55%
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.
Monitor patients, conduct safety checks, de-escalate crisis situations, and maintain secure environments.
Assist with daily living activities, facilitate group sessions, and support therapeutic activities.
Record behavioral observations, track treatment progress, and communicate with clinical teams.
Mental Health Technicians serve diverse populations facing behavioral health challenges across California.
California recorded over 10,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022, driven largely by fentanyl. The state has invested heavily in harm reduction and treatment expansion.
Approximately 6 million California adults experience mental illness annually. The state has passed significant legislation to expand behavioral health services including MHSA and Proposition 1.
California receives over 400,000 child abuse and neglect referrals annually. County child welfare systems vary significantly. Prevention and early intervention programs are expanding.
One in four California women experience intimate partner violence. The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence coordinates advocacy and services across the state's diverse communities.
Mental health technicians are critically needed across California to address growing behavioral health needs.
Current MHT job openings across California healthcare systems and facilities.
Entry-level positions start at 40000, experienced MHTs earn up to 62000.
Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in California.
Mental Health Technicians work across various behavioral health settings throughout the state.
DSH operates 5 hospitals: Atascadero, Coalinga, Metropolitan, Napa, Patton
Napa State, Patton State
58 county behavioral health departments with varying services
LA County DMH, SF DPH
Acute inpatient care at major health systems
UCLA, UCSF, Kaiser, Sutter
MHSA-funded community programs and housing
Telecare, Crestwood, Exodus
Comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs
Betty Ford, Hazelden Betty Ford
Multiple VA facilities across California
VA Greater LA, Palo Alto VA
MHT is the entry point to a rewarding career in behavioral health. Advance through education and experience.
High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.
ASN/BSN required. Clinical leadership in behavioral health units.
Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.
California offers the nation's highest behavioral health wages. UC and CSU systems have excellent nursing programs. State hospital positions are union-represented with strong benefits. Major metros have abundant opportunities.
These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across California.
1600 9th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-2309 • 13,000+
760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-9989 • 20,000+ system
1 Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 271-5910 • 200,000+ system
550 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 738-4601 • 4,500+
1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 206-8000 • 6,000+
1080 Marina Village Pkwy, Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 337-7950 • 4,000+
Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across California.
MHT > Lead Tech > Program Manager - LA
"Started at Metropolitan State Hospital after college. The union wages let me pay off student loans quickly. Now I manage an LA County outpatient program."
Program manager at LA County DMH
Tech Industry to Mental Health - Bay Area
"Left tech burnout for meaningful work. Telecare's training was excellent. I now lead peer support programs, combining my organizational skills with new clinical knowledge."
Peer program lead at Telecare
Bilingual Services - San Diego
"My Spanish fluency helps me connect with immigrant communities. Cultural competency matters in mental health. I've helped families navigate systems they found intimidating."
Bilingual MHT at SD County
Forensic Mental Health - Sacramento
"Working at DSH with forensic patients is challenging but fascinating. The specialized training prepared me for complex cases. State benefits are hard to beat."
Senior MHT at Napa State Hospital
Common questions about MHT training in California
Find specific resources by program, topic, and state
Important: Mental Health Technician requirements vary by employer and facility type in California. Some positions may require additional certifications, background checks, or state-specific credentials. Always research specific employer requirements before applying.
Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 12,000+ MHT positions available across California.
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