Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in New Jersey

42%

4,500+
Job Openings
$48K
Avg Salary
13%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in New Jersey: 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 New Jersey

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

30% Overdose Death Decline (2024)

First half of 2024 vs. same period 2023-38% lower than 2022. Camden County saw 39% decline. First reduction across ALL racial/ethnic groups in a decade.

52 Harm Reduction Centers

Authorized by end of 2024-up from just 7 in 2022. Served 5,808 people in 2024, 122% increase from two years prior. Model for other states.

Naloxone365: 95,000+ Kits

Free naloxone at 700+ pharmacies for anyone 14+ without prescription since January 2023. State hospitals now distribute naloxone upon discharge.

$1 Billion+ Settlement Funds

From opioid lawsuits dedicated to treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services. $24M invested in harm reduction over two years.

New Jersey Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

4,500+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across New Jersey healthcare systems and facilities.

$48K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 40000, experienced MHTs earn up to 58000.

13% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in New Jersey.

Where MHTs Work in New Jersey

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

HOSPITAL

State Psychiatric Hospitals

24/7 inpatient psychiatric care for acute mental illness

Long-term care, forensic units, civil commitments

PRIVATE

Private Psychiatric Hospitals

Acute psychiatric treatment in private settings

Short-term stabilization, specialized programs

COMMUNITY

General Hospital Psych Units

Psychiatric units within medical hospitals

Crisis stabilization, medical clearance

RESIDENTIAL

Residential Treatment Centers

Extended treatment in therapeutic settings

Adolescent programs, dual diagnosis

OUTPATIENT

Community Mental Health Centers

Outpatient mental health services

Crisis intervention, case management

VETERANS

VA Medical Centers

Mental health services for veterans

PTSD treatment, substance abuse programs

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

$48K
$40K-$58K

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN Psychiatric

$88K
$75K-$105K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

Psychiatric NP

$135K
$115K-$155K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Rutgers University, Rowan University, Seton Hall, Thomas Edison State, Felician University nursing programs

Top MHT Employers in New Jersey

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across New Jersey.

Ancora Psychiatric Hospital

State Psychiatric

Hammonton, NJ

(609) 561-1700 • 1,200+

Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital

State Psychiatric

Morris Plains, NJ

(973) 538-1800 • 1,000+

Trenton Psychiatric Hospital

State Psychiatric

West Trenton, NJ

(609) 633-1500 • 800+

Ann Klein Forensic Center

State Forensic

West Trenton, NJ

(609) 633-0900 • 400+

RWJBarnabas Health

Healthcare System

Multiple, NJ

(888) 724-7123 • 35,000+

Hackensack Meridian Health

Healthcare System

Multiple, NJ

(551) 996-2000 • 34,000+

New Jersey MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across New Jersey.

M

Marcus

State Hospital > Private Hospital > Supervisor

"Starting as an MHT changed everything. I found my calling helping others through crisis."

Now supervises team of 12 MHTs

S

Sarah

Community MH > Hospital > RN Program

"The MHT role gave me the foundation to pursue nursing. I knew exactly what I wanted."

Completed RN, now psychiatric nurse

D

David

Military > VA MHT > PMHNP Student

"My service prepared me for this. Helping fellow veterans with mental health is personal."

In graduate school for PMHNP

L

Lisa

Single Mom > MHT > Unit Manager

"Free training made this possible. Within 3 years I'm managing a psychiatric unit."

Promoted twice, increased income 80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MHT training in New Jersey

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in New Jersey?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
New Jersey MHTs earn $48K on average-among the highest nationally. Entry-level positions start around $40K, with experienced MHTs at state hospitals earning up to $58K with excellent state benefits.
What is the job outlook for MHTs in New Jersey?
Excellent demand. New Jersey has 4,500+ current MHT job openings with 13% projected growth. Four state psychiatric hospitals and major health systems create abundant opportunities.
Where do Mental Health Technicians work in New Jersey?
NJ MHTs work at Ancora (515 beds), Greystone Park (506 beds), Trenton Psychiatric (400 beds), Ann Klein Forensic, RWJBarnabas, Hackensack Meridian, VA East Orange, and community mental health centers.
Do I need certification to work as an MHT in New Jersey?
Requirements vary by employer. State hospitals provide comprehensive training. AMCA MHT certification can improve job prospects at private facilities and health systems.
Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in New Jersey?
Absolutely. NJ has excellent advancement pathways through Rutgers, Rowan, and Seton Hall nursing programs. Career ladder: MHT ($48K) > RN Psych ($88K) > PMHNP ($135K).

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

Start Your MHT Career in New Jersey

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 4,500+ MHT positions available across New Jersey.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average New Jersey Salary: $48K
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