Free Training • AMCA Certification Pathway

Mental Health Technician Training in South Carolina

52%

2,000+
Job Openings
$38K
Avg Salary
14%
Job Growth
$0
To Start
Explore MHT in South Carolina: 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 South Carolina

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

33% Overdose Death Decline (2024)

South Carolina saw a projected 33% decline in overdose deaths in 2024-above the national average of 27%. First decrease since 2014 occurred in 2023 with 6.1% drop.

Fentanyl in 72% of Deaths

Fentanyl involved in 1,550 of 2,157 overdose deaths in 2023. Xylazine deaths increased 379% from 2020-2021. Rural and coastal counties face highest rates.

Opioid Overdose Safety Kits

DPH distributes free OD Safety Kits at health departments statewide-naloxone, fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, and educational materials in English and Spanish.

52% Mental Health Workforce Shortage

More than half of South Carolina counties designated shortage areas. LEON and ROLL programs training law enforcement and firefighters to administer naloxone statewide.

South Carolina Behavioral Health Workforce Demand

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

2,000+ Open Positions

Current MHT job openings across South Carolina healthcare systems and facilities.

$38K Average Salary

Entry-level positions start at 32000, experienced MHTs earn up to 48000.

14% Job Growth

Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in South Carolina.

Where MHTs Work in South Carolina

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

$38K
$32K-$48K

High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.

MID CAREER

RN Psychiatric

$68K
$58K-$82K

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

ADVANCED PRACTICE

Psychiatric NP

$110K
$95K-$130K

Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.

Medical University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina, Clemson University nursing programs

Top MHT Employers in South Carolina

These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across South Carolina.

SC Department of Mental Health

State System

Columbia, SC

(803) 898-8581 • 5,500+

G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital

State Psychiatric

Columbia, SC

(803) 935-7100 • 600+

Patrick B. Harris Psychiatric Hospital

State Psychiatric

Anderson, SC

(864) 231-2600 • 400+

Medical University of South Carolina

Academic Medical Center

Charleston, SC

(843) 792-1414 • 17,000+

Prisma Health

Healthcare System

Multiple, SC

(864) 455-7000 • 32,000+

Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Healthcare System

Charleston, SC

(843) 724-2000 • 6,000+

South Carolina MHT Success Stories

Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across South Carolina.

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 South Carolina

Is Mental Health Technician training really free in South Carolina?
Yes. EHired offers free MHT training to all South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
South Carolina MHTs earn $38K on average. Entry-level positions start around $32K, with experienced MHTs at SCDMH and MUSC earning up to $48K with state benefits.
What is the job outlook for MHTs in South Carolina?
Excellent demand. South Carolina has 2,000+ current MHT job openings with 14% projected growth. SCDMH employs 5,500+ statewide and is actively hiring.
Where do Mental Health Technicians work in South Carolina?
SC MHTs work at SCDMH facilities including Bryan and Harris psychiatric hospitals, MUSC, Prisma Health, Roper St. Francis, Three Rivers Behavioral, and VA Columbia.
Do I need certification to work as an MHT in South Carolina?
SCDMH provides training for Mental Health Specialist positions. AMCA MHT certification improves prospects at MUSC, Prisma Health, and private facilities.
Can I advance from MHT to higher roles in South Carolina?
Absolutely. South Carolina has nursing programs at MUSC, USC, and Clemson. Career ladder: MHT ($38K) > RN Psych ($68K) > PMHNP ($110K).

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

Start Your MHT Career in South Carolina

Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 2,000+ MHT positions available across South Carolina.

Training Cost: FREE
Certification (Optional): $650
Average South Carolina Salary: $38K
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