a psychiatric technician, individuals typically need to complete a post-secondary education program that includes coursework in psychology, nursing, and related fields. They may also need to obtain a certification or licensure depending on their state’s requirements.
What does a psychiatric technician do day to day?
Here are some common responsibilities for a psychiatric technician:
- Monitoring patients’ behavior: Psychiatric technicians are responsible for observing and monitoring patients’ behavior and mental status, and reporting any changes or concerns to the healthcare team. This may involve taking vital signs, assessing patients’ mood and behavior, and documenting observations in patient records.
- Administering medications: Psychiatric technicians may be responsible for administering medications prescribed by a psychiatrist or other healthcare provider, and monitoring patients for any adverse reactions or side effects.
- Assisting with daily living activities: Psychiatric technicians may help patients with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and grooming, if they have difficulty doing these tasks on their own.
- Leading group therapy sessions: Psychiatric technicians may lead group therapy sessions for patients with mental health disorders, working with patients to develop coping skills, manage stress, and improve interpersonal relationships.
- Providing crisis intervention: In emergency situations, psychiatric technicians may provide crisis intervention services, working to de-escalate a situation and prevent harm to the patient or others.
What career options are open to a psychiatric technician?
Here are some possible career paths for psychiatric technicians:
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner: Some psychiatric technicians may choose to pursue additional education and training to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. A psych NP is an advanced practice registered nurse who has specialized education and training in mental health care.
- Mental Health Therapist: With additional education and training, some psychiatric technicians may be able to become mental health therapists. Mental health therapists provide therapy and counseling services to individuals with mental health disorders, and may work in private practice or in mental health clinics.
- Social Worker: Psychiatric technicians who are interested in providing case management and social services to individuals with mental health disorders may choose to become social workers. Social workers help clients access resources and support services, such as housing and healthcare, and may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and social service agencies.
Latest Psychiatric Technician Job Listings
Position | Company | Location | Posted |
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Behavioral Health Technician | Legacy Health | PORTLAND, Oregon US | 10/02/2024 |
Behavioral Health TechnicianUS-OR-PORTLANDJob ID: 24-39832Type: Regular Full-TimeUnityOverviewWe continue our commitment to raise the bar on the quality of behavioral health care provided to those in our community who suffer from mental illness. Finding the best people to join our team is crucial in meeting our goals. If you thrive in a team environment, join us as we build … More | |||
Behavioral Health Technician | Legacy Health | PORTLAND, Oregon US | 10/02/2024 |
Behavioral Health TechnicianUS-OR-PORTLANDJob ID: 24-40030Type: Regular Full-TimeUnityOverviewWe continue our commitment to raise the bar on the quality of behavioral health care provided to those in our community who suffer from mental illness. Finding the best people to join our team is crucial in meeting our goals. If you thrive in a team environment, join us as we build … More | |||
Behavioral Health Technician | Legacy Health | PORTLAND, Oregon US | 10/02/2024 |
Behavioral Health TechnicianUS-OR-PORTLANDJob ID: 24-40006Type: Part Time – BenefittedUnityOverviewWe continue our commitment to raise the bar on the quality of behavioral health care provided to those in our community who suffer from mental illness. Finding the best people to join our team is crucial in meeting our goals. If you thrive in a team environment, join us as we … More | |||
Coding Supervisor – Department of Behavioral Health | San Bernardino County | San Bernardino, California US | 09/04/2024 |
The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health invites qualified professionals to apply for the position of Coding Supervisor* who plans and supervises the daily activities and operations of the Department of Behavioral Healths Office of Compliance (Compliance) Coding Team; ensures structured guidance is provided to Department direct service providers; conducts and directs coding audits; interprets and ensures ongoing knowledge and compliance … More |
Position Behavioral Health TechnicianUS-OR-PORTLANDJob ID: 24-39832Type: Regular Full-TimeUnityOverviewWe continue our commitment to raise the bar on the quality of behavioral health care provided to those in our community who suffer from mental illness. Finding the best people to join our team is crucial in meeting our goals. If you thrive in a team environment, join us as we build … More Company Legacy Health Location PORTLAND, Oregon US Posted 10/02/2024 | |||
Position Behavioral Health TechnicianUS-OR-PORTLANDJob ID: 24-40030Type: Regular Full-TimeUnityOverviewWe continue our commitment to raise the bar on the quality of behavioral health care provided to those in our community who suffer from mental illness. Finding the best people to join our team is crucial in meeting our goals. If you thrive in a team environment, join us as we build … More Company Legacy Health Location PORTLAND, Oregon US Posted 10/02/2024 | |||
Position Behavioral Health TechnicianUS-OR-PORTLANDJob ID: 24-40006Type: Part Time – BenefittedUnityOverviewWe continue our commitment to raise the bar on the quality of behavioral health care provided to those in our community who suffer from mental illness. Finding the best people to join our team is crucial in meeting our goals. If you thrive in a team environment, join us as we … More Company Legacy Health Location PORTLAND, Oregon US Posted 10/02/2024 | |||
Position The San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health invites qualified professionals to apply for the position of Coding Supervisor* who plans and supervises the daily activities and operations of the Department of Behavioral Healths Office of Compliance (Compliance) Coding Team; ensures structured guidance is provided to Department direct service providers; conducts and directs coding audits; interprets and ensures ongoing knowledge and compliance … More Company San Bernardino County Location San Bernardino, California US Posted 09/04/2024 |