Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Maryland

56%

2,100+
Job Openings
$42K
Avg Salary
13%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Maryland: 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 Maryland

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

1,747 overdose deaths in 2024

Maryland recorded 1,747 overdose deaths in 2024, down 29.2% from 2,493 in 2023. Fentanyl was involved in 73% of deaths. Baltimore City remains the epicenter with 173.5 deaths per 100,000-the highest rate of any U.S. city.

Baltimore City crisis response

Baltimore has trained over 163,000 residents in Narcan administration since 2015, contributing to 18,000+ overdose reversals. The city operates comprehensive crisis response including syringe services and overdose prevention.

Racial disparities in overdose

Maryland faces significant racial disparities in overdose deaths. The overdose death rate among Black Marylanders is 1.4 times the rate among white Marylanders. Xylazine-related deaths have increased substantially.

60% deaths in central region

60% of Maryland's overdose deaths occur in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County. The state has created the Office of Overdose Response to coordinate prevention and treatment efforts.

Maryland Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

2,100+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Maryland healthcare systems and facilities.

$42K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 35000, experienced MHTs earn up to 52000.

13% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Maryland.

Where MHTs Work in Maryland

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

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospitals

Spring Grove and Springfield Hospital Centers

Spring Grove, Springfield Hospital Center

COMMUNITY

Community Mental Health Centers

Core Service Agencies across all jurisdictions

Mosaic, Pathways, Way Station

RESIDENTIAL

Hospital Behavioral Health Units

Academic and community hospital programs

Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland

PRIVATE

Sheppard Pratt System

Largest private behavioral health system in US

Sheppard Pratt Health System

CRISIS

Crisis Services

Baltimore and regional crisis response

Baltimore Crisis Response, BCRI

VETERANS

VA Mental Health

Federal veteran services

VA Maryland, Perry Point

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

$42K
$35,000 - $52,000

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN - Psychiatric

$72K
$60K - $88K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

PMHNP

$125K
$105K - $145K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Maryland offers excellent advancement through Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland, and numerous nursing programs. The Baltimore-Washington corridor has abundant behavioral health opportunities. Proximity to federal agencies adds options.

Top MHT Employers in Maryland

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Maryland.

Spring Grove Hospital Center

State Psychiatric Hospital

55 Wade Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228

(410) 402-6000 • 800+

Springfield Hospital Center

State Psychiatric Hospital

6655 Sykesville Rd, Sykesville, MD 21784

(410) 970-7000 • 600+

Johns Hopkins Psychiatry

Academic Medical Center

600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21287

(410) 955-5000 • 40,000+ system

University of Maryland Psychiatry

Academic Medical Center

22 S Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201

(410) 328-8667 • 14,000+ system

Sheppard Pratt

Behavioral Health System

6501 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21204

(410) 938-3000 • 4,000+

MedStar Behavioral Health

Health System

10980 Grantchester Way, Columbia, MD 21044

(410) 772-6500 • 30,000+ system

Maryland MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Maryland.

D

Darnell W.

MHT > Crisis Team > Program Manager - Baltimore

"Started at Spring Grove and now manage crisis services in Baltimore. This city needs all the help it can get, and we're making a difference."

Program manager at Baltimore Crisis Response

L

Lauren M.

Academic Medical Center - Baltimore

"Johns Hopkins Psychiatry is world-renowned. Working here exposes me to cutting-edge treatments and research. The learning never stops."

Lead MHT at Johns Hopkins Psychiatry

K

Kevin J.

Sheppard Pratt - Towson

"Sheppard Pratt is the largest private behavioral health system in America. I've had opportunities to specialize and advance my career."

Senior MHT at Sheppard Pratt

A

Aisha T.

Community Mental Health - Prince George's

"Serving Prince George's County's diverse communities. Cultural competency is essential, and I help connect families to care they trust."

Bilingual community specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Maryland

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Maryland?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Maryland 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 Maryland?
Maryland MHTs earn $42K on average. Entry-level positions start around $35K, with experienced MHTs earning $48K-$52K. Baltimore and D.C. suburbs typically offer higher wages.
What is Sheppard Pratt?
Sheppard Pratt is the largest private behavioral health system in the United States, headquartered in Maryland. It employs over 4,000 people and offers diverse MHT opportunities across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
Are there opportunities in suburban Maryland?
Yes. Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, and Anne Arundel counties have significant behavioral health facilities. These areas often combine competitive wages with proximity to D.C. opportunities.
What certifications do Maryland employers prefer?
Most Maryland employers prefer nationally recognized MHT certifications. CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention training are commonly required. Some positions require background checks.
How is Maryland addressing the opioid crisis?
Maryland has created the Office of Overdose Response to coordinate efforts. The state funds naloxone distribution, harm reduction services, and expanded treatment. Baltimore has particularly intensive programs.

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

Start Your MHT Career in Maryland

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 2,100+ MHT positions available across Maryland.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Maryland Salary: $42K
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