Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Arkansas

65%

800+
Job Openings
$34K
Avg Salary
13%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Arkansas: 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 Arkansas

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

500+ overdose deaths annually

Arkansas experiences over 500 drug overdose deaths annually. Rural areas face particular challenges with methamphetamine and opioids. Treatment access remains limited in many counties.

High unmet mental health needs

Arkansas faces significant unmet mental health needs, particularly in rural areas. Many counties lack psychiatrists entirely. Community mental health centers serve as the primary access point.

20,000+ child maltreatment reports

Arkansas receives over 20,000 child maltreatment reports annually. The Division of Children and Family Services works to protect vulnerable children. Foster care needs remain high.

High rural DV rates

Rural Arkansas communities face elevated domestic violence rates with limited access to services. The Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence coordinates shelters and advocacy programs.

Arkansas Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

800+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Arkansas healthcare systems and facilities.

$34K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 28000, experienced MHTs earn up to 42000.

13% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Arkansas.

Where MHTs Work in Arkansas

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

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospital

Arkansas State Hospital serving statewide population

Arkansas State Hospital

COMMUNITY

Community Mental Health Centers

Regional centers serving all 75 counties

Ozark Guidance, Health Resources

RESIDENTIAL

Hospital Behavioral Health Units

Acute inpatient care at regional medical centers

UAMS, Baptist Health, Mercy

CHILD

Child/Adolescent Programs

Specialized youth psychiatric services

Pinnacle Pointe, UAMS Youth

ADDICTION

Addiction Treatment Centers

Residential and outpatient substance abuse programs

Decision Point, Recovery Centers

VETERANS

VA Mental Health

Federal veteran services at Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas 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

$34K
$28,000 - $42,000

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN - Psychiatric

$62K
$52K - $75K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

PMHNP

$115K
$95K - $130K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Arkansas offers advancement through UAMS, Arkansas State, and University of Arkansas nursing programs. The state hospital system provides stable employment. Rural positions may qualify for loan repayment programs.

Top MHT Employers in Arkansas

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Arkansas.

Arkansas State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

305 S Palm St, Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 686-9000 • 600+

UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute

Academic Medical Center

4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 526-8100 • 10,000+ system

Baptist Health Medical Center

Major Hospital System

9601 Baptist Health Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 202-2000 • 8,000+

Mercy Hospital

Regional Hospital

4301 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72903

(479) 314-6000 • 3,000+

Riverview Behavioral Health

Psychiatric Hospital

701 Arkansas Blvd, Texarkana, AR 71854

(870) 773-5000 • 200+

Pinnacle Pointe Hospital

Child/Adolescent Psychiatric

11501 Financial Centre Pkwy, Little Rock, AR 72211

(501) 223-3322 • 300+

Arkansas MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Arkansas.

T

Tyler W.

MHT > Senior Tech > Unit Lead - Little Rock

"Arkansas State Hospital gave me my start. Over five years, I've moved from entry-level to leading the evening shift. The state benefits and job security are excellent."

Unit lead at Arkansas State Hospital

B

Brittany J.

Youth Services - Little Rock

"At Pinnacle Pointe, I work with children and adolescents in crisis. It's challenging but incredibly rewarding. These kids need advocates who believe in them."

Youth specialist at Pinnacle Pointe

R

Robert M.

Rural Mental Health - Northwest Arkansas

"Ozark Guidance lets me serve communities that desperately need mental health support. I drive to satellite clinics throughout the region, bringing care to underserved areas."

Community outreach specialist

K

Kendra S.

Veteran Services - Little Rock

"As a military spouse, I understand veteran families. Working at the Central Arkansas VA, I help heroes navigate mental health challenges. It's an honor."

MHT at Central Arkansas VA

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Arkansas

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Arkansas?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
Arkansas MHTs earn $34K on average. Entry-level positions start around $28K, with experienced MHTs earning $38K-$42K. State hospital positions include benefits that add significant value.
What is the job outlook in rural Arkansas?
Strong demand exists throughout rural Arkansas. Many counties face severe mental health workforce shortages. MHTs willing to work in underserved areas may qualify for loan repayment programs.
Does Arkansas State Hospital hire new MHTs?
Yes. Arkansas State Hospital regularly hires entry-level MHTs and provides comprehensive on-the-job training. State positions offer pensions, health insurance, and job security.
Are there youth-focused MHT opportunities?
Yes. Facilities like Pinnacle Pointe specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry. These positions require additional training in trauma-informed care and youth development.
What populations will I work with in Arkansas?
Arkansas MHTs serve diverse populations including individuals with serious mental illness, those struggling with addiction, rural residents with limited access, veterans, and youth in crisis.

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

Start Your MHT Career in Arkansas

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 800+ MHT positions available across Arkansas.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Arkansas Salary: $34K
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