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Mental Health Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United Health Services

Mental Health Assistant

Binghamton, NY · On-site

$19.37 - $28.09/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Parkview Health

Mental Health Assistant

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

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 ...

Parkview Health

Mental Health Assistant

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

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 ...

Parkview Health

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 ...

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$22.5K

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How much do mental health assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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.

More about Mental Health Assistant jobs
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:
What job categories do people searching Mental Health Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mental Health Assistant jobs are:
Mental Health Assistant jobs near you
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, 78% Full Time, 16% 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

VitalCore Health Strategies

Lancaster, MA • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

VitalCore Health Strategies rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join the VitalCore Team in Massachusetts! We’re people who are fueled by passion, not by profit.

VitalCore Health Strategies (VCHS), an industry leader in Correctional Health Care, has openings for Full-Time (40 hours/week) and Part-Time (8 hours/week) Mental Health Assistants at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center (SBCC) in Lancaster, MA.

Looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare field with competitive wages, and an excellent benefits package?


At VitalCore we pride ourselves on retaining and acquiring compassionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to providing quality services. Join our team and experience first-hand how VitalCore Health Strategies promotes a positive work environment that is based on respect and appreciation of the hard work and dedication of our staff.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT BENEFITS PACKAGE:

  • Holiday Pay: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term/Long Term Disability
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and Discount Center
  • 401K & Plan Matching
  • PTO
  • Annual Incentive Bonus

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Assistant provides front line support to patients deemed in need of increased observation and engagement by offering therapeutic based-activities and recreation. Serves as a member of the treatment team while assuring a therapeutic milieu and safety of the living unit.


MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Assists the Clinical Team Leader, Clinical Therapists and Psychologists in implementing clinical treatment plans for patients on Mental Health Watch at medium and maximum security facilities.
  • As a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment team, promotes a therapeutic milieu in the observation areas and within the unit milieu.
  • Engages in non-clinical interactions with prisoners on Mental Health Watch, to include social and recreational based activities which augment the three clinical sessions per day.
  • Supports observation of patient behavior for safety or clinical issues.
  • Documents all non-clinical interactions, patient responses to engagement and all observed patient behaviors occurring throughout the day. Records such information in logs, reports or charts pertaining to daily patient activity and behavior.
  • Prepares various reports on unit activities, as required.
  • Assists the site MH leadership and custody staff by contributing to a therapeutic environment and safety by enforcing policies and procedures.
  • Possess the ability to observe patient behavior and the ability to recognize and report unusual occurrences.
  • Takes direction and supervision from A Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) who provides guidance on appropriate non-clinical activities and ensures the efficacy of the interactions with the patient on Mental Health Watch.
  • Participates in relevant Meetings to include Triage and/or Shift-Change Meetings where QMHPs conduct a clinical hand-off {first shift second shift- QMHP/Crisis Clinician), discuss clinically appropriate Support Persons activities for each patient on a Therapeutic Supervision Mental Health Watch and where Support Persons documentation from the prior day can be thoroughly reviewed by the entire Treatment Team.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • High School Diploma (preference for an associate degree in human services, or working towards a degree in human services)
  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, social work or criminal justice field is preferred.
  • Preferred direct care experience in a mental health or forensic mental facility, security residence, or correctional facility.
  • Preferred healthcare, mental health or human services experience.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT SCHEDULE


  • Full-Time
  • Part-Time
  • Day Shift

VitalCore Health Strategies is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.



Full-Time
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Day Shift

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