48%
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 Washington.
Washington ranked 5th nationally in opioid death rate at 33.5/100K. Fentanyl arrived later in Pacific Northwest than eastern states, delaying the decline seen elsewhere. Deaths finally leveling off.
Attorney General Ferguson secured over $1.2 billion in opioid litigation settlements. Funds split between state and 125 cities/counties for treatment, recovery, and prevention services.
Over 90% of Washington's opioid deaths in 2023-2024 involved synthetic opioids (mostly fentanyl). Deaths from heroin and prescription opioids continue to decline as fentanyl dominates.
King County (Seattle) overdose deaths dropped 15-20% in early 2024. Naloxone distribution tripled from 13,500 kits (2022) to 54,000 kits (2024). 85% of high-risk users now carry naloxone.
Mental health technicians are critically needed across Washington to address growing behavioral health needs.
Current MHT job openings across Washington healthcare systems and facilities.
Entry-level positions start at 38000, experienced MHTs earn up to 60000.
Projected growth rate for behavioral health positions in Washington.
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.
University of Washington, Seattle Pacific, Washington State, Gonzaga nursing programs
These organizations are actively hiring Mental Health Technicians across Washington.
Lakewood, WA
Washington's largest state psychiatric hospital. Civil and forensic patients. Recently faced federal oversight for safety issues. Major workforce needs. • 2,000+
Medical Lake, WA
State psychiatric facility serving eastern Washington. Civil commitment and forensic services. Part of DSHS behavioral health administration. • 800+
Seattle, WA
University of Washington academic health system. Harborview Medical Center handles regional psychiatric emergencies. Research and training hub. • 30,000+
Tacoma, WA
Major Puget Sound health system with behavioral health services. Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Multiple inpatient psychiatric units. • 20,000+
Renton, WA
Large Pacific Northwest health system with behavioral health across Washington facilities. Crisis services and inpatient care. • 25,000+
Seattle, WA
Seattle-area health system (Providence affiliate) with behavioral health services including Cherry Hill psychiatric campus. • 10,000+
Real career journeys from Mental Health Technicians across Washington.
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 Washington
Find specific resources by program, topic, and state
Important: Mental Health Technician requirements vary by employer and facility type in Washington. 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 3,800+ MHT positions available across Washington.
No credit card required. Start learning immediately.