How to Become a Mental Health Technician
Step-by-Step Career Guide for 2025

Step 1 Understand the Role and Work Environment

Before you start pursuing any kind of education or training to become an MHT, it’s important to understand what a mental health technician does daily.

This role involves close interaction with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or substance use disorders.

The work can be emotionally demanding, but it is also deeply rewarding for those who enjoy helping others.

Before you start down this path, you need to consider your own mental health and how well you handle the concerns of others.

This is a field that can be very stressful at times, and it’s not always the right fit for everyone.

However, if you like helping people through their challenges and your own mental health is good or well-managed, you can be an asset to the hospital or other care center where you work, as well as the people you help on their mental health journey.

Step 2 Earn a High School Diploma or GED

The minimum educational requirement to become a mental health technician is a high school diploma or GED.

You may need additional training, education, or certifications in some cases, depending on the organization you work for and your actual duties.

Courses in psychology, biology, health sciences, and social studies can provide a helpful foundation, and you should also focus on strong communication and interpersonal skills developed during this time, as they can be especially valuable.

If you don’t have a GED or you haven’t graduated from high school yet, this is the first, critical step toward working as an MHT.

Step 3 Complete Postsecondary Education or Training

While some entry-level positions provide on-the-job training, many employers prefer candidates with formal education.

You may also need this education to work in some MHT roles because of the nature of the job.

This education could include a certificate, an associate degree, or coursework in mental health, psychology, or human services.

Formal education improves job prospects and prepares you for more complex responsibilities.

Not only that, but it could help you move up from MHT to higher-level roles in the future.

It’s best to research what your state requires for this role, or what specific employers in your area will be looking for.

Then, you can focus on tailoring your educational experience to fit what you know you need for your location or desired employer.

Step 4 Gain Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is a crucial part of becoming a mental health technician.

Many training programs include clinical hours or internships in healthcare facilities, and entry-level roles or volunteer work in mental health settings can also help build experience and confidence.

The goal of this is to teach you additional skills, but also to help you see if you’re comfortable in the space.

No matter how much education you receive about mental health, you may find that it’s very different when you’re actually working with people in a medical or residential setting.

Hands-on experience is designed to help you and your potential employer determine whether it’s the right fit, and can also give you valuable knowledge you can use to improve the support you offer to the people you assist.

Step 5 Obtain Certification (If Required or Preferred)

Certification isn’t always mandatory, but it can significantly improve employability in many cases.

Some states and employers require mental health technicians to hold specific credentials, while others will allow you to start working without those formal requirements.

Still, you may need to obtain certification within a specific period of time if you’re planning on continuing as an MHT.

Certifications demonstrate competency, professionalism, and commitment to the field, which helps employers know you’re serious about your career and understand all the basics of your employment.

That can make it easier to find another employer if you want to switch away from your current one, and can give you more confidence in getting hired.

Step 6 Apply for Entry-Level Positions

Once your education and training are complete, you can apply for positions in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment centers, correctional facilities, and outpatient clinics.

You should tailor your resume to highlight patient-care experience and mental health coursework for a higher chance of being hired.

Also, make sure you pay close attention to the companies you apply with, as finding the right fit isn’t just about whether the organization likes you.

It’s also about whether you like them, and whether they’re offering you reasonable compensation and a good working environment.

Step 7 Continue Professional Development

Mental health technicians who pursue ongoing education, certifications, or advanced degrees can expand their career options.

You may want to consider using this role as a stepping stone toward becoming a nurse, counselor, or social worker.

If that’s the case, you can work on your education during your downtime and continue developing your skills.

That could give you more options and opportunities later, and may also make it easier for you to move up in rank with your current employer if you like where you are.