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Job outlook for mental health program managers in the United States
Are mental health program manager jobs in demand?
Mental health program manager job and salary trends over time
Mental health program manager jobs over time
Mental health program manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,448 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,256 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,213 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,089 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,945 | 0.00% |
Average mental health program manager salary over time
Mental health program manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,778 | $35.95 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $72,412 | $34.81 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $71,515 | $34.38 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $70,526 | $33.91 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $69,228 | $33.28 | +2.2% |
Mental health program manager jobs by state
Most common states for mental health program managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 405 | 58% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,829 | 33% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 307 | 32% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 400 | 30% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 168 | 29% |
| 6 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 455 | 27% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,877 | 25% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,714 | 25% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,595 | 24% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,349 | 24% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 461 | 24% |
| 12 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 212 | 24% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,401 | 23% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 720 | 23% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,538 | 22% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 671 | 22% |
| 17 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 648 | 22% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,295 | 21% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,229 | 21% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 876 | 21% |
Most common cities for mental health program managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aurora | 2 | 1% | $62,961 |
| 2 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $66,005 |
Mental Health Program Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of mental health program manager experts
Indiana University Northwest
San Diego State University
Bay Path University
Middle Tennessee State University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Western Carolina University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Maryville University
Davenport University
Azusa Pacific University
Thiel College
The University of Texas
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN
Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/CoachWhat general advice would you give to a Mental Health Program Manager?
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN: A few ways to maximize earning potential as a new graduate nurse is through skillful negotiations and previous experience in healthcare, such as degree level, nurse externships, phlebotomy skills, or certifications. Many, if not all, employers appreciate that new graduates are equipped with clinical skills that are strongly recommended for the practice area. While many nurse certifications require experience, some are for entry-level, such as advanced life support (ACLS and PALS) and IV insertion. There are also some specialty practice certifications that new grads can obtain without years of experience; although they may recommend the experience at times, this is optional. All of this demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the profession and interest. Other ways are to work overtime hours, learn about clinical career ladders, or continue formal education.
Linda Galocy
Director and Assistant Dean, Clinical Associate ProfessorIndiana University Northwest
Health Information Management Programs
What soft skills should all Mental Health Program Managers possess?
Linda Galocy: Writing skills, communication, organization, the ability to multi-task, critical thinking skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Mental Health Program Managers?
Linda Galocy: Technical skills are dependent on the job, but working with multiple types of software at one time is very common in the health information profession. Patient records are electronic. Therefore, the ability to learn and adapt to electronic health record systems is a must. In addition, supportive software is typically used in order to get the work done, such as an encoder, which allows a medical coder to assign codes to a patient record, a release of information system that is utilized for tracking requests for patient records from the time the request is received until it is complete. The ability for
+a health information professional to understand an entire process, such as the revenue cycle. There are many individuals involved in the process of obtaining payment for healthcare services rendered, and it is important for everyone to do their job, do it correctly, and when errors occur, work together to correct those errors.
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSan Diego State University
School of Social Work
What skills stand out on Mental Health Program Manager resumes?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: Formal training and/or experience using one or more evidence-based Interventions.
Suzanne Gile
Adjunct professorBay Path University
Clinical mental health counseling, developmental psychology
How have salaries changed over time for Mental Health Program Managers?
Suzanne Gile: I am not sure of the actual percentage change but in my observation salaries have increased significantly. When I entered the field in 1999, I was making $29,000. Clinicians entering the field currently are starting around $45,000. I personally have seen an increase in insurance rate reimbursements over the past 2 years. Aetna used to reimburse $60 per individual therapy session a few years ago but recently made another increase and is reimbursing $111.22 per 60-minute therapy session. Other insurance companies have also increased reimbursement rates.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mental Health Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Frank Lambert Ph.D.: Undoubtedly, while the pandemic is continuing, and possibly beyond, comfort working with technology will become an even more pronounced trend for librarians. From information literacy, to running programs online and conducting online instruction, to story times, technology is what helps connect communities with their public libraries even more. Libraries were stuck between a rock and a hard place when the pandemic struck. For SO many people in our community, the library is their primary source with the outside world via the WWW. When libraries had to close to reduce the chances of disease spread, not only was computer access to the Internet lost, but so was access to the Internet at home for those people who could not afford Internet access and instead have to rely on mobile hotspots for access. With libraries closed though, these hotspots could not be signed out. In the future, government should consider libraries an essential service. How was a community member to apply for unemployment benefits if he/she did not have access to the WWW from home? How can that same member apply for other social services or apply for a new job without an Internet connection? Had governments declared public libraries essential services and provided them with the resources needed to stay open, including giving libraries power over enforcing mask mandates, then the pandemic might have had a different look to it.
What soft skills should all Mental Health Program Managers possess?
Frank Lambert Ph.D.: Graduates in librarianship should have a definite public service ethic as one of their primary soft skills. Librarianship is a rewarding career, but you will not get rich being one. However, people become librarians more often than not just based on that desire to serve. Being a team player is very helpful. You need to work with other professionals and paraprofessionals closely. Working well in a team environment is pretty much essential, regardless whether you are working at a public service desk or behind the scenes in a technical services department. Being open to learning new things is a great soft skill. If you thrive in environments where the only constant is change, then librarianship is a great career. Finally, if you like puzzles or solving problems, then librarianship is for you. You want to run towards challenging information-based problems to start working on them right away. There is nothing more satisfying than finding the answer to a complex and challenging information-based problem and seeing the gratitude on your patron's face.
How have salaries changed over time for Mental Health Program Managers?
Frank Lambert Ph.D.: Salaries continue to rise. There are hundreds of graduates across the nation every semester, and yet there are still multiple job openings. Retirement of baby boomers in librarianship appears to be increasing. I would not say there is a shortage of qualified candidates; however, according to the Library Journal's most recent salary survey, their 2019 Placements & Salaries survey learned that full-time grads earned on average 6.2 percent more than they did in 2018 www.libraryjournal.com
This also was a 24% increase from 2011 salary levels. Salaries increasing this much may be due to, as I wrote, a glut of open positions in librarianship due to retirements, but closer analysis should be conducted before anything definitive is stated.
Brett Lehman Ph.D.
ProfessorAuburn University at Montgomery
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mental Health Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Brett Lehman Ph.D.: It might be a surprise to say that some things will remain steady during the pandemic. The job market will still require candidates with critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, oral and written communication skills, and project management skills. With so many aspects of the workplace changing rapidly, such as how we communicate with each other and unforeseen problems adding up, these skills may be more important than ever. The ability to continue projects, collaborate, and lead a group effort during these trying times will look impressive.
What technical skills for a Mental Health Program Manager stand out to employers?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: Business, creative, and organizational skills - I would recommend that upcoming graduates are proficient in Word, Excel (highly used), Powerpoint, Outlook (especially how to send meeting requests and calendar organization), TEAMS, Gantt charts for team management, Mindmapping for creativity, and design software. Additionally, I would recommend that they learn how to properly utilize social media for marketing and PR, not just personal posting. Finally, email etiquette would be essential.
What soft skills should all Mental Health Program Managers possess?
TeWhan Hahn Ph.D.: Writing skills including email writing, being able to work in teams, and knowing the workplace etiquettes.
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant ProfessorMaryville University
Speech-Language Pathology
What's a day at work look like for a Mental Health Program Manager?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.: A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!
What technical skills for a Mental Health Program Manager stand out to employers?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.: Speech-Language Pathologists help people improve their speech, language, swallowing, hearing, and other communication abilities. The goal of our profession is ultimately to help people effectively communicate and improve quality of life. Therefore, the skills that standout to employers are Speech-Language Pathologists who
-Like to think critically and problem solve,
-Are passionate about the field and demonstrate a desire to continually learn more,
-Are dedicated to serving people and helping them live their best lives,
-And those who possess strong advocacy skills!
What soft skills should all Mental Health Program Managers possess?
Todd Terry: Graduates as they prepare to enter the workforce should pay particular attention to their ability to communicate with coworkers. This communication could happen through face-to-face interactions, remote meetings with the aid of technology for example, meeting by computer software, written communication through instant messaging, or emails. Also, part of communicating is being a good listener.
Graduates should have good critical thinking skills. They will need to be adaptive and able to analyze data to make good informed decisions.
In today's work environment, working on teams is a regular function. Therefore, employers are looking for the candidate who can professionally interact with other team members, have a positive attitude and a good work ethic.
What's a good job out of college for Mental Health Program Managers?
Bala Musa Ph.D.: A good job out of college is one that allows you to apply creative and critical thinking skills. Future work environments will require employees to innovate and adapt. Any job that helps you cultivate, sharpen and apply those skills will serve you and your organization well. It will prepare you to adapt in the face of change and future disruptions.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mental Health Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Mary Beth Mason Ph.D.: I think we are going to see teletherapy as a more common service delivery model across settings. I think that that will be what I call a "Pandemic Positive". I think many states will pass legislation post pandemic for teletherapy to be a reimbursable service.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Mental Health Program Managers?
Mary Beth Mason Ph.D.: I think one of the great things about being a speech-language pathologist is that we can work across the lifespan in a variety of settings. In order to have that flexibility, graduates should get their Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), professional state license, and credential to work in public school setting. It is important to get those three credentials as soon as possible after graduation because they will meet the current standards. If they wait, there might be new standards in place which means they might need additional coursework and/or pass additional tests.
What's a good job out of college for Mental Health Program Managers?
Mary Beth Mason Ph.D.: I think it's important for new graduates to remain open to different work settings when looking for a job. Happiness is a balancing act between work and home so it's important to consider factors such as schedule and commute in addition to work setting and caseload.
New clinicians need to complete a Clinical Fellowship experience before applying for their Certificate of Clinical Competency from ASHA. I always tell students to ask about their Clinical Fellowship mentor during their interview. That is always a good question to ask in the interview when the employer asks if you have questions. Successful completion of the Clinical Fellowship is the final step in the certification process so it's really important to have a good working relationship with that person. A good mentor can help a new clinician have a great experience in any setting.
My final piece of advice to new graduates is to always negotiate. I tell my students to call me for a pep talk if they need one because I know their worth and value. Employers expect some back and forth following the initial offer. A good employer is not going to withdraw an offer because you counter for increased salary or better benefits. In helping professions like speech-language pathology, I think many don't want to seem aggressive, but negotiating job offers is completely acceptable.
Bottom line is we all need to have a job that we like that allows us to have a life that we love.
What type of skills will young Mental Health Program Managers need?
Dr. Eva Moya Ph.D.: Graduates of the social work profession need to be able to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and mobilize communities to bring about social, economic, political, or environmental change, in addition to being involved in social policy development.
Skills in research, to study social issues, with the intention of developing social policy or micro-level approaches to practice to improve people's lives, and training in relation to multiculturalism, cultural competence, cultural humility practice is vital.
Key skills include:
-Collaboration
-Critical thinking
-Ethics in evidence based-practice
-Assessment, intervention, and evaluation
-Social work competencies to inform behaviors.
-Administration and management
-Community practice
-Policy practice