ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mental Health Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rivermont Schools

Mental Health Associate

Danville, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

As a Mental Health Associate with Rivermont Schools, you'll support students with special needs by assisting with academics, daily routines, and positive behavior. This role works closely with ...

Rivermont Schools

Mental Health Associate

Dinwiddie, VA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

As a Mental Health Associate with Rivermont Schools, you'll support students with special needs by assisting with academics, daily routines, and positive behavior. This role works closely with ...

Rivermont Schools

Mental Health Associate

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

As a Mental Health Associate with Rivermont Schools, you'll support students with special needs by assisting with academics, daily routines, and positive behavior. This role works closely with ...

Rivermont Schools

Mental Health Associate

Fairfax, VA · On-site

As a Mental Health Associate with Rivermont Schools, you'll support students with special needs by assisting with academics, daily routines, and positive behavior. This role works closely with ...

Rivermont Schools

Mental Health Associate

Lorton, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $21/hr

As a Mental Health Associate with Rivermont Schools, you'll support students with special needs by assisting with academics, daily routines, and positive behavior. This role works closely with ...

Valley Health

$18.96 - $25.59/hr

DepartmentGEROPSYCH - 206063Worker Sub TypeRegularWork Shift Pay Range $18.96 - $25.59 Mental Health Associate collaborates with other members of the nursing staff and multidisciplinary treatment ...

Valley Health

$18.96 - $25.59/hr

DepartmentPSYCHIATRIC - 206060Worker Sub TypeRegularWork Shift Pay Range $18.96 - $25.59 Mental Health Associate collaborates with other members of the nursing staff and multidisciplinary treatment ...

Valley Health

$18.96 - $25.59/hr

DepartmentPSYCHIATRIC - 206060Worker Sub TypeRegularWork Shift Pay Range $18.96 - $25.59 Mental Health Associate collaborates with other members of the nursing staff and multidisciplinary treatment ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMental Health Associate JobsMental Health Associate Jobs in Virginia

Mental Health Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$27

$46

How much do mental health associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for mental health associate in Virginia is $27.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $31.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mental health associate do?

Mental health associates supervise patients and document their behavioral problems and strengths. Together with other mental health professionals like doctors and nurses, you develop treatment plans for patients in your facility. Your job duties include leading individual and group therapy or interventions, administering medication, providing assistance to patients with their daily hygiene or self-care routines, and supervising recreational activities. You need patience, compassion, and strong interpersonal skills to do well in mental health associate jobs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mental health associate?

To thrive as a Mental Health Associate, you need a foundational understanding of psychology or social work, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as a Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and patient monitoring systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and resilience are vital soft skills for supporting patients and collaborating with healthcare teams. These competencies are essential for delivering effective patient care, managing crises, and promoting a safe and supportive environment.

How does a mental health associate typically collaborate with clinical staff in a healthcare setting?

Mental Health Associates work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers to provide comprehensive care for patients. They often assist in implementing treatment plans, observe and report patient behavior, and participate in team meetings to share insights about patient progress. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as Mental Health Associates serve as a bridge between patients and clinical staff, ensuring that care plans are followed and concerns are promptly addressed. This teamwork fosters a supportive environment for both patients and staff.

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

AspectMental Health AssociateMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, mental health facilitiesHospitals, inpatient units, community health settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers, mental health agenciesHospitals, psychiatric units, residential facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsSimilar roles, job duties, and certification requirements

Both Mental Health Associates and Mental Health Technicians work in mental health settings, assisting patients with daily activities and providing support. While their roles overlap, the titles may vary by employer, with similar educational requirements and work environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position for their skills and career goals.

What are the duties of a mental health associate?

A mental health associate provides support to individuals with mental health conditions by assisting with daily activities, monitoring client progress, and implementing treatment plans under supervision. They often conduct assessments, facilitate group activities, and maintain documentation, requiring good communication skills and relevant certifications. The role is typically performed in clinical or community settings and may involve working with a multidisciplinary team.

What can I do with an associate's degree in mental health?

A mental health associate with an associate's degree can work as a mental health technician, case aide, or behavioral health technician in settings like clinics, hospitals, or community agencies. These roles typically involve supporting clients, assisting with treatment plans, and documenting progress, often requiring basic knowledge of mental health practices and communication skills.
More about Mental Health Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Mental Health jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Mental Health jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Mental Health Associate jobs in Virginia?

For Mental Health Associate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mental Health Associate jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Mental Health Associate jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mental Health Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Mental Health Associate job openings:

Mental Health Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mental Health Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,970 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Mental Health Associate

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Sentara Healthcare
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 416 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

499th of 896 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Good schedule notice

Learn more about Sentara Healthcareexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

City/State
Norfolk, VA
Work Shift
First (Days)
Overview:
The Mental Health Associate performs direct and indirect patient care activities for mental health patients, including technical duties in support of the delivery of nursing care and under supervision of a RN. Leads and co-facilitates educational and activity groups. Assists with milieu management to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment for patients and staff.
Department Overview: Sentara offers both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services to patients 18 and older who are in crisis due to mental illness, emotional distress, or destructive behavior patterns. Because our treatment facilities are located within local hospitals, patients have access to the full range of both psychiatric and medical care. This is especially helpful for patients experiencing symptoms that are confusing and impact their physical health. Join a team that is committed not only to our patients but also to the personal and professional growth of our staff!
Education
  • Bachelor's Level Degree (Required)

Certification/Licensure
  • Basic Life Support Certification (Required within 90 days of hire)
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention training (Required within 15 days of hire)

Experience
  • 1-year Behavioral Health work experience (Preferred)
  • Knowledge of basic medical terminology and abnormal human behavior (Preferred)

Keywords: Mental Health, MHA, clinical support, clinical, direct care, indirect care, technical, nursing care, nursing support
Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met.
Here at Sentara, we are committed to consistently enhancing our training, advancement tracks, work-life benefits, and more. Our goal is to make you feel more excited to be here every day!
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, VA, is a 525-bed tertiary care facility that is home to the only Level I Adult Trauma Center and burn trauma unit in Hampton Roads, and also serves as the primary teaching hospital for Eastern Virginia Medical School.
In addition to the high-quality heart program at Sentara Heart Hospital, our facility is home to Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance and several other dedicated facilities and specialized services. As a recognized accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, our hospital specializes in heart and vascular, neurosciences, neurosurgery, urology, oncology, spine care, advanced imaging, behavioral health, maternity, and women's health, including a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

What Sentara Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply