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What is a mental health program manager and how to become one
Mental health program managers head mental health institutions or agencies in the private or public sector. They manage programs directed at people struggling with substance abuse, mental or emotional problems, troubled youth, or people with problematic family situations.
Working in this position, you will oversee the operations of an organization providing counseling to people in need. You will recruit and train talented personnel, create overarching goals for the institution, plan the work to be carried out, and create schedules for the staff. You will delegate tasks, head staff meetings, manage the budget, and make sure the institution runs smoothly and at full capacity.
People filling this role are generally licensed clinicians specializing in mental health. They might be psychologist counselors or social workers, and they generally hold a degree in their field. Experience in medical administration is also necessary, as this is a complex managerial role that requires a comprehensive insight into the structure and functioning of mental health programs. Managing stress and efficiently organizing your time will be essential, as well as knowing how to lead a team and communicate successfully. Professionals holding this position make around $69,000 per year on average.
What general advice would you give to a mental health program manager?
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN
Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/Coach
Avg. Salary $74,778
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 28%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.72%
Asian 7.59%
Black or African American 12.79%
Hispanic or Latino 14.50%
Unknown 4.27%
White 60.13%
Genderfemale 71.43%
male 28.57%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Mental health program manager career paths
Key steps to become a mental health program manager
Explore mental health program manager education requirements
Start to develop specific mental health program manager skills
Skills Percentages Social Work 19.57% Behavioral Health 9.37% Mental Health 9.34% Substance Abuse 5.31% Family Therapy 4.32% Complete relevant mental health program manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mental health program 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 program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mental health program manager resumes.Research mental health program manager duties and responsibilities
- Conduct daily clinical documentation audits, manage consumer financial accounts, provide oversight and approval for all treatment and discharge planning.
- Conduct billing and coding through agency reimbursement funding through Medicaid.
- Develop and maintain close liaison with local providers and drug rehabilitation facilities.
- Chair and direct interdisciplinary teams in the development and evaluation of individualize habilitation, rehabilitation and treatment plans.
Prepare your mental health program manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mental health program manager resume.
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Choose from 10+ customizable mental health program manager resume templates
Build a professional mental health program 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 program manager resume.
Apply for mental health program manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a mental health program manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average mental health program manager salary
The average mental health program manager salary in the United States is $74,778 per year or $36 per hour. Mental health program manager salaries range between $50,000 and $111,000 per year.
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Mental health program manager reviews
Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.
Updated January 8, 2025
