Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in Rhode Island

38%

550+
Job Openings
$46K
Avg Salary
11%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in Rhode Island: 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 Rhode Island

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

Two-Year Overdose Death Decline

Rhode Island overdose deaths declined for second consecutive year in 2024. First time since 2013 that cocaine-related deaths (61%) surpassed fentanyl-related deaths (57%).

Nation's First State-Regulated OPC

Rhode Island opened the nation's first state-regulated overdose prevention center (Project Weber/RENEW) in 2024. People can use pre-obtained drugs under medical supervision.

Xylazine in 37% of Opioid Deaths

Veterinary tranquilizer xylazine increasingly found in drug supply. Rhode Island distributing test strips statewide. Comprehensive harm reduction approach showing results.

150+ Member Overdose Task Force

Governor McKee's Overdose Prevention Task Force coordinates 9 workgroups and 150+ members. Opioid settlement funds supporting treatment expansion and peer recovery services.

Rhode Island Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

550+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across Rhode Island healthcare systems and facilities.

$46K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 38000, experienced MHTs earn up to 56000.

11% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Rhode Island.

Where MHTs Work in Rhode Island

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

$46K
$38K-$56K

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN Psychiatric

$85K
$72K-$100K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

Psychiatric NP

$130K
$112K-$152K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Brown University nursing programs

Top MHT Employers in Rhode Island

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Rhode Island.

Eleanor Slater Hospital

State Psychiatric

Cranston/Burrillville, RI

(401) 462-3085 • 1,000+

Butler Hospital

Psychiatric Hospital

Providence, RI

(401) 455-6200 • 800+

Lifespan

Healthcare System

Providence, RI

(401) 444-4000 • 15,000+

Care New England

Healthcare System

Providence, RI

(401) 453-7900 • 8,000+

Brown University Health

Academic Medical Center

Providence, RI

(401) 444-4000 • 12,000+

CharterCARE Health Partners

Healthcare System

Providence, RI

(401) 456-2000 • 3,000+

Rhode Island MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Rhode Island.

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 Rhode Island

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in Rhode Island?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Rhode Island MHTs earn $46K on average-among the highest in New England. Entry-level positions start around $38K, with experienced MHTs earning up to $56K.
What is the job outlook for MHTs in Rhode Island?
Steady demand. Rhode Island has 550+ current MHT job openings with 11% projected growth. The state's progressive harm reduction approach creates diverse opportunities.
Where do Mental Health Technicians work in Rhode Island?
RI MHTs work at Eleanor Slater Hospital, Butler Hospital, Lifespan, Care New England, Brown Health, CharterCARE, Landmark Medical, and VA Providence.
Do I need certification to work as an MHT in Rhode Island?
Requirements vary by employer. State facilities provide training. AMCA MHT certification improves prospects at Butler Hospital, Lifespan, and private facilities.
Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in Rhode Island?
Absolutely. Rhode Island has nursing programs at URI, RIC, and Brown. 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 Rhode Island. Some positions may require additional certifications, background checks, or state-specific credentials. Always research specific employer requirements before applying.

Start Your MHT Career in Rhode Island

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 550+ MHT positions available across Rhode Island.

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