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The differences between mental health specialists 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 specialist and a mental health associate. Additionally, a mental health specialist has an average salary of $47,321, which is higher than the $36,510 average annual salary of a mental health associate.
The top three skills for a mental health specialist include patients, social work and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a mental health associate are patients, customer service, and vital signs.
| Mental Health Specialist | Mental Health Associate | |
| Yearly salary | $47,321 | $36,510 |
| Hourly rate | $22.75 | $17.55 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 131,449 | 122,947 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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 specialists and mental health associates have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mental Health Specialist | Mental Health Associate | |
| Average salary | $47,321 | $36,510 |
| Salary range | Between $31,000 And $71,000 | Between $25,000 And $51,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | California | New York |
| Best paying company | Research Foundation For Mental Hygiene Inc | Columbia University in the City of New York |
| Best paying industry | Government | Professional |
There are a few differences between a mental health specialist and a mental health associate in terms of educational background:
| Mental Health Specialist | Mental Health Associate | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 62% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Psychology |
| Most common college | California State University - Long Beach | California State University - Long Beach |
Here are the differences between mental health specialists' and mental health associates' demographics:
| Mental Health Specialist | Mental Health Associate | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 32.9% Female, 67.1% | Male, 33.0% Female, 67.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 Percentage | 15% | 15% |