Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared to support mental health care teams in clinical settings, this program equips individuals with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to deliver essential patient services under professional supervision. Graduates gain the expertise to contribute effectively to treatment planning, medication administration, and the coordination of care within psychiatric and mental health environments.
- Mental health theory: Explores the core principles and frameworks that inform psychological well-being and disorders, providing a conceptual basis for clinical practice.
- Applied psychopathology: Focuses on the identification, classification, and clinical presentation of mental health conditions across diverse populations.
- Patient communication and management: Develops techniques for building therapeutic relationships, de-escalating tension, and promoting patient cooperation in treatment settings.
- Crisis intervention: Trains individuals to respond effectively to acute mental health emergencies with empathy, safety protocols, and structured intervention strategies.
- Psychotropic medication: Covers the types, purposes, side effects, and administration guidelines for medications used in treating mental health disorders.
- Mental health treatment procedures: Introduces evidence-based practices such as therapeutic activities, behavioral interventions, and recovery-oriented care models.
- Substance abuse: Addresses the intersection of addiction and mental health, including screening, support strategies, and recovery resources.
- Record-keeping: Emphasizes accurate documentation of patient interactions, treatment progress, and compliance with privacy standards.
- Clinical administrative skills: Builds proficiency in scheduling, inventory management, and operational tasks essential to efficient mental health facility functioning.
- Standards and regulations: Ensures familiarity with legal, ethical, and accreditation requirements governing mental health care delivery.
Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician degrees, including Psychiatric Technicians and Psychiatric Aides. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 171,200 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Technicians 29-2053 | $42,590 | $32,980 - $60,150 | 136,300 | $20.47 |
| Psychiatric Aides 31-1133 | $41,590 | $30,920 - $58,530 | 34,900 | $20.00 |
Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $29,690 in Louisiana to $65,060 in District of Columbia—a 119% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 171,200 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 72 institutions offering Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician is found at Grand Canyon University (GCU) (572 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (473 graduates), CUNY Kingsborough Community College (KCC) (113 graduates), Columbia Southern University (CSU) (113 graduates), and San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) (106 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,601 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
|
572 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
473 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| CUNY Kingsborough Community College (KCC) |
Associate's
|
113 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | kbcc.cuny.edu |
| Columbia Southern University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
113 | Orange Beach, Alabama | Private | columbiasouthern.edu |
| San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
106 | San Bernardino, California | Public | valleycollege.edu |
| Lone Star College System (LSC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
104 | The Woodlands, Texas | Public | lonestar.edu |
| Cuesta College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
74 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | cuesta.edu |
| University of Maine (UMA) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
71 | Augusta, Maine | Public | uma.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
60 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| CUNY LaGuardia Community College |
Associate's
|
46 | Long Island City, New York | Public | lagcc.cuny.edu |
| Stautzenberger College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
46 | Maumee, Ohio | Private | sctoday.edu |
| McLennan Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
41 | Waco, Texas | Public | mclennan.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
39 | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| Gateway Technical College |
Associate's
|
39 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | gtc.edu |
| Cypress College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
35 | Cypress, California | Public | cypresscollege.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Associate's
|
35 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Montgomery College (MC) |
Associate's
|
33 | Rockville, Maryland | Public | montgomerycollege.edu |
| Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
32 | Blue Bell, Pennsylvania | Public | mc3.edu |
| San Joaquin Delta College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | Stockton, California | Public | deltacollege.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Associate's
|
29 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Western Technical College (WTC) |
Associate's
|
26 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | westerntc.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Associate's
|
25 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Associate's
|
23 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) |
Associate's
|
23 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | nwtc.edu |
| Northern Essex Community College (NECC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Haverhill, Massachusetts | Public | necc.mass.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
22 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| Middlesex Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Bedford, Massachusetts | Public | middlesex.mass.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Associate's
|
19 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Napa Valley College (NVC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Napa, California | Public | napavalley.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
16 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) |
Other Award
|
16 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | ccbcmd.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| Yuba College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Marysville, California | Public | yc.yccd.edu |
| Stautzenberger College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Rockford, Illinois | Private | rockfordcareercollege.edu |
| Yavapai College |
Other Award
|
12 | Prescott, Arizona | Public | yc.edu |
| Porterville College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Porterville, California | Public | portervillecollege.edu |
| Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) |
Associate's
|
11 | Cumberland, Maryland | Public | allegany.edu |
| Houston Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Houston, Texas | Public | hccs.edu |
| Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) |
Associate's
|
10 | Janesville, Wisconsin | Public | blackhawk.edu |
| Atlantic Technical College (ATC) |
Other Award
|
9 | Coconut Creek, Florida | Public | atlantictechnicalcollege.edu |
| Alvin Community College (ACC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Alvin, Texas | Public | alvincollege.edu |
| Pierce College District |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Lakewood, Washington | Public | pierce.ctc.edu |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) |
Associate's
|
9 | Fennimore, Wisconsin | Public | swtc.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Belmont College |
Associate's
|
7 | St Clairsville, Ohio | Public | belmontcollege.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Associate's
|
7 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Stautzenberger College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Brecksville, Ohio | Private | sctoday.edu |
| Jose Maria Vargas University (JMVU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
7 | Pembroke Pines, Florida | Private | jmvu.edu |
| Coalinga College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Coalinga, California | Public | westhillscollege.com |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Other Award
|
6 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wcccd.edu |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) |
Other Award
|
6 | Fergus Falls, Minnesota | Public | minnesota.edu |
| Century College |
Other Award
|
6 | White Bear Lake, Minnesota | Public | century.edu |
| Bridgewater College (BC) |
Master's
|
6 | Bridgewater, Virginia | Private | bridgewater.edu |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) |
Other Award
|
5 | Fort Wayne, Indiana | Public | pfw.edu |
| College of Southern Maryland (CSM) |
Other Award
|
5 | La Plata, Maryland | Public | csmd.edu |
| North Shore Community College (NSCC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Danvers, Massachusetts | Public | northshore.edu |
| Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | Wharton, Texas | Public | wcjc.edu |
| Hacienda La Puente Adult Education (HLPAE) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | La Puente, California | Public | hlpae.com |
| Hagerstown Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Hagerstown, Maryland | Public | hagerstowncc.edu |
| Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (P.I.T.) |
Associate's
|
3 | Media, Pennsylvania | Private | pit.edu |
| InterCoast Colleges |
Other Award
|
3 | West Covina, California | Private | intercoast.edu |
| University of Maine (UMFK) |
Associate's
|
2 | Fort Kent, Maine | Public | umfk.maine.edu |
| North Central Missouri College (NCMC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Trenton, Missouri | Public | ncmissouri.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Del Mar College (DMC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Corpus Christi, Texas | Public | delmar.edu |
| Nicolet Area Technical College |
Associate's
|
2 | Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Public | nicoletcollege.edu |
| Marion Technical College (MTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Marion, Ohio | Public | mtc.edu |
| High Plains Technology Center (HPTC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Woodward, Oklahoma | Public | hptc.edu |
| Edmonds College |
Other Award
|
1 | Lynnwood, Washington | Public | edmonds.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician programs
How much can I earn with a Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician degree?
Salaries for Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician graduates vary by role and location. Psychiatric Technicians earn a median of $42,590 annually, while Psychiatric Aides earn around $41,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $65,060 compared to $29,690 in Louisiana. Approximately 171,200 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician programs?
Currently 72 accredited institutions offer Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Grand Canyon University (GCU) (572 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (473 graduates), and CUNY Kingsborough Community College (KCC) (113 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 2,283 in 2010 to a peak of 2,805 in 2020, before declining slightly to 2,601 in 2023-24. This represents a 14% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Psychiatric and Mental Health Services Technician degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Psychiatric Technicians, Psychiatric Aides, . Related occupations employ approximately 171,200 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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