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Mental Health Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

NaphCare

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Harvest, AL · On-site

As a Correctional Licensed Mental Health Counselor , you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in ...

ADDICTION AND MENTAL

Behavioral Health Technician

Madison, AL · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Mental Health Support - Improved access to services and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP ... Responsibilities: * Assist in conducting clinical assessments and monitoring patient behavior to ...

Bradford Health Services

Therapist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$22.84 - $31.25/hr

Mental Health Support - Improved access to services and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP ... Facilitate anger management and coping strategies to assist clients in managing behavioral ...

Bradford Health Services

Therapist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$21.63 - $30/hr

Mental Health Support - Improved access to services and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) featuring digital wellness tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modules and wellness coaching.

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All JobsMental Health JobsMental Health Assistant JobsMental Health Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL

Mental Health Assistant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$21.1K

$47.4K

$73.1K

How much do mental health assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for mental health assistant in Decatur, AL is $47,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,300.00 and $57,700.00 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 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 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 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 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.
More about Mental Health Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health jobs in Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Mental Health jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What job categories do people searching Mental Health Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Mental Health Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Mental Health Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Mental Health Assistant job openings:

Mental Health Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mental Health Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,355 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Full Time Psychiatric RN | Madison County Jail

Huntsville, AL

SOUTHERN HEALTH PARTNERS INC
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Learn more about SOUTHERN HEALTH PARTNERS INCexternal

$36 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Full Time Psychiatric Registered Nurse

Madison County Jail | Alabama
7:30 AM to 8:00 PM | Rotating Schedule
Full Time Opportunity
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Experience Required

Bring Your Mental Health Expertise Where It Matters Most.

Southern Health Partners is seeking a dedicated Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Psych RN) to join our healthcare team at the Madison County Jail.

This position is ideal for an experienced mental health nurse who is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals with behavioral health needs. Your expertise will play an important role in identifying mental health concerns, supporting treatment plans, responding to behavioral health crises, and helping patients receive appropriate care in a structured correctional healthcare environment.

What You'll Do
  • Provide mental health assessments, screenings, and ongoing patient support
  • Assess patients for behavioral health needs and changes in mental health status
  • Provide nursing interventions and support individualized treatment plans
  • Monitor patient progress and response to treatment
  • Assist with crisis intervention and stabilization when needed
  • Collaborate with medical, mental health, and correctional healthcare team members
  • Provide education and support related to mental health and wellness
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation
  • Identify changes in patient condition and communicate concerns appropriately
  • Follow established correctional healthcare protocols and facility guidelines
What We're Looking For
  • Current, valid Registered Nurse license
  • Psychiatric or mental health nursing experience is required
  • Strong assessment, communication, and clinical documentation skills
  • Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to changes in mental health status
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team
  • Compassionate and professional approach to patient care
  • Ability to successfully complete facility credentialing requirements
  • Correctional healthcare experience is a plus, but not required
Full Time Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short & Long-Term Disability
  • 2 Weeks PTO Year One
  • 8 Paid Holidays + Birthday Off
  • 401(k) After 1 Year
  • Bi-Weekly Direct Deposit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Monthly Continuing Education Hours
  • Tuition Discounts
  • Professional Liability Insurance
  • Referral Bonus
  • Paid Bereavement & Jury Duty Leave
  • DailyPay
Why Southern Health Partners?

For more than 30 years, Southern Health Partners has been a leader in correctional healthcare. Our team provides compassionate, quality healthcare to individuals in correctional facilities while creating meaningful opportunities for healthcare professionals.

If you're an experienced Psych RN ready to bring your mental health expertise to a setting where your work can make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join the Southern Health Partners team!

Southern Health Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and facility credentialing requirements.

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About Southern Health Partners

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Southern Health Partners (SHP) is a leading provider of medical, dental, and mental health services to inmates in county and city jail facilities across the southern United States. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, it has been providing quality inmate healthcare since its establishment in 1994. Recognized in the correctional healthcare industry, SHP ensures the provision of essential healthcare services to a population that's often overlooked. The company upholds key values of research-based practices, continuous improvement, fiscal responsibility, and ethical behavior. Its mission is to provide affordable, quality inmate healthcare and protect community health.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

Year founded

1994

Social media

Facebook

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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