Post job

Mental health worker vs mental health specialist

The differences between mental health workers 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 worker and a mental health specialist. Additionally, a mental health specialist has an average salary of $47,321, which is higher than the $41,081 average annual salary of a mental health worker.

The top three skills for a mental health worker include patients, crisis intervention and social work. The most important skills for a mental health specialist are patients, social work, and rehabilitation.

Mental health worker vs mental health specialist overview

Mental Health WorkerMental Health Specialist
Yearly salary$41,081$47,321
Hourly rate$19.75$22.75
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs144,879131,449
Job satisfaction1-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4545
Years of experience44

What does a mental health worker do?

A mental health worker is an individual who provides basic care and therapy to patients who are inflicted with mental disabilities or developmental disabilities. Mental health workers assist patients with their daily activities, monitor their conditions, and administer therapeutic care. They may be directly supervised by a registered nurse and can work in facilities such as psychiatric hospitals and residential mental health facilities. They may also help develop treatment plans and strategies with other staff members to best meet patient needs.

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 worker vs mental health specialist salary

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

Mental Health WorkerMental Health Specialist
Average salary$41,081$47,321
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $59,000Between $31,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyPacific Northwest National LaboratoryResearch Foundation For Mental Hygiene Inc
Best paying industryProfessionalGovernment

Differences between mental health worker and mental health specialist education

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

Mental Health WorkerMental Health Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Mental health worker vs mental health specialist demographics

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

Mental Health WorkerMental Health Specialist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 34.9% Female, 65.1%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 worker and mental health specialist duties and responsibilities

Mental health worker example responsibilities.

  • Respond to and assist in behavioral codes working as a team member to successfully manage patient using methods obtain in CPI training
  • Train in provision of CPI, CPR, food handling, infection control and basic nursing care.
  • Provide direct care to patients under direction and guidance of professional nursing personnel within a mental illness psychiatric outpatient hospital.
  • Assist patients in becoming accustom to hospital routine and encourage them to participate in social and recreational activities to promote rehabilitation.
  • Provide referrals to appropriate multidisciplinary services, including mental health, drug/alcohol rehabilitation services, and medical and physical/occupational therapy services.
  • Conduct crisis stabilization via sanction CPI techniques with staff assistance.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Mental health worker vs mental health specialist skills

Common mental health worker skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Social Work, 6%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Vital Signs, 5%
  • Rehabilitation, 4%
Common mental health specialist skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Social Work, 11%
  • Rehabilitation, 6%
  • Mental Health, 5%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Vital Signs, 4%

Browse community and social services jobs