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Mental Health Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mental Health Assistant

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$11.18 - $16.77/hr

Experience 1 year in Mental Health Field, will consider other relevant experience. Other Qualifications Must have good verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to lift 50 pounds, assist ...

Experience 1 year in Mental Health Field, will consider other relevant experience. Other Qualifications Must have good verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to lift 50 pounds, assist ...

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Mental Health Assistant information

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$22.5K

$50.5K

$78K

How much do mental health assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for mental health assistant in the United States is $50,515.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mental health assistant?

A mental health assistant works with psychiatric patients in hospitals, residential care facilities, and outpatient centers. Your job duties as a mental health assistant are to monitor patients’ behavior and progress, assist patients with basic care like bathing and eating, and update medical records. You may also take patients’ vital signs, provide therapeutic care, and engage patients in social and recreational activities. Occasionally, you may have to help restrain patients who become physically violent or out of control. Mental health assistants report to psychiatrists or other physicians and follow their instructions for patient care.

What are some common challenges faced by mental health assistants, and how can they be managed?

Mental Health Assistants often encounter emotionally charged situations and may work with individuals experiencing crises or behavioral challenges. Managing stress and maintaining emotional resilience are key, and it's important to utilize supervision, peer support, and self-care strategies. Building strong communication skills and setting healthy boundaries can also help navigate difficult interactions. Many organizations provide ongoing training and regular debriefings to support staff well-being and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mental health assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mental Health Assistant, you typically need a background in psychology or social work, experience with behavioral health, and sometimes relevant certifications such as Mental Health First Aid. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and patient management systems is often required. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills enable effective support of clients and collaboration with clinical teams. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, building trust, and supporting effective treatment outcomes in mental health environments.

What are the duties of a mental health assistant?

A mental health assistant supports mental health professionals by monitoring patients, assisting with daily activities, and providing emotional support. They may also help with documentation, observe patient behavior, and facilitate group activities, often working under supervision in clinical or community settings. Strong communication skills and basic knowledge of mental health conditions are important for this role.

What is the difference between Mental Health Assistant vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectMental Health AssistantMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; certification may be preferred or required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community health centersHospitals, mental health facilities, residential treatment centers
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health agenciesBehavioral health facilities, hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both roles support mental health patients and work in healthcare settings, often with similar credentials. Mental Health Assistants typically focus on providing basic patient care and support, while Mental Health Technicians may have more specialized responsibilities in mental health treatment. The roles are closely related, with overlapping work environments and employer usage, making them common points of comparison for job seekers in mental health support roles.

What cities are hiring for Mental Health Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Mental Health Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health jobs? The most popular types of Mental Health jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Mental Health Assistant jobs? The top employers for Mental Health Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Mental Health Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Mental Health Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mental Health Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,515 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Mental Health Assistant

United Health Services

Binghamton, NY • On-site

$19.37 - $28.09/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


United Health Services rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

251st of 303 rated insurance


Job description

Mental Health Assistant

UHS Binghamton General Hospital is hiring a Mental Health Assistant to work per diem supporting individuals with mental health needs by providing compassionate, patient-centered care. This role collaborates closely with Mental Health Technicians, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Rehabilitation Staff, and Physicians to deliver care aligned with provider and nursing orders. The Mental Health Assistant supports patients across both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. At UHS, we believe that every connection matters—from the way we support our patients in critical moments to how we empower our teams to grow and succeed. If you're ready to contribute to strategic planning, drive departmental goals, and lead with empathy in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to make a meaningful impact where every connection truly counts.

Primary Work Shift: Multiple shifts available

Compensation Range: $19.37 - $28.09 per hour, depending on experience

You will be eligible for benefits if you are hired into a regular position with at least 24 scheduled weekly hours.

Responsibilities
  • Assists patients or provides complete care including bathing, dressing, grooming, hydration and nutrition, and care of personal space and belongings.
  • Performs clinical measurements including Vital Signs, Intake and Output and documents findings.
  • Ensures comfort and safety in the environment for individual patients, families, self and coworkers through good body mechanics when assisting patients with mobility and transportation, proper use of equipment, following policy for restraints and seclusion, and use of monitoring techniques.
  • Makes frequent rounds observing patients to anticipate possible patient needs.
  • Plans, initiates, and assists patients with unstructured activities to address leisure time needs and encourages patient participation in all activities.
  • Reports patient or unit problems to the appropriate RN or Mental Health Tech.
  • Assists with ECT treatments according to procedure including obtaining, set up and cleaning of equipment; providing support and assistance to physicians and nurses; transporting patients; and monitoring patient oral intake post ECT recovery.
  • Follows procedures in caring for the potentially violent patient and the patient in danger of hurting him/herself or others including monitoring all levels of observation, assisting with the initiation of seclusion and application of restraints, and caring for restrained and secluded patients.
  • Responds to Code Blue situations in all areas of the hospital as directed utilizing all CPI principles in verbal de-escalation, physical restraint (appropriate to age), 4 point restraint and maintaining a safe environment in all situations, under the clinical supervision of a CPI trained RN. Initiates and maintains app
Education/Experience

Minimum Required:

  • High School Diploma or GED

Preferred:

  • College courses leading to a degree in a mental health related field or Nursing
  • Previous education in a Nursing Assistant program
  • Previous work experience in a health care environment

License/Certification:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant
Why You'll Love Working at UHS

At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That's why we're intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we're here to help you thrive in work and life.

A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.

Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.

Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we're here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.

Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.

A Place to Call Home – Located in New York's Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.

About United Health Services

United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York's Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region's population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.

At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we'd love for you to consider joining us!

United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates, which can be found at www.uhsinc.com.


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