Mental Health Technicians support patients with mental illness, emotional disorders, and behavioral challenges in structured care settings.
In Delaware, demand continues to grow due to expanded behavioral health services, aging populations, and increased awareness of mental health needs.
This role is well-suited for people seeking hands-on healthcare experience with strong job stability and clear advancement pathways.
Go to Section:
- What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
- Education Requirements in Delaware
- Top Schools Offering Mental Health Technician Programs in Delaware
- #1 Delaware Technical Community College – Human Services Program
- #2 Dawn Career Institute – Healthcare Training
- #3 University of Delaware Connected Human Services Pathway
- Certification Options in Delaware
- Step by Step: How to Become a Mental Health Technician in Delaware
- How Long Does It Take in Delaware?
- Cost to Become a Mental Health Technician in Delaware
- Job Outlook in Delaware
- Salary for Mental Health Technicians in Delaware
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
Mental Health Technicians provide direct patient care under clinical supervision.
Daily duties include monitoring behavior, assisting with daily activities, documenting patient status, supporting treatment plans, and helping manage crises.
In Delaware, Mental Health Technicians commonly work in state psychiatric hospitals, behavioral health units, residential treatment centers, correctional facilities, and community mental health programs.
Mental Health Technicians focus on psychiatric care and emotional support.
Behavioral Health Technicians emphasize behavior modification and therapy support.
Psychiatric Technicians usually work in inpatient psychiatric settings and may require more formal training.
Education Requirements in Delaware
The minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED.
Many entry-level roles offer employer-based training.
Certificate programs or associate degrees in behavioral health, human services, or mental health technology improve employability.
Coursework typically includes psychology, crisis intervention, patient care techniques, ethics, and documentation.
Top Schools Offering Mental Health Technician Programs in Delaware
#1 Delaware Technical Community College – Human Services Program
About the School
Public community college with campuses in Dover, Georgetown, and Wilmington.
Offers associate degrees and certificates for entry-level human services and behavioral health roles.
Courses Offered
65-credit associate degree.
Core courses include Introduction to Human Services, Abnormal Psychology, Human Development, Counseling Techniques, and Group Communication.
Includes supervised practical experience.
Program Cost
In-state: approximately $14,000 total tuition and fees for four semesters.
Out-of-state: higher.
An additional $2,000–$3,000 for books and supplies.
Contact Information
- Address: 21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947.
- Phone: (302) 259-6364
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 Dawn Career Institute – Healthcare Training
About the School
Private vocational school in Newark. Provides hands-on healthcare training with career support.
No dedicated MHT certificate, but foundational skills for patient care are covered.
Courses Offered
Nursing Assistant: 140 hours, patient care basics.
Medical Assisting: 160 hours externship plus clinical skills.
Courses cover patient interaction, documentation, and basic healthcare skills.
Program Cost
Nursing Assistant: around $3,000.
Medical Assisting diploma: $15,000–$18,000, including books and fees.
Financial aid may be available.
Contact Information
- Address: 252 Chapman Road, Newark, DE 19702
- Phone: (302) 273-3560
- Website: Visit School Website
#3 University of Delaware Connected Human Services Pathway
About the School
Pathway program starting at Delaware Tech with transfer to the University of Delaware for a bachelor’s degree.
Prepares for advanced behavioral health or human services roles.
Courses Offered
Associate coursework: Introduction to Human Services, Ethics, Abnormal Psychology, Supervised Practice.
Upper-level courses: Clinical Services, Counseling Theory, Community Support Services.
Program Cost
Associate portion in-state: ~$14,000 tuition + $2,000 books.
Bachelor’s portion varies; financial aid and transfer scholarships are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 16 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19716
- Phone: (302) 831-2950
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| | #1 | Delaware Technical Community College – Human Services Program |
| | #2 | Dawn Career Institute – Healthcare Training |
| | #3 | University of Delaware Connected Human Services Pathway |
Certification Options in Delaware
Delaware does not mandate a state license for most Mental Health Technician roles.
Certification is employer-driven but strongly preferred.
National certifications require passing an exam and periodic renewal through continuing education.
| 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 | Delaware Division of Professional Regulation | Varies | Varies |
Step by Step: How to Become a Mental Health Technician in Delaware
- Meet basic eligibility requirements, including age and background screening.
- Complete a high school diploma, certificate program, or associate degree.
- Gain supervised clinical or on-the-job experience.
- Earn national certification if required or preferred.
- Apply for Mental Health Technician positions across Delaware healthcare facilities.
How Long Does It Take in Delaware?
- Certificate programs typically take six to twelve months.
- Associate degree paths take about two years.
- Employer-based training may take three to six months.
Cost to Become a Mental Health Technician in Delaware
- Certificate programs typically cost several thousand dollars, depending on length and clinical components.
- Associate degree programs cost more and include tuition, fees, and materials over two years.
- Certification exams and renewals require additional fees.
- Some Delaware employers reimburse training or certification costs.
Job Outlook in Delaware
Employment demand is strong in hospitals, residential treatment centers, and community mental health organizations.
Urban healthcare systems and state-funded facilities offer the highest concentration of roles.
Long-term outlook remains stable due to ongoing mental health workforce shortages.
Salary for Mental Health Technicians in Delaware
Entry-level roles earn less than experienced technicians.
Pay increases with experience, certification, work setting, and specialization.
Inpatient facilities and crisis-focused roles often offer higher compensation than outpatient settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need certification in Delaware?
Certification is not always required, but is often preferred by employers.
Can you enter without a college degree?
Yes, many roles accept a high school diploma plus training.
Is this a good entry-level healthcare career?
Yes, it provides direct patient experience and leads to nursing, counseling, and behavioral health careers.
What makes this role unique in Delaware?
Delaware emphasizes community-based care, crisis stabilization, and coordinated behavioral health services, giving technicians broad hands-on experience.
How long does it take overall?
Certificate programs take six to twelve months, associate degrees take about two years, and on-the-job training may take three to six months.
