Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Idaho

64%

650+
Job Openings
$38K
Avg Salary
15%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Idaho: 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 Idaho

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

264 opioid deaths in 2023

In 2023, Idaho experienced 264 opioid-related overdose deaths, accounting for 68% of all drug overdose fatalities. Fentanyl involvement has skyrocketed-from just 23 deaths (9% of total) in 2019 to the majority today. Nationally, synthetic opioids account for 92% of opioid deaths.

Rural access barriers

Rural Idaho communities face significant barriers to mental health care access, with some counties having no psychiatric providers. The state has invested in telehealth expansion through ECHO Idaho, empowering healthcare professionals in remote communities.

21,000+ abuse referrals

Idaho received 21,206 referrals for child abuse and neglect in 2022, with 7,465 screened for CPS response. Foster care entries have dramatically decreased following a 2024 court decision. Children now entering care present with increasingly severe cases.

640,000 lifetime DV victims

An estimated 640,000 Idahoans have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. On a single count day, 570 victims were served by DV programs statewide, with 114 requests unmet-79% for housing and emergency shelter. Every 13.8 hours, someone is raped in Idaho.

Idaho Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

650+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Idaho healthcare systems and facilities.

$38K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 32000, experienced MHTs earn up to 45000.

15% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Idaho.

Where MHTs Work in Idaho

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

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospitals

State Hospital South (Blackfoot) and State Hospital North (Orofino)

State Hospital South, State Hospital North

COMMUNITY

Community Mental Health Centers

Regional centers throughout Idaho serving all populations

Pathways of Idaho, Region IV MH

RESIDENTIAL

Hospital Behavioral Health Units

Acute inpatient care at regional medical centers

St. Luke's, Intermountain Hospital

ADDICTION

Addiction Treatment Centers

Residential and outpatient substance abuse programs

Recovery Ways, Port of Hope

VETERANS

VA Mental Health

Federal veteran services at Boise VA Medical Center

Boise VA Medical Center

CRISIS

Crisis Stabilization Units

Short-term crisis intervention across regions

Regional crisis centers

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
$32,000 - $45,000

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN - Psychiatric

$65K
$55K - $78K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

PMHNP

$115K
$100K - $135K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Idaho offers advancement pathways through Boise State and Idaho State University nursing programs. State hospital positions provide excellent benefits and job security. Rural experience is highly valued by employers nationwide.

Top MHT Employers in Idaho

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Idaho.

State Hospital South

State Psychiatric Hospital

700 E Alice St, Blackfoot, ID 83221

(208) 785-8400 • 400+

State Hospital North

State Psychiatric Hospital

300 Hospital Dr, Orofino, ID 83544

(208) 476-4511 • 250+

St. Luke's Behavioral Health

Hospital Behavioral Health

190 E Bannock St, Boise, ID 83712

(208) 381-9000 • 8,000+ system

Intermountain Hospital

Psychiatric Hospital

303 N Allumbaugh St, Boise, ID 83704

(208) 377-8400 • 200+

Saint Alphonsus Regional

Major Medical Center

1055 N Curtis Rd, Boise, ID 83706

(208) 367-2121 • 4,000+

Pathways of Idaho

Community Mental Health

4600 W Emerald St, Boise, ID 83706

(208) 343-0755 • 100+

Idaho MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Idaho.

T

Tyler R.

MHT > Lead Tech > Supervisor - Blackfoot

"Started as an entry-level MHT at State Hospital South. Through continuing education and dedication, I now supervise the evening shift and have trained over 30 new technicians."

Evening shift supervisor at State Hospital South

A

Amanda J.

Crisis Specialist - Boise

"After MHT training, I joined Intermountain Hospital's crisis team. I respond to psychiatric emergencies across the Treasure Valley, helping stabilize patients in vulnerable moments."

Crisis team lead at Intermountain

D

Derek M.

Recovery Support - Boise

"My personal recovery journey inspired me to help others. Working at Recovery Ways, I combine professional training with lived experience to guide clients through early recovery."

Senior recovery technician

S

Sarah K.

Rural Mental Health - Eastern Idaho

"I serve remote communities through telehealth support and mobile crisis response. My dedication to rural care has made psychiatric support accessible to underserved populations."

Mobile crisis specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Idaho

What are the job prospects in rural Idaho?
Excellent. Rural areas face significant workforce shortages, meaning MHTs often have multiple opportunities and may receive higher pay or incentives to work in underserved communities.
How much do Mental Health Technicians make in Idaho?
Idaho MHTs earn $38K on average. Entry-level positions start around $32K, with experienced MHTs earning $42K-$45K. State hospital positions include excellent benefits and retirement plans.
Does Idaho require state-specific certification?
Idaho doesn't have state-mandated MHT certification, but employers prefer nationally recognized credentials. Our training prepares you for certifications valued throughout Idaho's healthcare system.
Are there opportunities at Idaho's state hospitals?
Yes, State Hospital South (Blackfoot) and State Hospital North (Orofino) regularly hire MHTs and offer competitive state employee benefits, retirement plans, and job security.
How is Idaho addressing its mental health workforce shortage?
Idaho has invested in telehealth expansion through ECHO Idaho, loan repayment programs for workers in underserved areas, and partnerships with training programs to build the workforce.
What populations will I work with in Idaho?
Idaho MHTs serve diverse populations including individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, veterans, agricultural workers, and rural residents with limited access to care.

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

Start Your MHT Career in Idaho

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 650+ MHT positions available across Idaho.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Idaho Salary: $38K
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