Mental Health Technicians (MHTs) are essential frontline professionals who provide direct care and support to individuals experiencing mental illness, emotional distress, or behavioral challenges.
In California, the need for skilled mental health professionals is growing rapidly due to rising awareness of mental health issues and increasing demand for supportive services.
A career as a Mental Health Technician in California can be highly rewarding for those interested in patient care, behavioral monitoring, and crisis intervention.
This role not only impacts individual patients but also strengthens local healthcare systems and community well-being.
Go to Section:
- What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
- Education Requirements in California
- Top Schools Offering Mental Health Technician Programs in California
- #1 Santa Rosa Junior College
- #2 City College of San Francisco
- #3 Grossmont College
- #4 San Joaquin Valley College
- #5 Alliant International University
- Certification Options in California
- Step-by-Step: How to Become a Mental Health Technician in California
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Mental Health Technician in California?
- Cost to Become a Mental Health Technician in California
- Job Outlook for Mental Health Technicians in California
- Salary for Mental Health Technicians in California
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
Mental Health Technicians provide daily support to patients in hospitals, residential treatment centers, and community mental health facilities.
Their responsibilities often include:
- Providing direct patient care, such as assisting with daily activities and hygiene
- Monitoring patient behavior and documenting observations
- Supporting treatment plans under the supervision of nurses, psychologists, or psychiatrists
- Participating in group therapy or recreational activities
In California, MHTs may work in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, outpatient clinics, or specialized residential programs.
While similar to Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) and Psychiatric Technicians, MHTs focus more on general mental health support rather than specialized psychiatric care or medical interventions.
Education Requirements in California
To become a Mental Health Technician in California, candidates must meet the following educational criteria:
- Minimum education: High school diploma or GED
- Optional: Certificate programs or an associate degree in behavioral health, psychology, or human services
- Relevant coursework: Psychology, anatomy, patient care, behavioral health, and crisis management
California offers multiple pathways to gain the education needed for this career, including online and in-person programs.
Top Schools Offering Mental Health Technician Programs in California
#1 Santa Rosa Junior College
About the School
Santa Rosa Junior College has a strong reputation for healthcare and behavioral health programs.
Located in Sonoma County, it serves a large student population with flexible scheduling, including evening and online options for working adults.
The college emphasizes hands-on training, giving students practical experience alongside classroom learning.
Courses Offered
The certificate program in Psychiatric Technician and Behavioral Health includes courses in human development, psychology, medical terminology, patient care techniques, and mental health interventions.
Students also complete clinical practicums in hospitals or residential treatment facilities, totaling about 180 supervised hours.
Program Cost
Tuition for California residents is approximately $46 per credit hour.
The certificate requires 30 credits, bringing tuition to around $1,380.
Additional costs include books, uniforms, and clinical supplies, which can total about $600.
Contact Information
- Address: 1501 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States
- Phone: +1 707-527-4011
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 City College of San Francisco
About the School
City College of San Francisco offers a range of mental health programs designed to prepare students for frontline roles in healthcare.
The college has multiple campuses and a robust online course system.
CCSF is known for smaller class sizes and strong connections with local hospitals and community mental health centers.
Courses Offered
Students can enroll in an associate degree in Mental Health Support or a certificate program.
Courses include psychology, human anatomy, behavioral health, crisis intervention, and ethics in healthcare.
Clinical practice involves 200 hours in local psychiatric facilities under supervision.
Program Cost
Tuition is about $46 per credit for California residents.
The associate degree requires 60 credits, totaling approximately $2,760.
Certificate programs cost around $1,380 for 30 credits.
Additional fees for lab equipment, clinical uniforms, and textbooks may be $500 to $700.
Contact Information
- Address: 50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112, United States
- Phone: +1 415-239-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
#3 Grossmont College
About the School
Located in El Cajon, Grossmont College has a strong focus on health sciences and allied health programs.
Its Behavioral Health Technician certificate program is designed for students seeking quick entry into the mental health workforce, with a mix of classroom and clinical learning.
Courses Offered
The program covers patient care techniques, psychology, crisis intervention, medical terminology, and professional ethics.
Students complete approximately 150 clinical hours in psychiatric hospitals or residential treatment centers.
The program also includes communication skills and behavioral documentation training.
Program Cost
California resident tuition is approximately $46 per credit.
The certificate program requires 32 credits, totaling around $1,472.
Students should also budget about $400 for books, uniforms, and clinical supplies.
Contact Information
- Address: 8800 Grossmont College Dr., El Cajon, CA 92020,
- Phone: (619) 644-7000
- Website: Visit School Website
#4 San Joaquin Valley College
About the School
San Joaquin Valley College has campuses across California and specializes in healthcare programs.
The Psychiatric Technician program provides hands-on experience and prepares students for immediate employment.
SJVC emphasizes smaller class sizes and one-on-one support from instructors.
Courses Offered
The program includes courses in behavioral health, anatomy and physiology, patient care, mental health assessment, and crisis management.
Students complete over 200 hours of clinical training in psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities.
Program Cost
Tuition for the certificate program is around $15,000, which includes tuition, lab fees, and clinical practice.
Students may also need to budget $500 to $700 for books, uniforms, and testing fees.
The program generally takes 12 to 15 months to complete.
Contact Information
- Address: 295 E Sierra Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, United States
- Phone: +1 559-448-8282
- Website: Visit School Website
#5 Alliant International University
About the School
Alliant International University offers graduate and undergraduate programs focused on psychology, counseling, and behavioral health.
Its mental health support courses provide students with the foundational skills needed for MHT and BHT roles, emphasizing ethical practice and real-world application.
Courses Offered
Courses include behavioral health fundamentals, human development, crisis intervention, mental health documentation, and therapeutic communication.
Students gain clinical experience through placements in hospitals, community clinics, or residential programs.
The program typically includes 100 to 150 practical hours.
Program Cost
Tuition varies by program, with courses averaging $600 per credit.
A typical certificate requiring 20 credits costs about $12,000.
Students should also consider costs for textbooks, background checks, and uniforms, totaling around $500 to $800.
Program length is generally 6 to 12 months.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 S Fremont Ave Building A7, Alhambra, CA 91803, United States
- Phone: +1 866-825-5426
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| | #1 | Santa Rosa Junior College |
| | #2 | City College of San Francisco |
| | #3 | Grossmont College |
| | #4 | San Joaquin Valley College |
| | #5 | Alliant International University |
Certification Options in California
While California does not require a state-specific MHT license, many employers prefer or require certification.
Nationally recognized certifications include the Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) and the Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) credentials.
| Certification | Provider | Exam Required | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMHT | National Association of Mental Health Technicians | Yes | 2 years |
| Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) | NHA | Yes | 2 years |
| State MHT License | California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians | Varies | Varies |
Certification demonstrates competence, improves job prospects, and may lead to higher pay.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Mental Health Technician in California
- Meet eligibility requirements – Typically, you must be at least 18 and pass a background check.
- Complete required education/training – High school diploma, plus certificate or associate degree programs.
- Gain supervised clinical experience – Many programs include hands-on clinical hours.
- Pass certification exams – Optional but highly recommended for career advancement.
- Apply for state licensure/registration – If pursuing a psychiatric technician route.
- Apply for jobs in California – Hospitals, residential facilities, outpatient clinics, or community mental health centers.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Mental Health Technician in California?
- Fast-track: About 6 months with a certificate program plus clinical hours
- Typical path: 1–2 years with an associate degree or certificate plus experience
- On-the-job training: Some positions provide training lasting 3–6 months
Cost to Become a Mental Health Technician in California
- Certificate programs typically range from $3,000 to $7,000
- Associate degrees in behavioral health or related fields range from $6,000 to $15,000 at community colleges
- Additional costs may include books, clinical uniforms, and certification exam fees
Job Outlook for Mental Health Technicians in California
Mental Health Technicians are in growing demand across hospitals, residential care facilities, and community mental health programs.
Regions with large populations, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, have higher demand.
Long-term career stability is strong, with opportunities to advance into psychiatric technician, nursing, or social work roles.
Salary for Mental Health Technicians in California
Salaries vary based on experience, location, and certification status.
Entry-level positions may offer lower pay, while certified or experienced MHTs in urban areas or specialized facilities can expect higher compensation.
Factors such as facility type and additional credentials also influence earning potential.
Average Salary of Mental Health Technicians in California
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$41K | |
$61K | |
$91K |
California Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Centro, CA | 40 | $55,960 | $26.90 | $87,850 | $36,950 |
| Fresno, CA | 440 | $64,600 | $31.06 | $79,920 | $38,370 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 2,590 | $55,780 | $26.82 | $81,090 | $39,380 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 880 | $64,450 | $30.99 | $87,850 | $39,500 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 670 | $56,630 | $27.23 | $87,850 | $44,360 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 440 | $58,410 | $28.08 | $84,710 | $39,290 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 750 | $72,610 | $34.91 | $99,290 | $49,090 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 170 | $66,040 | $31.75 | $97,480 | $47,450 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 50 | $70,330 | $33.81 | $83,610 | $44,510 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 60 | $71,050 | $34.16 | $90,010 | $44,150 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 370 | $83,530 | $40.16 | $101,030 | $49,110 |
| Vallejo, CA | 210 | $76,690 | $36.87 | $99,110 | $45,990 |
| Visalia, CA | 260 | $72,090 | $34.66 | $96,580 | $47,380 |
| Yuba City, CA | 150 | $45,630 | $21.94 | $75,600 | $37,660 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need certification to be a Mental Health Technician in California?
Depends on the employer; certification is often preferred and can improve job prospects.
Can you become a Mental Health Technician without a college degree?
Yes, many entry-level positions accept a high school diploma plus training or clinical experience.
How long does it take to become a Mental Health Technician in California?
Certificate path: ~6–12 months; Associate degree path: ~2 years; on-the-job training: 3–6 months.
What is special about this role in California?
California focuses on mental health care, behavioral monitoring, and crisis intervention, making MHTs vital in diverse healthcare settings.
Is this a good entry-level healthcare career?
Yes, it is an excellent pathway into mental health, nursing, and behavioral healthcare careers.
