This question is about what a mental health technician does, what a mental health worker does, and what a mental health associate does.

What qualifications do you need to be a mental health worker?

By Zippia Team - Jan. 22, 2022

The primary qualification needed to become a mental health worker is relevant education. Levels of acceptable education vary for mental health workers, but minimum standards are required to be considered for a position in this field.

Candidates interested in this field can become certified as behavioral health technicians. This training can be done online and requires an investment of 30 hours of coursework and testing. Most states do not require certification, but it is the shortest path to obtain a job in this field.

Most mental health workers have a relevant college degree. Nearly 12% of mental health workers have an associate's degree in psychology or social work, while 60% of workers in this field have a bachelor's degree.

Several states also require licensure. Arkansas, California, and Colorado require that their behavioral health technicians be licensed.

What qualifications do you need to be a mental health worker?

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