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Mental health coordinator vs mental health specialist

The differences between mental health coordinators and mental health specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, a mental health coordinator has an average salary of $52,428, which is higher than the $47,321 average annual salary of a mental health specialist.

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 specialist are patients, social work, and rehabilitation.

Mental health coordinator vs mental health specialist overview

Mental Health CoordinatorMental Health Specialist
Yearly salary$52,428$47,321
Hourly rate$25.21$22.75
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs137,025131,449
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 specialist do?

A mental health specialist is responsible for evaluating a patient's mental health condition and develop appropriate treatment plans to help the patients cope up with their mental difficulties. Mental health specialists provide counseling to the patients, listening to their situation, and responding with the utmost consideration. They also create regular progress reports and medical charts to monitor ongoing medication, updating treatment plans as needed. A mental health specialist must have excellent communication and organization skills, helping the patients deal with their mental stress and return to a healthy lifestyle.

Mental health coordinator vs mental health specialist salary

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

Mental Health CoordinatorMental Health Specialist
Average salary$52,428$47,321
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $80,000Between $31,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityStockton, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyWellpathResearch Foundation For Mental Hygiene Inc
Best paying industryGovernmentGovernment

Differences between mental health coordinator and mental health specialist education

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

Mental Health CoordinatorMental Health Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Mental health coordinator vs mental health specialist demographics

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

Mental Health CoordinatorMental Health Specialist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 21.4% Female, 78.6%Male, 32.9% Female, 67.1%
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 specialist 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 specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
  • Assist and encourage patients with ADL's including feeding, ambulating, and hygiene to promote patient care.
  • Utilize rehabilitation principles to support individuals, families and communities in developing effective strategies to improve client mental health functioning.
  • Provide psychological care to patients in an in-patient psych unit, including facilitating group activities, crisis intervention, implementing therapeutic approaches
  • Meet physical requirements to complete SAMA and CPR training.
  • Provide kindness and compassion to the deceased and their families.
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Mental health coordinator vs mental health specialist 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 specialist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Social Work, 11%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • Mental Health, 5%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Vital Signs, 4%

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