High School

The minimum requirement to work as a behavioral health technician is a high school diploma, although a certificate, associates degree, or bachelors degree may be required by some employers. Courses that will provide a solid foundation for future work in this profession include psychology and sociology. English classes are helpful for honing written and verbal communication skills, and biology and health classes are also important.

Postsecondary Training

Some behavioral health technicians have an associates degree in mental health technology. Those who work for hospitals may be required to have a bachelors degree. Course work covers topics such as psychology, basic social science, human development, personality structure, mental illness, substance abuse, and crisis intervention. Other classes may include physiology, anatomy, biology, basic nursing, and medical science. Technician students in either associates or bachelors degree programs may also participate in internships while in school, receiving training and instruction in mental health care facilities.

Certification

Colleges and universities, mental health organizations and care providers, and other entities offer certificate programs in behavioral health and related topics that help students and current technicians build their skills. For example, Mental Health America of Los Angeles and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center offer a Wellness and Behavioral Health Specialist Certificate Program, a free six-week program for those who want to work as a behavioral health specialist in the healthcare or mental health fields. According to the programs web page, this learning opportunity "provides education and training on an integrated model of wellness incorporating mental and physical health models of client care." Visit https://www.mhala.org/training-and-education/wellness-behavioral-health-specialist-certification for more information.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities are provided by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and state-level organizations such as the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification is not required by most states but can improve behavioral health technicians skills and give them an edge in the job market. Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, and Washington require psychiatric technicians, including behavioral health technicians, to be certified. Regardless of whether required or not, certification can help technicians to hone their skills, improve their knowledge, and advance in their career. Technicians who pass the certification program offered by the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) are awarded the designation Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician, which may in some instances improve their salaries and the opportunities for promotions in their field. Visit the AAPTs Web site (https://psychtechs.org) for certification information. The American Correctional Association offers certification to behavioral health technicians who work in corrections. Visit https://www.aca.org for more information.

Behavioral health technicians gain experience by volunteering, interning, or working part-time in mental health organizations and centers.

This type of work requires strong communication and listening skills. Each patient is different, with unique personality, interests, and needs. Technicians must be patient, have good listening skills, and be sensitive to other people. They must be careful in the words they choose and the actions they take when working with people in order to best help them. They must also stay alert and observant of their clients actions and behaviors. Not all people will be able to verbalize how they are feeling or why they are behaving the way they are, so technicians must pay close attention and stay calm and resilient. In addition to mental stamina, physical stamina is also called upon in this job. Behavioral health technicians may spend much of the work day on their feet, so physical fitness is helpful. The ability to collaborate with others, such as the medical and mental health staff, is also essential. Strong organizational and time-management skills are needed for administrative tasks.