Behavioral Health Technician Training

Behavioral health or mental health technicians provide a variety of therapeutic services for clients with mental illnesses. According to data from Payscale listed in a 2010 Education Portal article, "Mental Health Technician Career Info and Education Requirements," behavioral technicians can earn, on average, $30,000 per year. To be successful, technicians must receive proper training.

Coursework

• Behavioral technicians must have diverse training in a variety of mental health areas. Technicians have to take courses in substance abuse (e.g., dual diagnosis treatment), mental health technology and psychology. Workers must also receive training in crisis management and pharmacology.

Experience

• Behavioral technicians often learn clinical skills by training on the job. Technicians develop skills working in psychiatric hospitals by providing nursing care for patients with serious mental illnesses. Additionally, workers learn on the job by providing support services to nurses and other mental health professionals by developing treatment plans and helping patients participate in daily group activities.

Specialization

• To advance in the behavioral health field, behavioral technicians should consider training at a four-year college in disciplines such as social work or psychology. In some states, an individual with three to four years experience and a high school diploma can find work in this industry. However, states like California require certification through organizations such as the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians (CAPT).