Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Louisiana

62%

1,300+
Job Openings
$35K
Avg Salary
15%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Louisiana: 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 Louisiana

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

1,700 overdose deaths in 2024

Louisiana recorded 1,700 drug overdose deaths in 2024, down 31% from 2,456 in 2023. Opioid deaths dropped 31.8%, fentanyl deaths fell 34.6%. The state distributed over 200,000 naloxone doses between 2022-2024.

Rural parish challenges

23 Louisiana parishes now have overdose rates higher than the statewide average. Rural parishes like Claiborne, Caldwell, and Tensas are emerging as new hotspots, requiring expanded mental health infrastructure.

Child welfare transformation

Louisiana is working to transform its child welfare system with increased focus on prevention and family preservation. Substance abuse remains a primary driver of child welfare involvement.

$600M opioid settlement

Louisiana is receiving approximately $600 million in opioid settlement funds through 2038. 80% goes to parishes and 20% to sheriff's offices. New Orleans partnered with Tulane for evidence-based spending recommendations.

Louisiana Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

1,300+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Louisiana healthcare systems and facilities.

$35K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 29000, experienced MHTs earn up to 43000.

15% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Louisiana.

Where MHTs Work in Louisiana

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

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospitals

Eastern and Central Louisiana Mental Health facilities

Eastern Louisiana MH, Central Louisiana SH

COMMUNITY

Community Mental Health Centers

Human Services Districts across all regions

Metropolitan, Capital Area, Imperial Calcasieu

RESIDENTIAL

Hospital Behavioral Health Units

Acute inpatient care at major health systems

Ochsner, LCMC, LSU Health

ADDICTION

Addiction Treatment Centers

Medication for opioid use disorder programs

Odyssey House, Bridge House

CULTURE

New Orleans Programs

Specialized urban behavioral health services

Metropolitan Human Services

VETERANS

VA Mental Health

Federal veteran services

SE Louisiana Veterans, Alexandria 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

$35K
$29,000 - $43,000

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN - Psychiatric

$58K
$48K - $70K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

PMHNP

$108K
$92K - $125K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Louisiana offers advancement through LSU, Tulane, and Southern University nursing programs. New Orleans has the largest concentration of behavioral health jobs. The state's Medicaid expansion has increased treatment access.

Top MHT Employers in Louisiana

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Louisiana.

Eastern Louisiana Mental Health

State Psychiatric Hospital

4502 Hwy 951, Jackson, LA 70748

(225) 634-0100 • 800+

Central Louisiana State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

242 West Shamrock Ave, Pineville, LA 71360

(318) 484-6200 • 400+

LSU Health Psychiatry

Academic Medical Center

2020 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 568-6000 • 8,000+ system

Tulane Psychiatry

Academic Medical Center

131 S Robertson St, New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 988-5800 • 5,000+ system

Ochsner Behavioral Health

Major Health System

1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121

(504) 842-3000 • 35,000+ system

LCMC Health Behavioral

Health System

2000 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 903-3000 • 10,000+

Louisiana MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Louisiana.

A

Antoine J.

MHT > Crisis Team > Supervisor - New Orleans

"Started at Eastern Louisiana Mental Health and now lead a crisis team in New Orleans. Louisiana's investment in naloxone and treatment access is saving lives."

Crisis team supervisor at Metropolitan

M

Michelle D.

Community Mental Health - Baton Rouge

"Capital Area Human Services serves the greater Baton Rouge region. I help connect people to treatment, housing, and recovery support."

Case management specialist

T

Terrence W.

Addiction Recovery - New Orleans

"At Odyssey House, I support individuals in early recovery. Seeing people reclaim their lives from addiction is the most rewarding work imaginable."

Senior recovery specialist

C

Candace R.

Rural Parish Services - Central Louisiana

"I serve rural parishes where mental health resources are scarce. Bringing care to these communities addresses long-standing disparities."

Rural outreach coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Louisiana

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Louisiana?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Louisiana 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 Louisiana?
Louisiana MHTs earn $35K on average. Entry-level positions start around $29K, with experienced MHTs earning $39K-$43K. New Orleans typically offers higher wages.
How is Louisiana using opioid settlement funds?
Louisiana receives $600M through 2038, with 80% going to parishes. The Statewide Harm Reduction Hub distributes naloxone and fentanyl test strips. MHTs are part of this expanded treatment infrastructure.
Are there opportunities outside New Orleans?
Yes. Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and rural parishes all need mental health professionals. Rural areas face particular shortages and may offer incentives.
What certifications do Louisiana employers prefer?
Most Louisiana employers prefer nationally recognized MHT certifications. CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention training are commonly required. Some positions require background checks.
Can I work with diverse populations in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana's diverse population creates opportunities to serve various communities. Cultural competency is valued, and bilingual (French/Spanish) skills are beneficial in some regions.

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

Start Your MHT Career in Louisiana

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 1,300+ MHT positions available across Louisiana.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Louisiana Salary: $35K
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