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What is a mental health case manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Bill Buker,
Dr. T. Thao Pham Ph.D.
introduction image

Mental health case managers help patients develop coping skills and maintain a stable life. They serve as a link between patients and the medical staff. They assess patients to evaluate the state of their mental health. Furthermore, they keep patients' records based on assessments and evaluations. They also review progress notes written by other members of the team. Additionally, they develop and implement specific plans to help the patients meet to achieve a better state of mental health. Mental health case managers work in psychiatric centers, rehabilitation facilities, mental health treatment centers, hospitals, and the likes.

Most mental health case managers possess a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field. Employers require previous work experience in a similar role. Candidates must possess communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. These professionals earn an average salary of $38,400 in a year. It is between $27,000 and $55,000.

What general advice would you give to a mental health case manager?

Dr. Bill BukerDr. Bill Buker LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean and Professor of Professional Counseling, Oral Roberts University

In response to your first question, my general advice to graduates beginning their career in theological and ministerial studies, is to be aware of the manifold and diverse opportunities for meaningful ministry in today's world due, in no small part, to Covid-19. While traditional forms of ministry may be limited, new and creative ways of connecting are emerging. In the context of this current pandemic, the inherent human quest for meaning has people asking the big questions. In their attempts to make sense of what is happening in the world, people are open to discussions and reflections on which theology has much to contribute. Engaging in such conversations, by becoming caring and competent listeners, not only opens doors for ministry, it constitutes ministry. However, I would add this reminder that listening well to the struggles of others goes far beyond what theological and ministerial graduates have learned in the classroom. It has everything to do with who they are as persons, which means that their spiritual formation will be the critical variable as they seek to incarnate Jesus in their contexts of ministry.
ScoreMental Health Case ManagerUS Average
Salary
3.3

Avg. Salary $42,574

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.3

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.62%

Asian 3.12%

Black or African American 7.90%

Hispanic or Latino 7.90%

Unknown 6.24%

White 74.22%

Gender

female 75.71%

male 24.29%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
9.3

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.5

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Mental health case manager career paths

Key steps to become a mental health case manager

  1. Explore mental health case manager education requirements

    Most common mental health case manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.9 %

    Master's

    19.1 %

    Associate

    9.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific mental health case manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Mental Health15.04%
    Social Work13.75%
    Patients8.43%
    Management Services4.75%
    Rehabilitation4.09%
  3. Complete relevant mental health case manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mental health case managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mental health case manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mental health case manager resumes.
  4. Research mental health case manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the care of patients with tuberculosis (TB) during their hospitalization and their discharge follow-up care.
    • Coordinate, collaborate, and refer to various community agencies to assist in meeting consumer's needs and maximizing their rehabilitation.
    • Perform intensive early intervention behavior therapy for children diagnose on the autism spectrum disorder using the principles of apply behavior analysis.
    • Organize and participate in the development, review and evaluation of IFSP meeting.
  5. Prepare your mental health case manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mental health case manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mental health case manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable mental health case manager resume templates

    Build a professional mental health case manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your mental health case manager resume.
    Mental Health Case Manager Resume
    Mental Health Case Manager Resume
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    Mental Health Case Manager Resume
    Mental Health Case Manager Resume
    Mental Health Case Manager Resume
    Mental Health Case Manager Resume
    Mental Health Case Manager Resume
    Mental Health Case Manager Resume
  6. Apply for mental health case manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mental health case manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first mental health case manager job

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Average mental health case manager salary

The average mental health case manager salary in the United States is $42,574 per year or $20 per hour. Mental health case manager salaries range between $33,000 and $54,000 per year.

Average mental health case manager salary
$42,574 Yearly
$20.47 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do mental health case managers rate their job?

-/5

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Mental health case manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2024
Pros

purpose, options 4 exponential learning

Cons

can be easy to get burnt out, pay is ok


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2024
Cons

Stressful, dangerous neighborhoods, sometimes parents are dangerous as well. Work life balance isn't good. Documentation is very time consuming and you will bring that home to finish. If your agency requires that you do your app recorded time sheets then that will prove ardously time consuming constaint that cuts right into your work/home life balance...it's terrible. Wear and tear on your car, no shows from parents upsetting children and paid mileage is horrible. Get ready to barely have a life.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

Helping others

Cons

Getting approval and watching families go through their proceed with difficulties


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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