Best institutions to study Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other mental health care professionals, to provide direct patient care services, assist in developing and implementing treatment plans, administer medications, and perform related administrative functions.
77 U.S. institutions graduated 2,776 Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.1502, a specialization of Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15), and leads most directly to the Psychiatric Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 29-2053).
About Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other mental health care professionals, to provide direct patient care services, assist in developing and implementing treatment plans, administer medications, and perform related administrative functions. Includes instruction in mental health theory, applied psychopathology, patient communication and management, crisis intervention, psychotropic medication, mental health treatment procedures, substance abuse, record-keeping, clinical administrative skills, and applicable standards and regulations.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician program prepares individuals to provide essential direct patient care under the supervision of mental health professionals. This program is ideal for those interested in supporting patients with mental health challenges and contributing to their treatment and recovery processes. Students will gain valuable skills to assist in developing treatment plans and administering medications.
Learn more about Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician →
Core coursework includes mental health theory, applied psychopathology, patient communication, crisis intervention, and clinical administrative skills. Students will develop critical thinking and active listening skills, essential for effectively monitoring and supporting patients in various mental health settings.
Credentials awarded
What Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree969 graduates / yr · 49 institutions35%
- Bachelor's degree879 graduates / yr · 6 institutions32%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years556 graduates / yr · 22 institutions20%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year312 graduates / yr · 29 institutions11%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years58 graduates / yr · 1 institution2.1%
- Master's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2,923 |
| 2013 | 2,423 |
| 2014 | 2,508 |
| 2015 | 3,164 |
| 2016 | 3,178 |
| 2017 | 2,957 |
| 2018 | 3,133 |
| 2019 | 3,084 |
| 2020 | 2,805 |
| 2021 | 2,779 |
| 2022 | 2,761 |
| 2023 | 2,644 |
| 2024 | 2,597 |
| 2025 | 2,776 |
Top 50 institutions for Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 670 | 43% | $21,535 | $37,693 |
| 2 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 489 | 40% | — | $29,954 |
| 3 | Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, ALPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 137 | 33% | $15,554 | $38,439 |
| 4 | CUNY Kingsborough Community College Brooklyn, NYPublicAssociate's | 111 | 28% | — | $31,072 |
| 5 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 108 | 21% | — | — |
| 6 | Cuesta College San Luis Obispo, CAPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 71 | 48% | — | — |
| 7 | San Bernardino Valley College San Bernardino, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 58 | 28% | — | — |
| 8 | University of Maine at Augusta Augusta, MEPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 58 | 27% | — | $39,109 |
| 9 | Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 55 | 45% | — | $31,249 |
| 10 | San Joaquin Delta College Stockton, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 50 | 35% | — | — |
| 11 | CUNY LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NYPublicAssociate's | 50 | 24% | — | $28,402 |
| 12 | Northern Essex Community College Haverhill, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 44 | 21% | — | $27,799 |
| 13 | Porterville College Porterville, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 43 | 34% | — | — |
| 14 | Montgomery College Rockville, MDPublicAssociate's | 42 | 32% | — | — |
| 15 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAssociate's | 39 | 28% | — | — |
| 16 | College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, NVPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 36 | 19% | — | — |
| 17 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 32 | 34% | — | — |
| 18 | McLennan Community College Waco, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 31 | 39% | — | — |
| 19 | Mt San Antonio College Walnut, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 30 | 45% | — | $59,278 |
| 20 | Stautzenberger College - Maumee Maumee, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 30 | 55% | $21,788 | — |
| 21 | Middlesex Community College Bedford, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 28 | 23% | — | — |
| 22 | Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 26 | 31% | — | — |
| 23 | Cypress College Cypress, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 23 | 37% | — | — |
| 24 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAssociate's | 23 | 29% | — | — |
| 25 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAssociate's | 22 | 25% | — | $37,325 |
| 26 | Pierce College District Lakewood, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 21 | 31% | — | — |
| 27 | Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WIPublicAssociate's | 21 | 51% | — | $28,094 |
| 28 | Western Technical College La Crosse, WIPublicAssociate's | 21 | 34% | — | $25,442 |
| 29 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAssociate's | 21 | 56% | — | $25,557 |
| 30 | InterCoast Colleges - West Covina West Covina, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 21 | 97% | $26,763 | $37,997 |
| 31 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WVPublicBachelor's | 19 | 65% | — | — |
| 32 | San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 30% | — | — |
| 33 | Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WIPublicAssociate's | 16 | 44% | — | — |
| 34 | University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AKPublicAssociate'sBachelor's | 15 | 30% | — | — |
| 35 | Yavapai College Prescott, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 34% | — | — |
| 36 | Napa Valley College Napa, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 15 | 43% | — | — |
| 37 | College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 25% | — | — |
| 38 | Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell, PAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 28% | — | — |
| 39 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAssociate's | 15 | 51% | — | — |
| 40 | Yuba College Marysville, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 40% | — | — |
| 41 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 13 | 24% | — | $36,043 |
| 42 | Community College of Baltimore County Baltimore, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 19% | — | — |
| 43 | Atlantic Technical College Coconut Creek, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 65% | — | — |
| 44 | Hacienda La Puente Adult Education La Puente, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 77% | — | — |
| 45 | Wayne County Community College District Detroit, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 22% | — | — |
| 46 | Houston City College Houston, TXPublicAssociate's | 9 | 17% | — | — |
| 47 | Blackhawk Technical College Janesville, WIPublicAssociate's | 9 | 34% | — | — |
| 48 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore, WIPublicAssociate's | 9 | 66% | — | — |
| 49 | Jose Maria Vargas University Pembroke Pines, FLPrivate for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 9 | — | — | — |
| 50 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 47% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions field (CIP 51.15) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 24 states
Where Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-2053, Psychiatric Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Psychiatric Technicians or Psychiatric Aides. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 20% and approximately 15,900 annual openings. The median wage for this field is $42,590, with typical education requirements being a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.1502
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Psychiatric Techniciansprimary SOC 29-2053 | $45,130 | +20.0% Much faster than average | ~15,900 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Psychiatric Aides SOC 31-1133 | $44,910 | -0.4% Little or no change | ~5,300 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
- Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.
- Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.
- Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.
- Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
- Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
Tools and technology used
Other Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15).
- Mental Health Counseling/CIP 51.1508
Counselor 12,033 graduates / yr305 institutions - Substance Abuse/CIP 51.1501
Addiction Counseling 6,319 graduates / yr387 institutions - Marriage and Family Therapy/CIP 51.1505
Counseling 4,547 graduates / yr138 institutions - Mental and Social Health Services and Allied ProfessionsCIP 51.15993,932 graduates / yr111 institutions
- Clinical/CIP 51.1503
Medical Social Work 3,398 graduates / yr53 institutions - Community Health Services/CIP 51.1504
Liaison/ Counseling 2,189 graduates / yr102 institutions - Genetic Counseling/CIP 51.1509
Counselor 402 graduates / yr36 institutions - Clinical Pastoral Counseling/CIP 51.1506
Patient Counseling 217 graduates / yr18 institutions - Trauma CounselingCIP 51.1513214 graduates / yr17 institutions
- Psychoanalysis and PsychotherapyCIP 51.1507limited data10 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Medical Family Therapy/CIP 51.1511
Therapist limited data7 graduates / yr2 institutions - Hospice and Palliative CareCIP 51.1512limited data5 graduates / yr2 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Infant/
Toddler Mental Health Services51.1510
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions programs →
Common questions
What is the typical duration of the program?+
The program typically awards degrees ranging from less than one academic year to two years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, monitoring, critical thinking, and patient communication.
What types of jobs can I get after completing this program?+
You can work as a Psychiatric Technician or Psychiatric Aide, providing care to patients in mental health settings.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 20% and 15,900 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician?+
Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician is CIP 51.1502 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (CIP 51.15). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other mental health care professionals, to provide direct patient care services, assist in developing and implementing treatment plans, administer medications, and perform related administrative functions. Includes instruction in mental health theory, applied psychopathology, patient communication and management, crisis intervention, psychotropic medication, mental health treatment procedures, substance abuse, record-keeping, clinical administrative skills, and applicable standards and regulations.
How many institutions offer Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician programs?+
77 U.S. institutions reported Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 24 states, awarding 2,776 credentials in the year. That is 7.7% of all Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions graduates.
How much do Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Psychiatric Technicians occupation, which Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $45,130 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions field report median earnings of $34,603 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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