Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Kansas

61%

850+
Job Openings
$38K
Avg Salary
13%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Kansas: 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 Kansas

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

556 overdose deaths in 2024

Kansas recorded 556 overdose deaths in 2024, down 15% from 656 in 2023. Opioid-related deaths dropped 17% from 497 to 414. The state legalized fentanyl test strips in 2023 and expanded Narcan access, contributing to the decline.

Rural access barriers

Kansas faces significant rural mental health access challenges. Many counties lack adequate psychiatric providers. The state has invested in telehealth expansion and community mental health centers to address gaps.

61% foster entries abuse/neglect

In fiscal year 2023, 61% of Kansas foster care entries were due to abuse or neglect. Kansas ranks 10th nationally in removal rates at 3.84 per 1,000 children. The average time in foster care is 3.41 years.

28.4% physical abuse removals

Physical abuse accounts for 28.4% of Kansas foster care removals, followed by parent substance use at 18.6% and lack of supervision at 16%. The state is expanding Family First Prevention Services and Family Resource Centers.

Kansas Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

850+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Kansas healthcare systems and facilities.

$38K Average Salary

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

13% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Kansas.

Where MHTs Work in Kansas

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

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospitals

Osawatomie, Larned, and Rainbow serving statewide

Osawatomie State Hospital, Larned State Hospital

COMMUNITY

Community Mental Health Centers

26 CMHCs serving all 105 Kansas counties

Valeo, COMCARE, Bert Nash

RESIDENTIAL

Hospital Behavioral Health Units

Acute inpatient care at regional medical centers

KU Health, Ascension Via Christi

CRISIS

Crisis Stabilization

Crisis intervention services statewide

Regional crisis centers

ADDICTION

Addiction Treatment Centers

Substance abuse treatment programs

Mirror Inc, First Step at Dccca

VETERANS

VA Mental Health

Federal veteran services at Dole VA

Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center

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

$62K
$52K - $75K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

PMHNP

$115K
$95K - $135K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Kansas offers advancement through KU Medical Center, Wichita State, and Fort Hays State nursing programs. The state hospital system provides stable employment with benefits. Rural positions may qualify for loan repayment programs.

Top MHT Employers in Kansas

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Kansas.

Osawatomie State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

500 State Hospital Dr, Osawatomie, KS 66064

(913) 755-7000 • 400+

Larned State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

1301 State St, Larned, KS 67550

(620) 285-2131 • 600+

Rainbow Mental Health Facility

State Psychiatric Hospital

2205 W 36th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103

(913) 789-5800 • 200+

KU Health System Psychiatry

Academic Medical Center

3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160

(913) 588-5000 • 15,000+ system

Ascension Via Christi

Major Health System

929 N St Francis St, Wichita, KS 67214

(316) 268-5000 • 10,000+

Valeo Behavioral Health Care

Community Mental Health

330 SW Oakley Ave, Topeka, KS 66606

(785) 233-1730 • 400+

Kansas MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Kansas.

M

Michael R.

MHT > Lead Tech > Unit Supervisor - Larned

"Started at Larned State Hospital after completing training. The state benefits are excellent, and I've advanced to supervising a 40-bed forensic unit."

Unit supervisor at Larned State Hospital

J

Jennifer K.

Community Mental Health - Wichita

"COMCARE gave me the opportunity to serve Sedgwick County's most vulnerable. I work with crisis teams and have helped hundreds stabilize in community settings."

Crisis team lead at COMCARE

D

David T.

Rural Mental Health - Western Kansas

"I serve multiple rural counties through telehealth and mobile outreach. Bringing mental health care to underserved communities is incredibly rewarding."

Rural outreach specialist

A

Amanda S.

Veteran Services - Wichita

"At the Dole VA, I help veterans navigate mental health challenges. My father served, so this work is personal and meaningful to me."

MHT at Dole VA Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Kansas

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Kansas?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Kansas 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 Kansas?
Kansas MHTs earn $38K on average. Entry-level positions start around $31K, with experienced MHTs earning $42K-$46K. State hospital positions include excellent benefits and retirement plans.
What are Kansas state hospitals like?
Kansas operates three state hospitals: Osawatomie (acute psychiatric), Larned (forensic and long-term), and Rainbow (Kansas City metro). These facilities offer state employee benefits, job security, and career advancement.
Are there opportunities in rural Kansas?
Yes, significant opportunities exist. Many rural counties face severe mental health workforce shortages. The 26 Community Mental Health Centers serve all 105 counties, and loan repayment may be available for rural positions.
What certifications do Kansas employers prefer?
Most Kansas employers prefer nationally recognized MHT certifications. CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention training are commonly required. State positions may have additional requirements.
Can I work with specific populations in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas offers opportunities in forensic psychiatry at Larned, child and adolescent services, addiction treatment, and veteran care at the Dole VA Medical Center.

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

Start Your MHT Career in Kansas

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 850+ MHT positions available across Kansas.

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