Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Alabama

62%

1,400+
Job Openings
$37K
Avg Salary
14%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Alabama: Training Certification Jobs Externships

What Mental Health Technicians Do

Mental Health Technicians provide direct patient care in psychiatric and behavioral health settings. You'll work alongside psychiatrists, nurses, and counselors to support patient recovery.

Patient Safety

Monitor patients, conduct safety checks, de-escalate crisis situations, and maintain secure environments.

Direct Care

Assist with daily living activities, facilitate group sessions, and support therapeutic activities.

Documentation

Record behavioral observations, track treatment progress, and communicate with clinical teams.

Who You'll Help in Alabama

Mental Health Technicians serve diverse populations facing behavioral health challenges across Alabama.

1,100+ overdose deaths annually

Alabama had 1,408 drug overdose deaths in 2021, with 70% involving opioids. The state had the highest opioid prescription rate in the nation in 2012. Fentanyl now drives most fatal overdoses.

1 in 3 adults affected

36% of Alabama adults experience mental health issues. 41% sought treatment for mental health between 2017-2019. Anxiety and depression are the most common conditions statewide.

27,000+ child abuse reports

Alabama received 27,185 child abuse and neglect referrals in 2022. Over 4,500 children are in foster care. 75% of high school students report at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE).

1 in 4 women affected

One in four Alabama women experience intimate partner violence. 12 million Americans face domestic violence annually. Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence operates shelters statewide.

Alabama Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

Mental health technicians are critically needed across Alabama to address growing behavioral health needs.

1,400+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Alabama healthcare systems and facilities.

$37K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 30000, experienced MHTs earn up to 50000.

14% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Alabama.

Where MHTs Work in Alabama

Mental Health Technicians work across various behavioral health settings throughout the state.

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospitals

Bryce Hospital, Taylor Hardin, Mary Starke Harper serving statewide population

Bryce Hospital, Taylor Hardin

COMMUNITY

Community Mental Health Centers

Regional centers providing outpatient, crisis, and residential services

AltaPointe, SpectraCare, Wellstone

RESIDENTIAL

Hospital Psychiatric Units

Acute inpatient care at general hospitals

UAB, Brookwood, EAMC

CRISIS

Crisis Stabilization Units

Short-term crisis intervention and stabilization

Regional crisis centers

YOUTH

Residential Treatment

Longer-term therapeutic residential programs

Youth and adult RTCs

VETERANS

VA Mental Health

Federal veteran services at Birmingham and Central Alabama

Birmingham VA, Tuskegee VA

Behavioral Health Career Ladder

MHT is the entry point to a rewarding career in behavioral health. Advance through education and experience.

ENTRY LEVEL

Mental Health Technician

$37K
$30,000 - $50,000

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN - Psychiatric

$68K
$55K - $82K

ASN/BSN required. Clinical leadership in behavioral health units.

ADVANCED PRACTICE

PMHNP

$125K
$105K - $145K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Alabama offers solid advancement pathways through UAB School of Nursing, Auburn University, and the University of South Alabama nursing programs. The Alabama Department of Mental Health operates three state hospitals with career advancement opportunities. Birmingham has the largest concentration of behavioral health jobs in the state.

Top MHT Employers in Alabama

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Alabama.

Alabama Department of Mental Health

State Agency

100 N Union St, Montgomery, AL 36130

(334) 242-3454 • 1,300+

UAB Hospital Psychiatric Unit

Academic Medical Center

619 19th St S, Birmingham, AL 35249

(205) 934-4011 • 23,000+ system

Bryce Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

200 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

(205) 759-0700 • 500+

Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility

Forensic Psychiatric Hospital

1301 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

(205) 556-7060 • 400+

AltaPointe Health

Community Mental Health

5750 Southland Dr, Mobile, AL 36693

(251) 450-2211 • 1,200+

Brookwood Baptist Medical Center

Private Hospital

2010 Brookwood Medical Center Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209

(205) 877-1000 • 2,500+

Alabama MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Alabama.

M

Marcus T.

MHT > Lead Tech > RN Student - Birmingham

"Started at Bryce Hospital after high school. The state benefits let me save money while I gained experience. Now UAB is paying for my nursing degree through their tuition assistance program."

Now in UAB nursing program

J

Jennifer R.

Career Changer - Mobile

"Left retail for AltaPointe crisis services. The training was thorough and the work is meaningful. I see the same clients improve over time and it keeps me motivated."

Crisis team lead at AltaPointe

D

David M.

Forensic MHT - Tuscaloosa

"Taylor Hardin is intense but fascinating work. Forensic mental health is different from anything else. The specialized training opens doors you would not find elsewhere."

Senior MHT at Taylor Hardin

A

Ashley K.

Community Mental Health - Huntsville

"Wellstone gave me flexibility with my schedule while I finished my bachelor degree. Now I am applying to PMHNP programs. MHT was the perfect entry point."

Pursuing graduate degree

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Alabama

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Alabama?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Alabama residents. You pay nothing to enroll or complete training. If you choose to pursue AMCA MHT certification, a one-time $650 fee covers your complete certification pathway.
How much do Mental Health Technicians make in Alabama?
Alabama MHTs earn $37K on average. Entry-level positions start around $30K, with experienced MHTs earning $42K-$50K. State hospital positions often include excellent benefits. The career ladder extends to RN Psych ($68K), PMHNP ($125K), and Psychiatrist ($240K+).
What is the job outlook for MHTs in Alabama?
Strong demand. Alabama has 1,400+ current MHT job openings. The state faces behavioral health workforce shortages with 62% of mental health provider positions unfilled in rural areas. Mental health roles are projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Where do Mental Health Technicians work in Alabama?
Alabama MHTs work at state psychiatric hospitals (Bryce, Taylor Hardin), community mental health centers (AltaPointe, SpectraCare, Wellstone), hospital psychiatric units (UAB, Brookwood), crisis stabilization units, residential treatment centers, VA facilities (Birmingham, Tuskegee), and substance abuse treatment programs.
Do I need certification to work as an MHT in Alabama?
Requirements vary by employer. The Alabama Department of Mental Health provides on-the-job training for entry-level positions. However, AMCA MHT certification can improve job prospects and starting pay. Always research specific employer requirements.
Can I advance from MHT to higher behavioral health roles in Alabama?
Absolutely. MHT experience provides a foundation for advancement. Alabama pathways include Senior MHT ($42K), LPN Psychiatric ($48K), RN Psychiatric ($68K), PMHNP ($125K), and Psychiatrist ($240K+). UAB, Auburn, and South Alabama have nursing programs for advancement.

Explore All Healthcare Training Resources

Find specific resources by program, topic, and state

Important: Mental Health Technician requirements vary by employer and facility type in Alabama. Some positions may require additional certifications, background checks, or state-specific credentials. Always research specific employer requirements before applying.

Start Your MHT Career in Alabama

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 1,400+ MHT positions available across Alabama.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Alabama Salary: $37K
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