58%
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 Illinois.
Illinois recorded 3,502 overdose deaths in 2023, an 8.3% decrease from 2022-the first decline since 2018, exceeding the national 4% reduction. Opioid deaths totaled 2,855 (down 9.7%). Synthetic opioid deaths decreased 9.5%, while xylazine deaths rose 6.4% to 249.
Over 30% of Illinois adults report symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. The state is consolidating mental health and substance use divisions into an integrated Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. Illinois has distributed over 1 million Narcan boxes in four years.
Illinois has 18,524 children in foster care-second highest nationally. The state expects 97,600+ child welfare investigations in 2024. Illinois ranks last nationally for achieving timely foster care permanency, meaning children spend longer in state care.
Alcohol or drug use is a contributing factor in 40-75% of child maltreatment cases in Illinois. Drugs are linked to 62% of assaults and 52% of child abuse incidents in court data. The state increased child care worker pay to $19.62/hour to address workforce shortages.
Mental health technicians are critically needed across Illinois to address growing behavioral health needs.
Current MHT job openings across Illinois healthcare systems and facilities.
Entry-level positions start at 35000, experienced MHTs earn up to 52000.
Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Illinois.
Mental Health Technicians work across various behavioral health settings throughout the state.
DMH-operated facilities serving regional populations
Chicago Read, Elgin MHC, Madden MHC
Comprehensive outpatient and residential services
Thresholds, Rosecrance, Chestnut
Acute inpatient care at major medical centers
Northwestern, Rush, Advocate
Residential and outpatient substance abuse programs
Gateway Foundation, Haymarket Center
Short-term crisis intervention statewide
Regional crisis programs
Specialized youth behavioral health services
Chaddock, Maryville, Lawrence Hall
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.
Illinois offers excellent advancement pathways through University of Illinois, Rush, and numerous nursing programs. The Chicago area has the state's largest concentration of behavioral health jobs. State positions include pension benefits.
These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Illinois.
4200 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 794-4000 • 300+
750 S State St, Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 742-1040 • 600+
251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 926-2000 • 30,000+
1653 W Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-5000 • 10,000+
1021 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 391-1000 • 1,500+
4101 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 572-5500 • 1,200+
Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Illinois.
MHT > Senior Tech > Training Lead - Elgin
"Started at Elgin Mental Health Center as a new graduate. Through years of dedicated service and continuing education, I now lead training programs for incoming staff."
Training coordinator at Elgin MHC
Crisis Team Leader - Chicago
"After MHT training, I joined Thresholds' crisis team. My ability to de-escalate high-stress situations earned me a promotion to team leader within three years."
Crisis team lead at Thresholds
Addiction Specialist - Chicago
"At Gateway Foundation, I help individuals in early recovery navigate treatment. My compassionate approach has helped hundreds of clients begin their sobriety journey."
Senior addiction technician
Youth Services - Hoffman Estates
"I specialize in working with youth using trauma-informed approaches. Young patients feel safe and supported as they work through mental health challenges."
Child & adolescent specialist
Common questions about MHT training in Illinois
Find specific resources by program, topic, and state
Important: Mental Health Technician requirements vary by employer and facility type in Illinois. 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 3,200+ MHT positions available across Illinois.
No credit card required. Start learning immediately.