Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Arizona

58%

2,100+
Job Openings
$40K
Avg Salary
15%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Arizona: 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 Arizona

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

2,800+ overdose deaths in 2022

Arizona recorded over 2,800 drug overdose deaths in 2022. Fentanyl-related deaths have increased dramatically. Border proximity contributes to drug trafficking concerns.

1 in 5 adults with mental illness

Approximately 1 in 5 Arizona adults experience mental illness annually. The state has invested heavily in crisis response systems including mobile teams and crisis stabilization units.

45,000+ child abuse reports annually

Arizona receives over 45,000 child abuse and neglect reports annually. The Department of Child Safety has faced challenges with caseload management. Prevention programs are expanding.

1 in 3 women experience IPV

One in three Arizona women experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence coordinates statewide services and advocacy.

Arizona Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

2,100+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Arizona healthcare systems and facilities.

$40K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 33000, experienced MHTs earn up to 48000.

15% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Arizona.

Where MHTs Work in Arizona

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

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospital

Arizona State Hospital serving forensic and civil patients

Arizona State Hospital Phoenix

COMMUNITY

Community Mental Health Centers

Regional Behavioral Health Authorities and providers

Terros, Copa Health, La Frontera

RESIDENTIAL

Hospital Behavioral Health Units

Acute inpatient care at major health systems

Banner, Valleywise, Dignity

CRISIS

Crisis Services

24/7 crisis lines, mobile teams, and stabilization units

Solari Crisis, Crisis Response Network

ADDICTION

Addiction Treatment Centers

Residential and outpatient substance abuse programs

Community Bridges, Terros

VETERANS

VA Mental Health

Federal veteran services in Phoenix and Tucson

Phoenix VA, Southern Arizona 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

$40K
$33,000 - $48,000

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN - Psychiatric

$70K
$58K - $85K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

PMHNP

$125K
$105K - $145K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Arizona offers advancement pathways through Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon University nursing programs. Phoenix has the largest concentration of behavioral health jobs. The state's crisis system is nationally recognized.

Top MHT Employers in Arizona

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Arizona.

Arizona State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

2500 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008

(602) 244-1331 • 1,000+

Banner Behavioral Health

Major Health System

7575 E Earll Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

(480) 941-7500 • 50,000+ system

Valleywise Health

Public Health System

2601 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85008

(602) 344-5011 • 6,000+

Terros Health

Community Mental Health

2555 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016

(602) 685-6000 • 800+

Copa Health

Community Mental Health

2902 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

(602) 274-9500 • 700+

La Frontera Arizona

Community Mental Health

502 W 29th St, Tucson, AZ 85713

(520) 884-9920 • 600+

Arizona MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Arizona.

C

Carlos R.

MHT > Crisis Team > Supervisor - Phoenix

"Started as an MHT at Arizona State Hospital. The experience with acute psychiatric care prepared me to lead a crisis response team. Arizona's crisis system is cutting-edge."

Crisis team supervisor at Terros

M

Maria S.

Addiction Recovery - Tucson

"My own recovery journey led me to help others. At La Frontera, I support individuals through the early stages of sobriety. Seeing people reclaim their lives is powerful."

Senior recovery support at La Frontera

J

Jason T.

Veteran Services - Phoenix

"As a combat veteran, I understand the struggles my clients face. Working at the Phoenix VA allows me to give back to those who served. The camaraderie is special."

Mental health tech at Phoenix VA

L

Lisa M.

Community Mental Health - Scottsdale

"Banner's behavioral health system gave me exposure to everything from pediatric to geriatric psychiatry. The training opportunities have been exceptional."

Lead MHT at Banner Behavioral

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Arizona

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Arizona?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Arizona 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 Arizona?
Arizona MHTs earn $40K on average. Entry-level positions start around $33K, with experienced MHTs earning $44K-$48K. Phoenix and Tucson metro areas typically offer higher wages.
What is Arizona's crisis system like?
Arizona has a nationally recognized crisis response system including 24/7 crisis lines, mobile teams, and crisis stabilization units. MHTs play key roles in stabilizing individuals and connecting them to ongoing care.
Are there opportunities in Tucson as well as Phoenix?
Yes. Tucson has substantial behavioral health services including La Frontera, Banner South, and the Southern Arizona VA. Opportunities exist throughout the state, including Flagstaff and Yuma.
What certifications do Arizona employers prefer?
Most Arizona employers prefer nationally recognized MHT certifications. Crisis intervention training (CPI) and CPR/First Aid are commonly required. Some positions require fingerprint clearance cards.
Can I work with Native American populations in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona has significant Native American populations and tribal health systems. Indian Health Service and tribal programs hire MHTs. Cultural competency training is essential for these roles.

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 Arizona. Some positions may require additional certifications, background checks, or state-specific credentials. Always research specific employer requirements before applying.

Start Your MHT Career in Arizona

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 2,100+ MHT positions available across Arizona.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Arizona Salary: $40K
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