Psychiatric Technicians

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Code: 29-2053.00

Description : Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.

JobTitles : Mental Health Technician (MHT), Psychiatric Technician (PT), Mental Health Worker, Mental Health Associate, Mental Health Assistant (MHA), Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT), Health Care Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Patient Care Specialist, Support Team Member (STM)

Tasks:
  • Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
  • Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or mentally retarded patients.
  • Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
  • Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.
  • Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
  • Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or developmentally disabled patients to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.
  • Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.
  • Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.
  • 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.