Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Massachusetts

55%

3,200+
Job Openings
$46K
Avg Salary
12%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Massachusetts: 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 Massachusetts

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

Boston saw a 38% decrease in opioid overdose mortality in 2024-the lowest since 2015. Black men experienced 59% decline, Latino men 52% decline. BPHC distributed 23,000+ naloxone doses.

38% Boston Overdose Decline

Massachusetts saw a historic 36% decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2024-the lowest since 2013. Despite progress, fentanyl is present in 92% of fatal overdoses. Black residents remain 1.4× more likely to die from overdose than white residents.

1,500 Overdose Deaths in 2024

The Healey-Driscoll administration invested over $700 million in substance addiction prevention and treatment programs. 196,500+ naloxone kits distributed since 2023 with 10,206+ overdose reversals reported.

$700M Mental Health Investment

Massachusetts DPH distributed over 504,000 fentanyl test strip kits at no cost to providers and community organizations. Xylazine ('tranq') found in 16% of overdose deaths in 2024.

504,000+ Fentanyl Test Strips

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

3,200+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Massachusetts healthcare systems and facilities.

$46K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 38000, experienced MHTs earn up to 58000.

12% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Massachusetts.

Where MHTs Work in Massachusetts

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

300+

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital

(617) 522-8110

DMH Metro Boston Units

Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Massachusetts 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.

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts MHTs earn $46K on average-among the highest in the nation. Entry-level positions start around $38K, with experienced MHTs earning $55K-$58K. McLean Hospital and state facilities offer excellent benefits.

How much do Mental Health Technicians make in Massachusetts?

Strong demand. Massachusetts has 3,200+ current MHT job openings. With 55% of mental health positions unfilled in some areas and the state's $700M investment in mental health services, demand continues to grow.

What is the job outlook for MHTs in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts MHTs work at McLean Hospital (#1 ranked), DMH state hospitals (Worcester Recovery, Taunton, Shattuck), academic medical centers (MGH, Brigham, Boston Medical), private psychiatric hospitals (Arbour, Bournewood), VA Boston, and community mental health centers.

Where do Mental Health Technicians work in Massachusetts?

Requirements vary by employer. DMH provides on-the-job training for state positions. However, AMCA MHT certification can improve job prospects and starting pay at private facilities like McLean Hospital.

Do I need certification to work as an MHT in Massachusetts?

Absolutely. Massachusetts has excellent advancement pathways through UMass, Boston College, MGH Institute, and Northeastern nursing programs. Career ladder: MHT ($46K) > RN Psych ($95K) > PMHNP ($145K).

Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in Massachusetts?

The Department of Mental Health operates 4 continuing care facilities: Worcester Recovery Center, Taunton State Hospital, Hathorne Units at Tewksbury, and Metro Boston Units at Shattuck. State positions include pensions, health insurance, and job security.

What are DMH state facilities like in Massachusetts?

Psychiatric emergency departments and crisis stabilization units

MGH Emergency Psychiatric Service, McLean Hospital Crisis Unit

VETERANS

Outpatient Clinics

Community mental health centers and outpatient behavioral health clinics

Bay Cove Human Services, Community Healthlink

Behavioral Health Career Ladder

MHT is the entry point to a rewarding career in behavioral health. Advance through education and experience.

ENTRY LEVEL

$120K-$175K

$145K
PMHNP

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

$38K-$58K

$46K
Mental Health Technician

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

$78K-$115K

$95K
RN Psychiatric

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Massachusetts offers excellent advancement pathways through UMass, Boston College, and Northeastern nursing programs.

Top MHT Employers in Massachusetts

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Massachusetts.

McLean Hospital

Private Psychiatric Hospital

115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02478

(617) 855-2000 • 2,500+

Worcester Recovery Center

DMH State Hospital

305 Belmont St, Worcester, MA 01604

(508) 368-3300 • 800+

Massachusetts General Hospital

Academic Medical Center

55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114

(617) 726-2000 • 25,000+

Taunton State Hospital

DMH State Hospital

60 Hodges Ave, Taunton, MA 02780

(508) 977-3000 • 500+

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Academic Medical Center

75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115

(617) 732-5500 • 18,000+

Boston Medical Center

Safety-Net Hospital

1 Boston Medical Center Pl, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 638-8000 • 8,000+

Massachusetts MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Massachusetts.

M

Marcus

Started as MHT at McLean Hospital, advanced to lead technician

"The training gave me the foundation to build a meaningful career helping others."

Now supervising psychiatric unit with team of 12

J

Jennifer

Began at community mental health center, pursued nursing

"My MHT experience showed me my calling in mental health care."

Currently working as psychiatric nurse practitioner

D

David

Started in crisis stabilization, moved to residential care

"Every day I use the skills I learned in my MHT training."

Program director at therapeutic group home

A

Aisha

Began as overnight MHT, transitioned to day shift supervisor

"The certification opened doors I never knew existed."

Unit coordinator at Bournewood Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Massachusetts

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Massachusetts?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts MHTs earn $46K on average-among the highest in the nation. Entry-level positions start around $38K, with experienced MHTs at McLean Hospital and Mass General earning up to $58K with excellent benefits.
What is the job outlook for MHTs in Massachusetts?
Strong demand. Massachusetts has 3,200+ current MHT job openings with 12% projected growth. Academic medical centers, state hospitals, and community mental health create abundant opportunities.
Where do Mental Health Technicians work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts MHTs work at McLean Hospital, Taunton State Hospital, Worcester Recovery Center, Mass General Brigham, Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel, VA Boston, and community mental health centers.
Do I need certification to work as an MHT in Massachusetts?
DMH state hospitals hire directly and provide training. AMCA MHT certification improves prospects at McLean Hospital, academic medical centers, and private behavioral health facilities.
Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in Massachusetts?
Absolutely. Massachusetts has world-class nursing programs at MGH Institute, UMass, Northeastern, and Boston College. Career ladder: MHT ($46K) > RN Psych ($85K) > PMHNP ($130K).

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

Start Your MHT Career in Massachusetts

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 3,200+ MHT positions available across Massachusetts.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Massachusetts Salary: $46K
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