How to Become a Mental Health Technician in Michigan

Wayne County Community College District serves students throughout the Detroit metropolitan area, with multiple campuses located in Detroit, Taylor, Downriver, Eastern, and Northwest.

The college is known for affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and strong workforce-focused programs.

Many students choose WCCCD because it offers small class sizes and accessible instructors who have real-world experience in healthcare and human services.

The school partners with local hospitals, behavioral health agencies, and community organizations across Wayne County.

This creates opportunities for internships and entry-level job placement in mental health, substance use treatment, and social services settings.

For students who plan to continue their education later, WCCCD credits often transfer to four-year universities within Michigan.

Courses Offered

While WCCCD does not always list a program specifically titled Mental Health Technician, students can enroll in programs such as Human Services or Behavioral Health-related associate degrees that prepare them for this career path.

The Associate of Applied Science in Human Services typically requires about 60 to 62 credit hours and takes about 2 years of full-time study to complete.

Coursework may include:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Human Growth and Development
• Crisis Intervention
• Counseling Techniques
• Case Management
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Ethics in Human Services

Many programs include a practicum or field experience component, often 120 to 160 supervised hours in a community agency.

This hands-on training is especially helpful for students planning to work as Mental Health Technicians in hospitals or residential treatment centers.

Program Cost

Tuition for in-district students is generally around 120 to 130 dollars per credit hour.

For a 60-credit associate degree, total tuition may range from approximately 7,200 to 8,000 dollars, not including books and fees.

Out-of-district tuition is higher and can exceed 200 dollars per credit hour.

Additional costs may include textbooks, which can total 800 to 1,200 dollars over the course of the program, background checks for internships, and liability insurance for field placements.

Financial aid, grants, and payment plans are available for eligible students.

Lansing Community College is one of the largest community colleges in Michigan and is located in the state capital.

LCC serves thousands of students each year and is known for career-oriented programs in healthcare, public service, and social sciences.

Because of its location in Lansing, students benefit from proximity to state agencies, community mental health organizations, and regional hospitals.

The college offers day, evening, and some online classes, making it convenient for working adults.

Courses Offered

Students preparing for Mental Health Technician roles often enroll in the Human Services associate degree or related certificate programs.

The associate degree usually requires about 60 credit hours and can be completed in approximately 4 semesters of full-time enrollment.

Typical coursework includes:

• Introduction to Human Services
• Developmental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Crisis Intervention Strategies
• Ethics and Professional Practice
• Family Systems
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Case Documentation and Reporting

The program typically includes a practicum experience ranging from 120 to 200 hours in a supervised setting.

Students gain experience working with clients facing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or developmental disabilities.

Program Cost

In district tuition at LCC is generally about 130 to 150 dollars per credit hour.

A 60-credit associate degree may cost between 7,800 and 9,000 dollars in tuition alone.

Out-of-district tuition rates are significantly higher.

Students should also budget for books and supplies, often totaling 1,000 to 1,500 dollars, as well as program-specific costs such as fingerprinting, background checks, and immunizations required for clinical placements.

Financial aid and state grants can reduce out-of-pocket costs for qualified students.

Macomb Community College is located in Macomb County and serves students in the northern Detroit suburbs.

It has a strong focus on workforce development and practical career preparation.

The college operates multiple campuses and offers modern facilities, advising services, and career placement support.

Macomb works closely with local hospitals, community mental health organizations, and nonprofit agencies.

This connection to employers is helpful for students seeking entry-level roles in behavioral health or psychiatric care.

Courses Offered

Students interested in becoming Mental Health Technicians often pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services or a related program.

The degree typically requires about 60 to 64 credit hours and takes 2 years of full-time study.

Courses may include:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Counseling Methods
• Human Behavior and Social Environment
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention
• Ethics in Human Services
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Community Mental Health Practices

The program usually includes a field internship or practicum of around 150 to 200 hours in a human services agency.

Students learn documentation skills, client observation techniques, and professional communication practices that are essential for Mental Health Technician roles.

Program Cost

In district tuition at Macomb Community College is typically around 120 to 140 dollars per credit hour.

For a 60-credit degree, tuition may range from approximately 7,200 to 8,400 dollars.

Out-of-district tuition rates can exceed 200 dollars per credit hour.

Additional costs may include textbooks, often totaling 1,000 dollars or more, student service fees, background checks, and clinical requirements such as TB testing and immunizations.

Financial aid programs and payment plans are available to help manage expenses.

Grand Rapids Community College serves students in western Michigan and has a strong reputation for healthcare and human services education.

The campus is located in downtown Grand Rapids and offers modern classroom facilities, simulation labs, and student support services, including tutoring and career counseling.

GRCC has strong ties with local healthcare systems and community mental health agencies in Kent County.

This makes it a practical choice for students who want hands-on experience and job placement support after graduation.

Courses Offered

Students interested in becoming Mental Health Technicians often enroll in the Human Services associate degree program.

This program generally requires about 60 to 61 credit hours and can be completed in 2 years of full-time study.

Common courses include:

• General Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Interviewing and Counseling Skills
• Group Dynamics
• Cultural Competence in Human Services
• Substance Use Disorders
• Community Resources and Referral
• Case Management Practices

The program includes a field practicum, often around 180 to 240 hours, where students work in supervised community settings such as residential treatment facilities or behavioral health clinics.

This real-world training builds confidence and strengthens resumes before graduation.

Program Cost

In district tuition at GRCC is typically around 120 to 140 dollars per credit hour.

For a 60-credit program, tuition may total between 7,200 and 8,400 dollars.

Out-of-district and out-of-state tuition rates are higher.

Students should also plan for additional expenses such as textbooks, which may cost 1,000 dollars or more over two years, technology fees, background checks for practicum placements, and transportation to field sites.

Financial aid, scholarships, and Michigan workforce grants may be available.