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

Treatment Aide

Decatur, AL · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

... and mental health challenges. Essential ResponsibilitiesAdministrative Support (Approximately 85%) * Assist counselors with scheduling assessments, appointments, and client services. * Support the ...

Treatment Aide

Decatur, AL · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

... and mental health challenges. Essential ResponsibilitiesAdministrative Support (Approximately 85%) * Assist counselors with scheduling assessments, appointments, and client services. * Support the ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 16, 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 mental health careers make the most money?

Among mental health careers, psychiatrists typically earn the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, due to their medical training and ability to prescribe medication. Clinical psychologists and psychiatric nurse practitioners also have high earning potential, especially with advanced certifications and experience. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and work setting, such as hospitals or private practice.

Do you need a degree to be a mental health assistant?

A mental health assistant typically does not require a college degree, but relevant certifications or training in mental health or healthcare are often preferred. Employers may also look for experience working with mental health clients and strong communication skills. Requirements can vary by employer and state regulations.

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 Mental Health Assistants?

Mental Health Assistants are professionals who support individuals with mental health challenges under the supervision of licensed mental health practitioners. Their duties often include assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patients' behavior, providing emotional support, and helping implement treatment plans. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, residential facilities, and community mental health centers. Mental Health Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that clients receive compassionate and consistent care during their recovery process.

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 do mental health assistants do?

Mental health assistants support mental health professionals by observing and recording patient behaviors, assisting with daily activities, and providing emotional support. They may help with client intake, manage documentation, and ensure a safe environment, often working under supervision in clinics or hospitals. Strong communication skills and basic knowledge of mental health practices are important for this role.

What is the role of a mental health assistant?

A mental health assistant supports mental health professionals by monitoring clients, assisting with daily activities, and providing emotional support. They may help with documentation, observe client behavior, and facilitate group activities, often working under supervision in clinical or community settings. Relevant skills include communication, empathy, and basic knowledge of mental health conditions.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Mental Health Assistant job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,355 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Mental Health Registered Nurse (RN)

Mental Health Registered Nurse (RN)

NaphCare

Harvest, AL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


NaphCare rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

699th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

NaphCare is hiring an experienced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse to join our team of medical professionals in the Facility in Facility Harvest, AL.

As a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.

Responsibilities

The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse works under the direct supervision of the Health Services Administrator (HSA), Director of Nursing (DON), and Psychiatric Provider(s) and is responsible for providing nursing care within the scope of the State Board of Nursing Practice in the mental health unit of the facility. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:

  • Evaluating patients in a variety of settings, including the initial intake area, mental health care unit, emergency situations, housing units, medical housing areas, and segregation units
  • Conducting mental health evaluations, including gathering psychosocial histories, administering psychological tests, and identifying mental health needs and risks
  • Performing and documenting all patient history and vital signs, mental health screenings and/or evaluations, assist with examinations and/or treatments, and report all changes in patients' conditions
  • Utilizing all functions of our EHR, TechCare, for patient documentation to maintaining accurate and timely clinical records, progress notes, and other required documentation
  • Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
  • Assisting with evaluating the quality and effectiveness of the mental health services and assist in developing systems to ensure and monitor patient care and safety
  • Collaborating with healthcare staff to provide the resolution of diagnostic and therapeutic problems and the implementation of effective solutions
  • Working closely with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and correctional staff, to ensure effective and coordinated care
  • Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards
Qualifications

Experience / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Must be a Registered Nurse or a graduate of an accredited program for practical or vocational nursing
  • Hold and maintain a current, unrestricted nursing license in the state of employment
  • Must possess an active BLS/CPR Certification (AHA preferred)

  • A minimum of 1 years' clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
  • Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
  • Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
  • Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
  • Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
  • Be able to complete at least 12 hours of CEU pertinent to correctional health care annually
  • Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening

Physical Capabilities:

Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Why Join NaphCare?

NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.

NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

  • Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
  • Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
  • Lowest Cost Benefits!
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
  • 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Referral bonuses
  • Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Generous paid time off & paid holidays
  • Free continuing education and CMEs

NaphCare has a partnership with NetCE that provides CEU/CME for our staff. NetCE uses a rigorous peer review process to ensure that all activities and content are up-to-date. This service streamlines continuing education for all NaphCare Employees to meet state specific requirements for maintaining licensing.

If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I'll be in touch.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

 

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What NaphCare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About NaphCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NaphCare partners with correctional facilities to provide proactive, patient-focused healthcare. We recognize that we serve a unique and diverse patient population, and our onsite teams take pride in bringing excellence in care to a population in great need. Be part of a world-class team of professionals who are revolutionizing correctional healthcare. NaphCare offers competitive compensation! Our full-time teammates have a top-notch benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, FREE prescriptions, flexible spending account, company-paid life and AD&D insurance with voluntary life and AD&D options, ST & LT disability, 401(k) company contribution, 20 days Paid Time Off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, employee referral bonuses, etc.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Birmingham, AL, US

Year founded

1989