What is a Mental Health Technician? | Andrew Cipriano 

I’m the criminal evaluation intake units, u will see all that, the chair, hood, jacket, rapid tranq (RT). But what saved me a many of times is the tone of voice, & my well regarded bedside manner. I always remember, our residents are people too. (:

I’ve been an MHT for a year now and thank you for making this video! So accurate. Tough job but can be very rewarding.

I am so glad I found this video!! This is the field that I’m going to be studying for !

Bro, I'm so thankful for this video! I am applying to be a the h and this helped a bunch. Love it! Love it! All the best to you on your journey

Thank you for this! I have an interview coming up that I am very much looking forward to. I appreciate the truthfulness and knowledge shared throughout this video!

You’re awesome. I started as PCS in the Ca state CCCMS. It’s a learning experience like you can’t imagine

Thank you for your information and I appreciate your open and honest opinions.

Thank you for making this video . I’m almost done with my associate in psychology and I was thinking about applying for this job once I’m done .

Hi Andrew, Thank you for this video. It is not only informative for future providers but also for potential patients. (I've been challenged with depression and anxiety so this helps me to understand what would happen if I was admitted.)

This is a huge help.. I just got my forest job as a MHT and didn’t really know what it was. But I am in nursing school and wanted to get a foot in.. with something medical wise and flexible as PRN

Thank you for this video. I too am 25 and a psychology undergrad student. Going for an interview on Monday for this position at a rehab. I’m thinking it’s going to be a good stepping off point for my career.

Thank you for posting the video it's interesting to watch. These places are absolutely crazy. I am currently stuck in the system as a mental health patient because I 'think'/know I'm God and that I know everything and I'm everywhere etc whilst actually I am incredibly stupid and started inventing my own reality when I became conscious at 3 years old because of an experience I had. Most people behind my back say I am a certain criminal and the doctors tell lies about me to each other (on paper and on permanent record to the government) so as to torture or control me. A number of the staff at the hospital visibly shook when interacting with me and a couple called me a rapist and a few called me a murderer (all secretively whilst I was in unknown earshot) It is definitely hell in the units for me but seemingly not for the other patients who bullied me and/or left me to my delusions. The only thing I could think of that could improve these places is if they were to do brain scans to actually see what is happening in the brain instead of just 'zombifying' people / only helping the patients who the staff and other patients actually like on an existential level. I asked for a brain scan for fifteen years and I only just got one because I smashed my head on the ground, turns out I have a small parietal lobe indicating dementia, schizophrenia, and/or severe substance addiction. The most important thing is to identify what happiness is by looking at brain scans and looking at lifestyles and then try and replicate that in other people (replicate brain activity and lifestyle). Logically that is the only way to actually solve mental health problems unless it is minor/non-existent and so can be cured with psychotherapy/cbt, 'mindfulness'/behavioural modifcation, medication etc. Some people come out the other side of mental health 'treatment' and sing it's praises all day long but at the end of the day there is no way the mental health people can help unless either a)you were never sick and were consciously or unconsciously putting it on or b) You are smart enough to outsmart all the people in there by coming across in a particular way to escape their law enforced 'treatments' whilst they diagnose you incorrectly on purpose whilst misleading the naive onlookers (staff, patients, public, media etc) as to their intentions. It was only whilst in hospital I realized they are following me online and in person By their existence (the mental health systems) they are saying one or more of three things: 'we know what a good life is and how to replicate that' or just 'we are here to make it look like we are somehow helping out society or it's 'mentally ill'' or 'we are also here to punish people who have the 'wrong' type of brain damage/inflexibilities'. The fact I have been asking for a brain scan for fifteen years without any luck, was locked up against my will in hospital for over a year, only got a brain scan from physical trauma, then the doctors ignore the reduced volume in the parietal lobe on the brain scan despite (or perhaps because of) it's implications, to me means these people are only really there to serve their own interests and the interests of the people they deem acceptable/benign to society, or to serve the wants/needs of society as a whole, and so they feel like they've done a good job / to control people's behaviour temporarily (or permenantly) whilst sending them to Hell. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. They can't make an omlette without breaking some heads

I have been working as a MHT for 8 months. I can confirm that this is a very accurate video.

Andrew, thank you so much for posting this video. I absolutely loved the introduction into this field. It was very helpful.

Wow! Thank you so much Andrew! I have been on the fence about getting in psychology even though it feels like it’s calling my name. A few weeks ago, I thought of shadowing a psychologist to get a feel for the industry but this sounds a lot better. Thank you so much!

New sub to RU-vid and your Podcast! Andrew, I appreciate your sincerity to help our world in a nurturing way. I'm 43yrs old and currently on a career shift now to do the same. All the business models are shaping up nicely for full fruition in the next 10-years. I just know I need hands-on learning of the experiences from entry level perspective to ensure I'm building something that all key stakeholders have a voice in. I am looking forward to watching and listening in on your journey! ~One Love~

I would love to get more psych book recommendations! Great book

Thank you for sharing this! I’ve worked in memory care facilities as well as special needs camps for people of all ages that are on the spectrum. I have an interview Tuesday as a mental health technician and I’m so nervous! I’ve wanted to do something with psychology for years but instead i was going for nursing and now i just decided to go for it, I’ve heard psychology is hard to get into but i just love it. I personally struggle with depression and anxiety but this past year i have grown so much and learned so much about myself and I really hope i get this job in order to help others as well!

It’s hard work, but very rewarding.

I'm actually going the nursing route, with a goal of being pmhnp, but this was still very informational.

Thank you for your advice

Starting this job soon, so helpful!! So nervous but this helps.

So glad I came across your channel I am thinking to do this. And your so funny lol 😂 😂😂😂🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I am a CNA but ready to do something else. Thank you I’m just so scared because I don’t want to get beat up I hope they show me the way to protect myself I don’t wanna do it the street way lol 🤷‍♀️

Thank you so much for this video. 💗 I'm extremely grateful for your video. It has helped prepare me to start my job as a mental health assistant. I have a degree in Psychology but want to further my education so I can do what I really want. I'm so passionate about this and want a permanent career in mental health. I can't afford to get back into school yet but taking a course this year. I'll be a Supplemental employee meaning working with pediatrics to geriatrics. So I'll be all over the place and will receive benefits as well for 24+ hrs a week. Pretty cool. Again thanks and I hope to see more videos from u.

Hey Andrew! It’s Dom, so it’s funny because when I first searched mht all that showed up was RBT. So I thought they were similar enough to do the same roles, so I enrolled into an RBT class to become certified. A few weeks in I decided to look up the reviews and it was kinda scary to see. So then I went back to do a more thorough search and found the correct one! I had an interview yesterday that I wanted to skip out on because of excuses but when I went it was definitely worth it. They called me back the same day but idk I missed the call so now lll call them this week. Let’s see how it goes!

Thank you so much for all the information. This helped me make up my mind. I am a licensed CNA and had a job for a bit, but I couldn’t take it. It was physically demanding. I can see this relatable to CNA because some of the residents weren’t functional. Mostly vicious lol! Thank you again!

Keep working bro! Great content 💪🏾

Hi, great vid. I am an army veteran with severe mental illnesses. I'm friendly n compassionate Christian. I. Interested in studying mental health. If I get bachelor of psychology degree, I might be mental health tech. At veterans hospital. I have physical difficulties with walker. I'm 44 n still trying reach my stars n start a career. I'm on social security disability, veterans compensation, used to be homeless army veteran, forced to take 1 plea deal for minor misdeamenor. I tried art collage then the army. I have learning disabilities but enjoy learning. A friend dad is psychologist needing psychiatrist. I wish to eventually become a psychologist if veterans affairs pays my education. Have great day n thanksgiving.

thanks so much! this was super helpful, i know i want a career in psych, i just needed some guidance. question: is there a huge difference between a pcs and behavior health tech?

Thank you for this.

I’m considering applying for this position under the state, very helpful vid 👍🏽

Oh wow I’m so embarrassed I didn’t know they weren’t called ‘wards’ anymore😅 but that makes sense given the history. Thank you for this video❤️

Thank you for this. I’m a BHT/PCT and I’m working on Nursing. I am in a crisis and Inpatient ward and my experience is a little different. We do a lot of restraining and B52 shots. I lay hands on patients every day and fight them. You need to ask for a raise I make $21 and get a $150 bonus to pick up any shift over 3 shifts.

I got a as a tech at a state institute which from I understand is a major one in the USA- it dates back from the 1800s. I’ve just heard back after 2 months of submitting the application- I go in for testing later today and just trying to get back into the groove :)

Thank you Andrew for this video! Very helpful. I have an interview at a mental health treatment center tomorrow.I currently work in an Assisted living facility, and have been told I have a lot of patience. I’m ready to evolve out of my normal setting and try something new. I feel like I have been guided to this position. Look forward to more content on being a mental health tech.

Very helpful. Thank you.

I’m a mental health technician as well and I love it

Great video, keep it up!

Thank you for this video! I'm a third-year psychology major getting my bachelor's!!! I had my first interview today to become a mental health technician... fingers crossed!

The $15 hourly rate is crazy, I’m sure it varies by state but I just got offered a position for MHT at a new facility and they started me off at $25

Super helpful!

Is there a difference between a MHT and a MHRT? and if so, can you PLEASE explain.

Andrew! Thank you so much for making this video. This is where I want to start after retiring from the military and every bit of information is appreciated. For those currently in the field, can you recommend a resource or resources to study for the AAPT exam? Thank you in advance and I am excited to become part of the team.

This is along the lines of what I’m trying to do. I got a CNA 1, crisis intervention and de-escalation training, and completed a medication administration course. Moreover CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens training. I understand Traumatic Brain injuries, and have completed coursework in Psychology. Pretty close to having a BS in Psychology. I’m HIPAA Mental Health and Security compliant, and wanting to obtain further training in the Mental Health Tech field including: Addiction Studies, Counseling and Interviewing, and Pharmacology and Psychoactive Drugs, ect. Is there advancement in this job opportunity?

I have an interview coming up for a Behavioral Health Technician (same thing just different title). Your video was extremely helpful. I think a video about your interview would also be helpful!

I live in Florida I see some starting off at 20-24 dollars hours or 15$ but iam looking into schooling for mental health tech

Great video but goodness do a little review on how often you say literally

Been a tech for 2 years. It’s fun. Love it. Love my patients. But goddamn can it get hardcore in there lmao.

Hi, i get my bachelors degree in Psychology in june, and i’m wondering, can i apply to these kind of jobs as Mental Health Technician without any certification? thank you :)

Hi Andrew i have a question as international student in USA doing bachelor's in Psychology, how much chances for international student to attain a job as mental health technician or PCS after graduation?

Can you tell me a little bit more about what you do as a MHT

I got offered a job position in this field..very curious if I should switch to this from a a senior care

Love the video! I’m in undergrad for psych and would love to try this position! Do I have to have my Bachelor’s or do hospitals accept undergrad psych students? Also: I have had a 5 day experience as a patient in a hospital… does that impact my chances? I feel like I would be a great candidate considering I’ve seen what can go on as a patient!

What kind of degrees or certificates did you need to have to apply?

It says it pays up to $5,000 per month in my area as a trainee. Is that possible?

I wonder if this is the same as a Secure Care Treatment Aide, I just just got a call for this.

Thank you

Can you Teach me what Mandy training - movement you can save mental health worker like me.

I’m starting my internship soon and going to school my anxiety is over the top!

Do you need a degrees or certificate to do this job ? I’m interested but I only have hight school diploma and some college with really different major

Where did you do your hours/ get certified? I'm looking at programs and one specifically costs 3,500 does that sound right? I'm a college student too so I cannot afford that right now

$15 an hour these days is probably what some fast food and Walmart workers are earning. However the reason I'm interested in this path is because I heard you can make some serious money as a traveling mental health technician. The room and board stipend they give you is tax-free and I heard of one girl grabbing a bunch of overtime and bringing in $1,900 a week! Whatever you don't spend on room and board you get to pocket. Have you heard anything about being a traveling Mental Health tech?

Thanks for an informative video. Can you give advice on the questions they gave you on the interview? I’m a psychology major my last year and like you said I need experience so I’m applying for these types of positions. Thanks 🙏🏻 I would appreciate any interview questions you can provide us with? Or do a video on that topic?

Do you have to be on your feet all the time?

Hi Andrew do you think its a red flag if a facility offers you an interview and you don’t have a degree in the med field and the pay is $13.50, and expect you to work 12 hours a day ? The position is called Behavioral Health Associate

Did you get a certificate before applying?

Where did u go to get your degree?

thanks for the vid I'm ready for next week now lmao

Hey is there anyway to contact you , I have a couple of questions.

STA's for the state can make decent money in time. My position is one of the highest paid positions for the state that doesn't require any degree AT ALL. With OT many tech make over 100k a year after "stepping out". What kind of people with no degree do we need? We're you sexualy abused as a child and somehow figured out how to channel that trauma into motivation to never let that happen to those you care about? We need you. We're you raised by parents who motivated through fear? Did they punish you by withholding love or insulting your failures even when it was obvious your talents lay elsewhere? Did you grow into a person who knows how damaging that can be and swear you'll never allow anyone to do it to those you love? We need you. Have you been strung out on meth or crack and made a whole bunch of bad decisions? Have you ever been unwelcome at your parents house? Have you ever stolen you grandma's pills because you couldn't score? Do you know how it feels to be that low? To know you getting high is more important to you than your grandma laying in pain because you stole all her codeine? Do you also know how amazing it feels to put that monkey down and never go back? To cut your grandma's grass for free and bring her strawberries for no reason and not even wondering if her scripts are full? Do you know how good? ( REAL fucking good 👍) We need you. Have you ever considered suicide? Have you ever messed your life up SO BAD you just KNEW everyone else would be better off if you just disappeared? Did something (like the love of a spouse or parent) stop you from making a terrible mistake and now years later you've come to know a life that was only a dream before? We need you most of all.

I'm a Security Therapy Aid (Forensic MHT) working for Illinois State and we have similar procedures. We need more thinking people (like yourself) in our field. Too many Tech's seem to "wind up" here instead of seeking it out. A passion for psychology and or successful parenting in their pasts would be a huge plus, but of course most are here for the money. Lots and lots of Meth tweakers and kid killers wind up here, but the most challenging BY FAR is the SIB patients. The general public has absolutely no clue what a despondent person is capable of doing to themselves when they come out of psychosis to realize they've killed their mom, baby or both.... No idea. My unit is the only maximum security facility for women in Illinois. We see some shit.

What do you do for people that have sencifranick

Can you talk about the application process before you got to interviewing?

I started out as a drug cslr❤️ then switched to psychiatric Social Worker 😔. I start my new job as a MHT on the 11th. Now I'm a tough ex army girl and I'm kinda scared. Everytime I tell ppl where I'm working they give me the "your sure" look l....like not that place. I just don't wanna get hit. I too have mental health issues so I understand but depending on the situation there might not be enough training to prevent me from👊🏾👊🏾

I’m trying so hard to get a position like this while I’m still in school as a psych major. Do you need a certificate of some sort to be considered for this kind of job or did you just apply without one?

Can you apply for this kind of job with just a high school diploma or do you need further schooling?

I'll start in a month as MHT and I'm afraid. I'm actually an Interior Designer and I love to read about psychology and how the space around us can affect us. I decided to start on this new job to see if I this is what I really want and how would be to work with those people. I'm in NH and this position is second shift, and I'll have to work weekends and holidays. Anyways, what I want to know is based on your experience do you think I would be able to absorver anything as far as interior design and the pacientes? How much are you able to communicate with those people?

I start soon. Do you help them use the bathroom? That’s the only part that makes me nervous. I don’t want feces thrown on me.

Mandy training I meant

Is there documentation for the 15 minute checks

Hey Andrew I have a question . Where do you see yourself in 5years in the mental health field?

Is “ Mental Health Technician “ and “ Mental Health Therapy Aid “ the same thing?

What state do you work in? I’m in WA state and curious about the payrate. I have an interview on Monday to be a MHT but I’m not even sure how much they get paid lol

Is mental health tech the same as a behavioral health tech?

so being a barista part time or MHT full time 3-11pm shift?

is the program hard?

See I have an interview tomorrow and if they say I have to get vaccines I'm definitely not doing it. That sucks :-( :-( I definitely don't agree that they have to inject them with medicine.

Do you have to get vaccines??

15 bucks an hour? Screw that.

I'm wondering if you are working where I will be working? I'm MI.

Any groups?

Would you be interested in helping me moderate a Facebook group for Mental Health Tech's?

Did you do a drug test ?

They are diet and gut biome technicians..... for sure!

Cute

The easiest way to describe a MHT? A Sociopath. Yeah somebody has to do the job but if you're a very sensitive empath a psych ward will destroy you. But a high functioning sociopath could handle it easily.

The mRNA vaccine is a deal breaker for me. Does working in this industry require the mRNA vaccine?

Checking on patients every 15 minutes sounds emotionally and mentally draining.

You still in the field?

I take it they only hire men for this right?