Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Mississippi

68%

850+
Job Openings
$37K
Avg Salary
15%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Mississippi: 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 Mississippi

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

Jackson (74), Harrison (52), and DeSoto (34) counties accounted for 50.96% of all suspected overdose deaths in 2024. Mississippi lacks a centralized mortality reporting system.

Top 3 Counties: 50% of Deaths

Mississippi reported 6.6 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 persons in 2024. While lower than national averages, fentanyl contamination continues to drive deaths. 73% of suspected overdoses in Q2 2024 were opioid-related.

6.6 Overdose Deaths per 100K

Mississippi EMS administered naloxone 2,655 times during 2024-13.9% lower than 2023. Top counties for administrations: Harrison (369), Hinds (257), and Lauderdale (172).

2,655 Naloxone Doses Administered

Opioids accounted for 69% of all Mississippi overdose deaths in 2020, with synthetic opioids (fentanyl) accounting for 53%. Polysubstance abuse involved in 53% of deaths vs just 17.9% in 2011.

69% Opioid-Involved Deaths

Mississippi Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

850+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Mississippi healthcare systems and facilities.

$37K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 30000, experienced MHTs earn up to 46000.

15% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Mississippi.

Where MHTs Work in Mississippi

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

300+

Region 8 Mental Health

(601) 635-4230

Community Mental Health

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

Mississippi MHTs earn $37K on average. Entry-level positions start around $30K, with experienced MHTs earning $42K-$46K. State hospital positions include benefits and retirement.

How much do Mental Health Technicians make in Mississippi?

Strong demand. Mississippi has 850+ current MHT job openings. With 68% of mental health positions unfilled in rural areas and significant workforce shortages, demand continues to grow.

What is the job outlook for MHTs in Mississippi?

Mississippi MHTs work at DMH state hospitals (Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield, East MS, North MS, South MS), UMMC, Specialized Treatment Facility, private facilities (Brentwood), VA Jackson, and community mental health centers.

Where do Mental Health Technicians work in Mississippi?

Requirements vary by employer. DMH 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 Mississippi?

Absolutely. Mississippi offers advancement pathways through UMMC, Mississippi College, Delta State, and Southern Miss nursing programs. Career ladder: MHT ($37K) > RN Psych ($58K) > PMHNP ($105K).

Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in Mississippi?

Mississippi DMH operates 4 state hospitals: Mississippi State Hospital (Whitfield - largest), East MS (Meridian), North MS (Tupelo), and South MS (Purvis). Also operates Specialized Treatment Facility for adolescents. State positions offer benefits and job security.

What are Mississippi's state psychiatric hospitals like?

Psychiatric emergency departments and crisis stabilization units

UMMC Psychiatric Emergency Services, Region 8 Crisis Center

VETERANS

Outpatient Clinics

Community mental health centers and outpatient behavioral health clinics

Region 8 Mental Health Services, Life Help Mental Health

Behavioral Health Career Ladder

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

ENTRY LEVEL

$88K-$125K

$105K
PMHNP

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

$30K-$46K

$37K
Mental Health Technician

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

$48K-$72K

$58K
RN Psychiatric

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Mississippi offers advancement through University of Mississippi Medical Center, Mississippi College, and Delta State nursing programs.

Top MHT Employers in Mississippi

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Mississippi.

Mississippi State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

3550 Hwy 468 W, Whitfield, MS 39193

(601) 351-8000 • 1,200+

East Mississippi State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

4555 Highland Park Dr, Meridian, MS 39307

(601) 483-6135 • 300+

North Mississippi State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

1937 Briar Ridge Rd, Tupelo, MS 38804

(662) 690-4200 • 200+

South Mississippi State Hospital

State Psychiatric Hospital

823 Hwy 589, Purvis, MS 39475

(601) 794-0100 • 150+

UMMC

Academic Medical Center

2500 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216

(601) 984-1000 • 10,000+

Specialized Treatment Facility

Residential Psychiatric

14426 James Bond Rd, Gulfport, MS 39503

(228) 328-6000 • 200+

Mississippi MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Mississippi.

T

Terrell

Started as MHT at Mississippi State Hospital, promoted to lead

"This certification changed the trajectory of my life."

Unit supervisor overseeing psychiatric inpatient care

C

Crystal

Began at Brentwood Behavioral, pursued nursing degree

"My MHT training gave me the foundation for nursing school."

Psychiatric nurse at university medical center

J

James

Started in community mental health, moved to crisis services

"I found my purpose helping people in their darkest moments."

Mobile crisis team lead serving rural communities

L

Latoya

Began at residential treatment facility, specialized in trauma care

"The certification was my pathway to specialized mental health work."

Trauma-informed care specialist at behavioral health center

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in Mississippi

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Mississippi?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
Mississippi MHTs earn $37K on average. Entry-level positions start around $30K, with experienced MHTs at UMMC and state hospitals earning up to $46K with benefits.
What is the job outlook for MHTs in Mississippi?
Critical demand. Mississippi has 850+ current MHT job openings with 15% projected growth and 68% workforce shortage-among the highest in the nation.
Where do Mental Health Technicians work in Mississippi?
Mississippi MHTs work at Mississippi State Hospital, East Mississippi State Hospital, North Mississippi State Hospital, UMMC, Baptist Memorial, Singing River Health, Region 8 Mental Health, and VA Jackson.
Do I need certification to work as an MHT in Mississippi?
DMH state hospitals hire directly and provide training. AMCA MHT certification improves prospects at UMMC and private behavioral health facilities.
Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in Mississippi?
Absolutely. Mississippi has nursing programs at UMMC, Mississippi College, and Delta State. Career ladder: MHT ($37K) > RN Psych ($62K) > PMHNP ($105K).

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

Start Your MHT Career in Mississippi

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

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average Mississippi Salary: $37K
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