Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Michigan

35%

2,800+
Job Openings
$41K
Avg Salary
14%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Michigan: 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 Michigan

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

Black residents are 2.8 times and American Indian/Alaska Native residents are 2.2 times more likely to die of an overdose than white residents. MDHHS is prioritizing targeted strategies to address these disparities.

2.8× Racial Disparity

Michigan experienced a 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024-about 1,000 fewer deaths. This marks the third consecutive year of decline, making Michigan a national leader in overdose reduction.

34% Overdose Decline in 2024

Attorney General Dana Nessel helped secure over $1.6 billion in opioid settlements for Michigan. Funds support prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction-including 1.3 million naloxone kits distributed.

$1.6 Billion Opioid Settlement

Since launching Michigan's Naloxone Direct Portal in 2020, over 1.3 million naloxone kits have been distributed with nearly 34,000 reported overdose reversals. The state also expanded fentanyl and xylazine test strip access.

34,000+ Overdose Reversals

Michigan Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

2,800+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Michigan healthcare systems and facilities.

$41K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 34000, experienced MHTs earn up to 52000.

14% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Michigan.

Where MHTs Work in Michigan

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

2,500+

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare

(734) 769-7100

VA Medical Center

Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Michigan 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 Michigan?

Michigan MHTs earn $41K on average. Entry-level positions start around $34K, with experienced MHTs earning $48K-$52K. State hospital positions include excellent benefits and pension.

How much do Mental Health Technicians make in Michigan?

Strong demand. Michigan has 2,800+ current MHT job openings. With 35% vacancy rates at state hospitals and the state's significant opioid settlement investments, demand continues to grow.

What is the job outlook for MHTs in Michigan?

Michigan MHTs work at state psychiatric hospitals (Kalamazoo, Caro, Walter Reuther, Center for Forensic Psychiatry), academic centers (U-M Health), private behavioral health (Pine Rest, Henry Ford), VA Ann Arbor, and community mental health centers.

Where do Mental Health Technicians work in Michigan?

Requirements vary by employer. MDHHS provides on-the-job training for state positions. However, AMCA MHT certification can improve job prospects and starting pay.

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

Absolutely. Michigan offers excellent advancement pathways through U-M, Wayne State, Grand Valley State, and Western Michigan nursing programs. Career ladder: MHT ($41K) > RN Psych ($72K) > PMHNP ($120K).

Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in Michigan?

Michigan operates 4 state psychiatric hospitals: Kalamazoo Psychiatric, Caro Center, Walter Reuther (adult/child), and Center for Forensic Psychiatry. A new hospital in Northville opens in 2026. State positions offer pension, health insurance, and job security.

What are Michigan's state psychiatric hospitals like?

Psychiatric emergency departments and crisis stabilization units

Michigan Medicine Psychiatric Emergency, Common Ground Crisis Center

VETERANS

Outpatient Clinics

Community mental health centers and outpatient behavioral health clinics

Community Mental Health of Central Michigan, Hope Network

Behavioral Health Career Ladder

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

ENTRY LEVEL

$100K-$145K

$120K
PMHNP

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

$34K-$52K

$41K
Mental Health Technician

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

$62K-$88K

$72K
RN Psychiatric

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Michigan offers advancement through University of Michigan, Wayne State, and Grand Valley State nursing programs.

Top MHT Employers in Michigan

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Michigan.

Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

1312 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

(269) 337-3000 • 500+

Caro Center

State Psychiatric Hospital

2040 Chambers Rd, Caro, MI 48723

(989) 673-3191 • 400+

Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

30901 Palmer Rd, Westland, MI 48186

(734) 367-8400 • 400+

Center for Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic State Hospital

8303 Platt Rd, Saline, MI 48176

(734) 429-2531 • 600+

University of Michigan Health

Academic Medical Center

1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

(734) 936-4000 • 28,000+

Henry Ford Behavioral Health

Health System

1 Ford Pl, Detroit, MI 48202

(800) 436-7936 • 2,000+

Michigan MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Michigan.

B

Brian

Started as MHT at Pine Rest, advanced to senior technician

"My MHT training was the perfect entry point into mental health."

Now unit supervisor with team management responsibilities

M

Maria

Began at VA Ann Arbor, pursued social work degree

"Working with veterans as an MHT inspired my entire career."

Clinical social worker specializing in PTSD

K

Kevin

Started in adolescent unit, specialized in youth services

"The hands-on experience was invaluable for my career growth."

Program coordinator for youth behavioral health

T

Tanya

Began in detox unit, moved to dual diagnosis treatment

"This certification helped me turn my passion into a profession."

Lead MHT at substance abuse treatment facility

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Michigan

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Michigan?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Michigan 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 Michigan?
Michigan MHTs earn $41K on average. Entry-level positions start around $34K, with experienced MHTs at University of Michigan and Henry Ford earning up to $52K with excellent benefits.
What is the job outlook for MHTs in Michigan?
Excellent demand. Michigan has 2,800+ current MHT job openings with 14% projected growth and 35%+ decline in overdose deaths showing crisis response progress.
Where do Mental Health Technicians work in Michigan?
Michigan MHTs work at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, Caro Center, Walter Reuther Psychiatric Hospital, University of Michigan, Henry Ford, Beaumont, Spectrum Health, Pine Rest, and VA Ann Arbor.
Do I need certification to work as an MHT in Michigan?
MDHHS state hospitals hire directly and provide training. AMCA MHT certification improves prospects at University of Michigan, Henry Ford, and private behavioral health facilities.
Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in Michigan?
Absolutely. Michigan has excellent nursing programs at U of M, Wayne State, Michigan State, and Grand Valley. Career ladder: MHT ($41K) > RN Psych ($72K) > PMHNP ($118K).

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

Start Your MHT Career in Michigan

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 2,800+ MHT positions available across Michigan.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Michigan Salary: $41K
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