Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Florida

60%

6,500+
Job Openings
$38K
Avg Salary
15%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Florida: 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 Florida

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

7,800+ overdose deaths in 2022

Florida recorded over 7,800 drug overdose deaths in 2022. Fentanyl has become the leading driver. The state has expanded treatment access and harm reduction efforts.

4 million adults with mental illness

Approximately 4 million Florida adults experience mental illness annually. The Baker Act system provides emergency psychiatric evaluation. Community mental health services vary by county.

200,000+ child abuse reports

Florida receives over 200,000 child abuse and neglect reports annually. The Department of Children and Families manages investigations and services statewide.

High IPV rates statewide

Florida has significant intimate partner violence concerns. The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence coordinates shelters and services through member programs across 67 counties.

Florida Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

6,500+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Florida healthcare systems and facilities.

$38K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 31000, experienced MHTs earn up to 46000.

15% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Florida.

Where MHTs Work in Florida

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

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospitals

Florida State Hospital (Chattahoochee) and South Florida State Hospital

FSH, SFSH

COMMUNITY

Community Mental Health Centers

Extensive network serving all 67 counties

Henderson, SMA, Centerstone

RESIDENTIAL

Hospital Behavioral Health Units

Acute inpatient care at major health systems

Jackson, Memorial, Tampa General

CRISIS

Baker Act Receiving Facilities

Emergency psychiatric evaluation centers

Designated receiving facilities statewide

ADDICTION

Addiction Treatment Centers

Comprehensive substance abuse programs

Multiple providers statewide

VETERANS

VA Mental Health

Multiple VA facilities across Florida

Miami VA, Tampa VA, Orlando 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

$38K
$31,000 - $46,000

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN - Psychiatric

$65K
$54K - $78K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

PMHNP

$120K
$100K - $140K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Florida offers advancement through UF, USF, UCF, and numerous nursing programs statewide. The state's large healthcare sector provides abundant opportunities. No state income tax increases take-home pay.

Top MHT Employers in Florida

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Florida.

Florida State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

100 N Main St, Chattahoochee, FL 32324

(850) 663-7536 • 1,500+

South Florida State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

800 E Cypress Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33025

(954) 392-3000 • 800+

Jackson Behavioral Health

Public Health System

1695 NW 9th Ave, Miami, FL 33136

(305) 355-6611 • 12,000+ system

Memorial Healthcare Behavioral

Major Health System

3501 Johnson St, Hollywood, FL 33021

(954) 987-2000 • 14,000+ system

Tampa General Behavioral Health

Major Hospital

1 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL 33606

(813) 844-7000 • 9,000+

Henderson Behavioral Health

Community Mental Health

4740 N State Rd 7, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319

(954) 486-3663 • 1,000+

Florida MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Florida.

R

Roberto M.

MHT > Crisis Team > Program Manager - Miami

"Started at Jackson Behavioral Health. Florida's Baker Act system gives MHTs significant responsibility. I now manage crisis services for a large South Florida region."

Program manager at Henderson

T

Tanya J.

State Hospital - Pembroke Pines

"South Florida State Hospital handles complex forensic cases. The experience is unparalleled. State benefits and pension make it a great long-term career choice."

Senior MHT at SFSH

D

David K.

Community Mental Health - Tampa

"At Gracepoint, I serve Tampa's diverse communities. Florida's population growth means constant demand for mental health services. No state income tax is a nice bonus."

Lead MHT at Gracepoint

A

Ashley R.

Addiction Services - Central Florida

"SMA Healthcare serves rural Central Florida where substance abuse is a major challenge. I help connect people to treatment in communities often overlooked."

Recovery specialist at SMA

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Florida

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Florida?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Florida 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 Florida?
Florida MHTs earn $38K on average. Entry-level positions start around $31K, with experienced MHTs earning $42K-$46K. South Florida and major metros typically offer higher wages.
What is the Baker Act?
Florida's Baker Act allows emergency psychiatric evaluation and short-term detention for individuals who may be dangerous to themselves or others. MHTs work in Baker Act receiving facilities throughout the state.
Are there opportunities outside South Florida?
Yes. Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, and smaller cities have significant behavioral health needs. Rural areas face particular workforce shortages and may offer hiring incentives.
What certifications do Florida employers prefer?
Most Florida employers prefer nationally recognized MHT certifications. CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention training are commonly required. Some facilities require Level 2 background screening.
Does Florida have loan repayment programs?
Yes. Florida offers loan repayment programs for mental health professionals working in underserved areas. Check with specific employers about available incentives.

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

Start Your MHT Career in Florida

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 6,500+ MHT positions available across Florida.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Florida Salary: $38K
Enroll Free Today →

No credit card required. Start learning immediately.