Becoming a Mental Health Technician (MHT) in Kansas is a rewarding path for people passionate about helping others navigate mental and behavioral health challenges.
In this role, you’ll work directly with patients to support their daily well‑being and therapeutic needs, making a meaningful difference in local healthcare delivery.
Demand for qualified mental health professionals is growing in Kansas, with increasing opportunities in hospitals, clinics, community organizations, and residential care settings.
If you have empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills, a career as an MHT could be a great fit.
Go to Section:
- What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
- Education Requirements in Kansas
- Top Schools Offering Mental Health Technician Programs in Kansas
- #1 Wichita State University Licensed Mental Health Technician Program
- #2 WSU Tech Mental Health Technician Program
- #3 Osawatomie State Hospital Mental Health Technician Training
- #4 Camber Children’s Mental Health Licensed Mental Health Technician Program
- #5 Butler Community College Mental Health Technician Training
- #6 Barton Community College Mental Health Technician Program
- Certification Options in Kansas
- Step‑by‑Step: How to Become a Mental Health Technician in Kansas
- How Long Does It Take?
- Cost to Become a Mental Health Technician in Kansas
- Job Outlook in Kansas
- Salary for Mental Health Technicians in Kansas
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
Core Responsibilities
Mental Health Technicians provide hands‑on support to individuals with mental health conditions.
Typical daily duties include:
- Assisting patients with daily living activities and personal care.
- Monitoring behavior and emotional well‑being.
- Documenting observations and communicating changes to clinical staff.
- Supporting treatment plans under clinical supervision.
- Participating in group and recreational activities designed to promote wellness.
Common Work Settings in Kansas
MHTs commonly work in:
- Hospitals with psychiatric or behavioral health units.
- Residential treatment facilities.
- Community mental health centers.
- Intake and crisis stabilization centers.
Role Variations
In Kansas, Mental Health Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, and Psychiatric Technician roles are similar but can vary by setting and licensure requirements.
“Licensed Mental Health Technician” is a specific designation regulated by the state, whereas behavioral health or psychiatric technician titles may be used more broadly by employers.
Education Requirements in Kansas
Minimum Education
To pursue licensure as a licensed mental health technician (LMHT) in Kansas, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Formal Programs
Many students choose additional education to prepare for work and licensure:
- Certificate programs emphasize foundational skills in mental health care.
- Associate degrees may include broader coursework and clinical experience.
- Relevant coursework often includes psychology, human growth and development, behavioral sciences, patient care standards, and clinical communication.
Top Schools Offering Mental Health Technician Programs in Kansas
#1 Wichita State University Licensed Mental Health Technician Program
Wichita State University is a large public university with over 23,000 students.
The School of Nursing created the first Licensed Mental Health Technician pathway in Kansas.
All academic coursework is fully online, while clinical experiences are arranged through partnerships so students can train in their local regions.
Credits can be applied toward future health-related degrees if students continue their education.
Courses Offered
The program includes courses such as:
- General psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Psychology of aging
- Human growth and development
- Foundational human anatomy and physiology
- Fundamentals of nursing care
- Behavioral health care
- Multiple practicum experiences focusing on care for adults, children, and clients with mental health diagnoses
All didactic courses are online, and students must complete hands-on clinical practicum hours under supervision to meet state licensing requirements.
Program Cost
Tuition varies based on student status (in-state or out-of-state) and total credit hours.
Clinical placements may involve travel or lodging costs, depending on location.
Financial aid, scholarships, or transfer credits can reduce overall costs.
Contact Information
- Address: 1845 N. Fairmount, Wichita, KS
- Phone: 316-978-3304
- Website: Visit School Website
#2 WSU Tech Mental Health Technician Program
WSU Tech is a public technical college affiliated with Wichita State University.
It offers career-focused training in healthcare fields, including the Mental Health Technician program.
It serves both high school graduates and adult learners seeking new skills.
Courses Offered
Students have two main options:
- Technical Certificate in Mental Health Technician: 39 credit hours
- Associate of Applied Science degree: 60 credit hours
Core courses cover mental illness, technical health skills, pharmacology, psychiatric interventions, behavioral science, therapeutic communication, general psychology, and developmental psychology.
The associate degree adds nutrition principles, sociology, communication, and humanities electives.
Program Cost
- 39-credit certificate program: approximately $10,811
- 60-credit associate degree program: approximately $13,859
These costs do not include books, tools, or additional fees.
Financial aid may be available.
Contact Information
- Address: 3821 E. Harry, Wichita, KS 67218
- Phone: 316-677-9400
- Website: Visit School Website
#3 Osawatomie State Hospital Mental Health Technician Training
Osawatomie State Hospital is a longstanding psychiatric facility in Kansas, approved by the state nursing board for Mental Health Technician training.
The program emphasizes real clinical work with patients in a hospital setting.
Courses Offered
Training includes courses and clinical hours that meet Kansas State Board of Nursing expectations.
State regulations require at least 120 hours of didactic instruction and 180 hours of supervised clinical learning.
The curriculum focuses on psychiatric care, behavioral science, and hands-on practice.
Program Cost
Costs vary based on how classroom and clinical components are structured.
Students should contact the hospital for current tuition, material fees, and supervision costs.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 State Hospital Dr. Osawatomie, KS 66064
- Phone: (913) 755-7000
- Website: Visit School Website
#4 Camber Children’s Mental Health Licensed Mental Health Technician Program
Camber Children’s Mental Health in Hays provides behavioral health services and is approved for LMHT training.
Students gain experience working with child and adolescent populations in residential and clinical settings.
Courses Offered
Courses focus on child and adolescent development, crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, and behavioral health practices for youth.
Students complete supervised clinical hours alongside structured coursework.
Program Cost
Costs vary depending on whether students enroll through a college partner or directly through Camber.
Expenses may include tuition, clinical supervision fees, books, and assessments.
Contact Information
- Address: 4300 Brenner Dr. Kansas City, KS 66104
- Phone: (913) 890-7468
- Website: Visit School Website
#5 Butler Community College Mental Health Technician Training
Butler Community College offers workforce-oriented training to prepare students for mental health support roles.
The Mental Health Technician Professional program provides classroom and practical instruction.
Courses Offered
The program includes approximately 615 instructional hours covering mental health foundations, treatment approaches, psychological and behavioral conditions, support strategies, and clinical best practices.
Classes may be offered during daytime, evening, or weekend schedules.
Program Cost
Total in-state cost: approximately $3,875, which includes a registration fee of about $3,670 and testing or exam fees of $205.
Financial aid may be available.
Contact Information
- Address: 901 S. Haverhill Road, El Dorado, Kansas 67042
- Phone: (316) 321-2222
- Website: Visit School Website
#6 Barton Community College Mental Health Technician Program
Barton Community College has offered a 45-credit-hour Mental Health Technician program in partnership with a psychiatric hospital.
The program combines classroom learning with clinical experience and prepares students for the state licensing exam.
Courses Offered
The program includes 45 total credit hours: 20 general education credits and 25 technical mental health credits covering patient observation, daily living assistance, behavioral assessment, and professional communication.
Clinical training occurs at the partner hospital.
Program Cost
Program cost is based on tuition per credit hour multiplied by 45 credits, plus standard fees and textbooks.
Exact numbers vary each academic year.
Contact Information
- Address: 245 NE 30 RD, Great Bend, KS 67530
- Phone: (620) 792-9214
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Certification Options in Kansas
National Certifications
Many employers value nationally recognized credentials, such as:
- Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) – offered by national organizations and requiring an exam.
- Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) – available through credentialing bodies like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
| Certification | Provider | Exam Required | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMHT | National Association of Mental Health Technicians | Yes | 2 years |
| BHT | NHA | Yes | 2 years |
| State MHT License (LMHT) | Kansas State Board of Nursing | Yes | Varies |
State Licensure
In Kansas, the title Licensed Mental Health Technician (LMHT) is regulated.
To earn this license, you must complete an approved mental health technology course, pass a written exam prescribed by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, and meet other qualifications outlined by state law.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Become a Mental Health Technician in Kansas
- Meet Basic Eligibility – Be at least a high school graduate level and pass background checks.
- Complete Education/Training – Enroll in an approved MHT program or relevant certificate/degree.
- Gain Clinical Experience – Participate in supervised clinical hours as required by your program.
- Pass Certification or Exam – Take national credential exams or the Kansas licensure exam, where applicable.
- Apply for State Licensure – Submit application and documentation to the Kansas State Board of Nursing for LMHT.
- Apply for Jobs – Seek positions in hospitals, clinics, or care facilities across Kansas.
How Long Does It Take?
The time to become an MHT depends on your pathway:
- Fast‑track: Certificate programs with clinical components can take around 6 months.
- Typical path: Completing a certificate or associate degree plus supervised experience often takes 1–2 years.
Cost to Become a Mental Health Technician in Kansas
Costs vary by program type and institution.
Certificate programs typically have lower tuition than associate degrees but may still include textbook, lab, and clinical placement fees.
Financial aid, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement options may be available through employers or state programs.
Job Outlook in Kansas
Mental health technician roles are expected to grow as healthcare systems expand behavioral health services.
Hospitals, community mental health centers, and treatment facilities across Kansas are seeking qualified support staff, especially in urban and rural areas alike.
Salary for Mental Health Technicians in Kansas
Pay for MHTs varies based on experience, setting, and location within the state.
Entry‑level technicians may start at lower pay scales, while experienced professionals or those with licenses or certifications may command higher compensation.
Factors that influence pay include employer type, geographic region, and credential attainment.
Average Salary of Mental Health Technicians in Kansas
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$32K | |
$38K | |
$46K |
Kansas Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS | 90 | $41,840 | $20.12 | $50,410 | $35,580 |
| Wichita, KS | 200 | $36,770 | $17.68 | $39,770 | $32,560 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an MHT and a psychiatric technician?
While the names are often used interchangeably, a psychiatric technician may work specifically in psychiatric units and sometimes requires a different certification depending on the state or employer.
Can I become an MHT without college?
You can start with a high school diploma and pursue on‑the‑job training, but completing a formal program improves job prospects and is required for state licensure.
Is certification required to work in mental health care?
Certification is not always mandatory for all employers, but national credentials like CMHT or BHT enhance your qualifications and mobility across settings.
Does clinical experience matter?
Yes, supervised clinical experience helps build essential skills and is often required for licensure and preferred by employers.
Do I need a license to work as an MHT in Kansas?
Yes, to use the title LMHT, you must be licensed through the Kansas State Board of Nursing; however, some entry‑level jobs use different titles and may not require state licensure.
