What does a psychiatric aide 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.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, psychiatric aide responsibilities require skills like "restraints," "oral hygiene," "emergency situations," and "behavioral observations." Meanwhile a typical mental health worker has skills in areas such as "direct supervision," "substance abuse," "patient safety," and "mental health." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

A behavioral health technician participates in treating patients with behavioral problems caused by mental health issues. They are primarily responsible for monitoring the behavior of the patient, following the guidelines of treatment from a mental health professional, and regularly reporting any progress or problems. Moreover, a behavioral health technician must also carry out administrative tasks, which include producing reports and assessments, answering inquiries and correspondence, maintaining schedules, and keeping records. Furthermore, it is essential to give emotional support to a patient, providing them with a safe and healthy environment at all times.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real psychiatric aide resumes. While psychiatric aide responsibilities can utilize skills like "restraints," "oral hygiene," "behavioral observations," and "state hospital," behavioral health technicians use skills like "behavioral health," "substance abuse," "bht," and "patient safety."

A mental health technician's primary responsibility is to provide care and assistance to patients with mental health issues. Their tasks mainly revolve around administering scheduled and prescribed medication, monitoring vital signs, assisting during therapy sessions, and assessing patients' progress and behavior. They may also have administrative support tasks such as processing necessary documentation, preparing reports, managing schedules, and even reaching out to patients' guardians and families. A mental health technician may also build a healthy rapport with patients, giving them guidance and positive influence.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a psychiatric aide is likely to be skilled in "oral hygiene," "emergency situations," "behavioral observations," and "state hospital," while a typical mental health technician is skilled in "patient safety," "therapeutic milieu," "substance abuse," and "phone calls."

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.