Category
Healthcare
What It Is
Supports patients in mental health or substance abuse treatment settings under clinical supervision.
Best For
Compassionate people interested in behavioral health who want a fast entry point into the field.
Avoid If
You find emotionally intensive environments draining without strong personal support systems.
Degree Required
No degree required for entry-level roles; some employers prefer a certificate.
Skills Needed
Empathy, patience, boundary-setting, basic crisis de-escalation, documentation.
Training Path
Entry-level hire with employer training, or a behavioral health technician certificate program (a few months).
Certs / Licenses
CPR/First Aid certification; some states require a behavioral health technician certification.
Time to First Job
Immediate to a few months depending on employer/state requirements.
Cost to Enter
$0-$1,500 depending on certificate requirements.
Income Range
General estimate: $32,000-$40,000 entry-level, up to $45,000+ in specialized facilities. Verify local data.
First Job Titles
Behavioral Health Technician, Mental Health Associate.
Companies Hiring
Inpatient behavioral health hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, group homes.
Best Next Step
Apply directly to local treatment facilities; many provide paid on-the-job training for this role.
Real Training Providers Near You
- Chicago Medical Assistant School – Olympia Fields – Olympia Fields, Illinois (5★, 20 reviews)
- The College of Health Care Professions – Houston, Texas (4.9★, 834 reviews)
- Houston Medical Assistant School – Katy – Katy, Texas (4.8★, 52 reviews)
Verified via Google Business listings, 2026-07-06. Always confirm current pricing, schedule, and enrollment requirements directly with the provider.