45%
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.
Monitor patients, conduct safety checks, de-escalate crisis situations, and maintain secure environments.
Assist with daily living activities, facilitate group sessions, and support therapeutic activities.
Record behavioral observations, track treatment progress, and communicate with clinical teams.
Mental Health Technicians serve diverse populations facing behavioral health challenges across Virginia.
Virginia saw the nation's second-largest drop in overdose deaths in 2024. Deaths fell from 2,463 to 1,403-a historic 43% decline. Fentanyl deaths dropped 44%, from 1,939 to 1,086.
Governor Youngkin's comprehensive fentanyl response initiative launched 2023. 100+ family ambassadors share stories in schools. State leading nation in percentage overdose reduction.
Virtually all fatal fentanyl overdoses now involve illicitly manufactured fentanyl, not prescription versions. Drug supply shifted dramatically since 2013 when illicit fentanyl first emerged.
Virginia DBHDS offers free naloxone training and distribution through REVIVE! program. Local health departments provide naloxone at no cost. Expanded treatment access credited for decline.
Mental health technicians are critically needed across Virginia to address growing behavioral health needs.
Current MHT job openings across Virginia healthcare systems and facilities.
Entry-level positions start at 34000, experienced MHTs earn up to 52000.
Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Virginia.
Mental Health Technicians work across various behavioral health settings throughout the state.
Inpatient treatment for acute mental illness
State and private psychiatric facilities
Outpatient services and case management
Local mental health centers
Short-term crisis intervention
23-hour observation, crisis residential
Extended care in therapeutic setting
Group homes, halfway houses
Veterans behavioral health services
PTSD treatment, addiction recovery
Mental health services in justice system
Jails, prisons, forensic units
MHT is the entry point to a rewarding career in behavioral health. Advance through education and experience.
High school diploma + training. Entry into behavioral health.
ASN/BSN required. Clinical leadership in behavioral health units.
Master's degree. Prescriptive authority, independent practice.
VCU, UVA, George Mason, Old Dominion, Virginia Tech nursing programs
These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Virginia.
Statewide, VA
8 behavioral health facilities including Central State, Eastern State, Western State, and NVMHI. Major state employer with 3,500+ beds. • 3,500+
Petersburg, VA
Oldest continuously operating psychiatric hospital in the US (1773). Serves adults with serious mental illness from central Virginia. • 800+
Staunton, VA
Regional state psychiatric facility serving Shenandoah Valley and western Virginia. Acute and forensic services. • 600+
Richmond, VA
Virginia Commonwealth University health system. Nationally ranked psychiatry program. Comprehensive behavioral health services. • 12,000+
Falls Church, VA
Northern Virginia's largest health system. Top-ranked Fairfax Hospital psychiatry. Comprehensive behavioral health across region. • 20,000+
Norfolk, VA
Major Hampton Roads health system with behavioral health services across multiple facilities. Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center. • 30,000+
Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Virginia.
MHT > Charge MHT > RN
""Starting as an MHT gave me the foundation I needed. Now I'm pursuing my BSN.""
Now earning $68K as RN
CNA > MHT > Case Manager
""The crisis intervention skills I learned as an MHT opened new doors.""
MSW program while working
Security > MHT > Program Lead
""Transitioning from security, I found my calling in behavioral health.""
Leading residential program
Retail > MHT > PMHNP Student
""Free MHT training changed my career trajectory completely.""
PMHNP program at state university
Common questions about MHT training in Virginia
Find specific resources by program, topic, and state
Important: Mental Health Technician requirements vary by employer and facility type in Virginia. Some positions may require additional certifications, background checks, or state-specific credentials. Always research specific employer requirements before applying.
Free training. No prerequisites. Start today and join the 4,000+ MHT positions available across Virginia.
No credit card required. Start learning immediately.