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Mental health coordinator vs mental health associate

The differences between mental health coordinators and mental health associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a mental health coordinator and a mental health associate. Additionally, a mental health coordinator has an average salary of $52,428, which is higher than the $36,510 average annual salary of a mental health associate.

The top three skills for a mental health coordinator include social work, mental health and mental health assessments. The most important skills for a mental health associate are patients, customer service, and vital signs.

Mental health coordinator vs mental health associate overview

Mental Health CoordinatorMental Health Associate
Yearly salary$52,428$36,510
Hourly rate$25.21$17.55
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs137,025122,947
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4545
Years of experience44

What does a mental health coordinator do?

A mental health coordinator is responsible for implementing and monitoring the psychological health programs at a hospital, school, or other types of care facilities. Your duties typically include overseeing the implementation of programs and treatments, consulting with other health care professionals about therapeutic care and patient cases, and working to increase awareness of community mental health. Additionally, you are responsible for coordinating residential and aftercare therapy for people with mental health issues. You are also responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of patient information.

What does a mental health associate do?

As a mental health associate, you will assist the medical team members in diagnosing and treating individuals with mental, developmental, and behavioral conditions. You may be tasked to facilitate individual and group therapy sessions, help patients with their day-to-day activities such as self-care and hygiene, and assist in administering medications prescribed by physicians. Other duties include planning and leading program activities, attending treatment rounds, and assisting with the physical care of patients. The qualifications and skills required for this role include a bachelor's degree in social science or psychology, previous work experience, and certification on basic life support.

Mental health coordinator vs mental health associate salary

Mental health coordinators and mental health associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mental Health CoordinatorMental Health Associate
Average salary$52,428$36,510
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $80,000Between $25,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityStockton, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyWellpathColumbia University in the City of New York
Best paying industryGovernmentProfessional

Differences between mental health coordinator and mental health associate education

There are a few differences between a mental health coordinator and a mental health associate in terms of educational background:

Mental Health CoordinatorMental Health Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Mental health coordinator vs mental health associate demographics

Here are the differences between mental health coordinators' and mental health associates' demographics:

Mental Health CoordinatorMental Health Associate
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 21.4% Female, 78.6%Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage15%15%

Differences between mental health coordinator and mental health associate duties and responsibilities

Mental health coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Manage apartment project for SPMI adults and provide case management support to those tenants.
  • Assist in the development of partnerships with universities, mental health agencies and rehabilitation resources in program design and implementation.
  • Refer patients and family members to community resources or to specialists for mentally abuse children or women rights advocacy as necessary.
  • Provide intake assessments for at-risk youth and families to determine eligibility for intensive in-home and therapeutic day treatment services and Medicaid assistance
  • Exhibit genuine compassion and caring for individuals facing a variety of life challenges.
  • Complete emergency evaluations of patients and refer for inpatient treatment if necessary.
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Mental health associate example responsibilities.

  • Lead a number of psychotherapy groups including DBT.
  • Manage other MHA's in their duties and help them problem solving in tense and stressful situations.
  • Respond to and assist in behavioral codes working as a team member to successfully manage patient using methods obtain in CPI training
  • Require to participate as an interdisciplinary treatment team member and assist patients in managing activities of daily living.
  • Treat the patients with compassion, care and respect.
  • Communicate with doctors, nurses, MHA's, PCA's, and patients both verbally and in writing.
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Mental health coordinator vs mental health associate skills

Common mental health coordinator skills
  • Social Work, 31%
  • Mental Health, 14%
  • Mental Health Assessments, 10%
  • Patients, 7%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Clinical Supervision, 3%
Common mental health associate skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Vital Signs, 7%
  • CPR, 6%
  • Safety Checks, 4%
  • Social Work, 4%

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