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Mental Health Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Mental Health Security Tech (MHST) role is to function as a member of the nursing staff to facilitate quality patient care. The MHST supports the licensed nursing staff to ensure the needs of the ...

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Mental Health Security information

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$34.5K

$60.6K

$88.5K

How much do mental health security jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for mental health security in the United States is $60,597.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Mental Health Security professionals?

Mental Health Security professionals are trained staff who maintain safety and order within mental health facilities. They work closely with medical and clinical teams to ensure the security of patients, visitors, and staff, while also being sensitive to the unique needs of individuals experiencing mental health crises. Their responsibilities often include monitoring facility access, responding to emergencies, de-escalating conflicts, and assisting in the safe transport of patients. These professionals play a crucial role in creating a therapeutic and secure environment that supports treatment and recovery.

What is the highest paying job in mental health?

In mental health, psychiatrist roles tend to be the highest paying, often earning six-figure salaries due to medical training, licensing, and the ability to prescribe medication. Other high-paying positions include clinical directors and specialized therapists with advanced certifications and extensive experience.

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

AspectMental Health SecurityMental Health Technician
CredentialsSecurity certification, sometimes mental health trainingCPR, First Aid, mental health certifications
Work EnvironmentSecurity settings, hospitals, clinicsHospitals, mental health facilities, clinics
Employer & IndustrySecurity firms, healthcare facilitiesHealthcare providers, mental health organizations
Job FocusEnsuring safety, preventing violenceSupporting patient care, monitoring patients

While both roles involve working in mental health settings, Mental Health Security primarily focuses on maintaining safety and preventing violence, often with security training. Mental Health Technicians support patient care, assist with daily activities, and monitor patients' mental health. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in mental health environments.

Can you be a security guard with a mental illness?

Mental health security roles typically require passing background checks and meeting physical and mental fitness standards. Having a mental illness does not automatically disqualify someone, but individuals may need to provide medical documentation and demonstrate their ability to perform job duties safely. Employers may assess each case individually, especially for roles involving high security or safety responsibilities.

Do mental hospitals have security guards?

Mental health security professionals or security guards are often employed in mental hospitals to ensure safety for patients and staff, monitor entrances, and prevent unauthorized access. They may receive specialized training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to handle challenging situations effectively.

What is the highest paid security job?

In the security industry, executive security roles such as Chief Security Officer (CSO) or Director of Security tend to be the highest paid, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes specialized certifications, and they oversee organizational security strategies and teams.

How does a Mental Health Security professional typically collaborate with clinical staff in a mental health facility?

Mental Health Security professionals work closely with clinical staff such as nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists to ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and staff. Collaboration often involves sharing observations about patient behavior, assisting in crisis situations, and participating in de-escalation strategies. Security personnel may also attend multidisciplinary meetings to discuss patient care plans and review any incidents. Effective teamwork and communication are crucial for maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mental Health Security Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mental Health Security Officer, you need a background in security procedures, crisis intervention, and a basic understanding of mental health conditions, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or certifications like CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention). Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and restraint techniques is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help build trust and effectively de-escalate situations. These skills and qualities are critical for maintaining safety, protecting patient rights, and supporting therapeutic environments in mental health facilities.
More about Mental Health Security jobs
What cities are hiring for Mental Health Security jobs? Cities with the most Mental Health Security job openings:
What states have the most Mental Health Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Mental Health Security jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mental Health Security job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,597 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Mental Health Security Tech

Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Bastrop

Bastrop, LA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Salary: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour, based off experience.

Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Bastrop is Currently Seeking an Experienced and Motivated Mental Health Security Tech to join our Team!


The Freedom Team puts patient care first by driving processes to ensure quality and compliance. We have an energetic, motivated leadership team implementing exciting new changes. Our team strives to nurture and elevate the talents of all employees.Previous experience caring for adult male patients is essential and experience caring for psychiatric patients in a hospital or other licensed facility is a plus. If you want to be a part of a growing team impacting the lives of others, apply now! We are looking forward to adding members to our team!



Position Summary:

The Mental Health Security Tech (MHST) role is to function as a member of the nursing staff to facilitate quality patient care. The MHST supports the licensed nursing staff to ensure the needs of the patients are met by performing routinely assigned tasks and carrying out patient care activities within the scope of the MHST's training and experience. Provides direct patient care to assigned patients ensuring that the patients activities of daily living are met. They are primarily responsible for the day-to-day custodial care of the patients. The MHST provides for a secure environment by ensuring that all points of entrance and exit are secure, and client custody is maintained at all times. The MHST assists with providing a therapeutic and safe environment for the patients. The MHST utilizes their basic knowledge of client needs to assist the licensed nurses in ensuring that the patients' nutritional needs are met. The MHST provides for the daily needs of the patients and maintains a secure unit, with consistent monitoring and communication to the licensed nurses.


Preferred knowledge, skills, and/or experience required:

Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.

License:

  • Current CPR/BLS certification through the American Heart Association. (Will provide service or renewal if needed)

Experience:

  • Previous experience in a behavioral health, psychiatric, correctional, security, or healthcare setting preferred.


Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance

Freedom provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

****All Applicants selected for employment will be required to undergo a post-offer drug test and federal background investigation.****