The Need for Mental Health Support Staff is on The Rise

Mental health support workers play a critical role in the nation’s healthcare system. They frequently work in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, out-patient clinics, and correctional facilities, providing assistance to doctors and nurses. Many technicians also hold licensed practical nurse (LPN) or certified nursing assistant (CNA) credentials.

As a mental health support worker, you’ll work with people dealing with ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse issues, and various other conditions. You’ll enjoy excellent job stability — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for psychiatric technicians and aides is expected to increase by 12 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the national average for all jobs.

This job growth is partially due to the rise of mental health awareness and the aging U.S. population. If you’re ready to do your part to address this urgent need, you’ll typically need a certification — but psychiatric aides receive a significant portion of their training on the job, and many employers do not require applicants to have a four-year college degree.

Reasons to consider a career as a mental health support aide:

• Excellent Job Outlook- As discussed above, the need for mental health support staff is expected to rise for the next decade. As you gain experience, you’ll have access to career opportunities in virtually every city — and if you decide to remain in the industry, you can work towards becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or pursue another advanced degree to find more high-paying work.
• Great Pay and Benefits- Per the BLS, the median pay for psychiatric technicians was $32,020 in 2019. As demand continues to rise, pay may increase. Medical support staff also enjoy generous benefits packages, which may include health & dental insurance, paid vacation time, and retirement plans.
• Challenging, Fulfilling Work- Psychiatric aides and technicians spend most of their time on their feet. They observe patient behavior, help patients with basic activities, serve meals, participate in group activities, and give medications or other treatments. The job can be physically demanding, but it’s also rewarding.

Physician technicians need to understand medical terminology and have a firm grasp of ethical standards. That makes the job an excellent stepping stone towards other medical professions. To get started, you’ll need to obtain certifications or complete courses required by your state.

Find Training and Education Options Online

Depending on where you live, you may need to complete a program through a university, college, or technical school to become a mental health support worker. The good news: Many accredited institutions now offer resources online for remote learners. Some also offer job placement programs — that means that as soon as you’ve completed the program, you’ll have the opportunity to start working.

Online courses let you pursue your credentials on your own time. They’re flexible, convenient, and usually affordable, but your options may vary depending on your state of residence. Keep these tips in mind when evaluating online learning programs:

• Look at a variety of options. Online programs use different technologies for distance learning, and some require in-person classes. Find at least 3-4 options that will provide the certifications you need to work in your state, then compare them carefully.
• Make sure the program has a strong reputation. Look for accredited programs from well-known colleges or vocational schools. Ask about their graduation and course completion rates.
• Find out the expected timeline for course completion. Many psychiatric technician programs can be completed in under a year, but coursework varies by institution.

Finally, consider additional certifications that could improve your chances of finding work. As stated above, many psychiatric technicians hold Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials. While evaluating schools, explore these credentials; you may decide to continue your education while working as a member of a mental health support team.

Researching a Career as a Psychiatric Technician

Whether you’re looking for certification programs or you’re ready to start work, research carefully before making career decisions. Use a variety of online resources to compare job offers and certification programs.

By searching online, you can build your skills and start work in the growing mental health field. You’ll enjoy an excellent job outlook, competitive pay, and dependable benefits — and you’ll play an important role in providing high-quality care to your patients.