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Psych Tech Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Eating Recovery Center

Program Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mental Health/Psych Tech or CNA certification (preferred) Program Coordinator II (PC II) * High School Diploma or GED (required) * Minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care experience (required)

Eating Recovery Center

Program Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mental Health/Psych Tech or CNA certification (preferred) Program Coordinator II (PC II) * High School Diploma or GED (required) * Minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care experience (required)

Eating Recovery Center

Program Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mental Health/Psych Tech or CNA certification (preferred) Program Coordinator II (PC II) * High School Diploma or GED (required) * Minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care experience (required)

Eating Recovery Center

Program Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mental Health/Psych Tech or CNA certification (preferred) Program Coordinator II (PC II) * High School Diploma or GED (required) * Minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care experience (required)

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Psych Tech information

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$13

$24

$41

How much do psych tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for psych tech in Illinois is $24.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $32.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a psych tech?

Psychiatric Technicians, often called Psych Techs, are healthcare professionals who assist in the care and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders or developmental disabilities. They work under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, or registered nurses in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and residential treatment centers. Psych Techs monitor patient behavior, assist with daily activities, administer medications, and help implement treatment plans. Their role is crucial in supporting patients' safety, well-being, and recovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psych tech?

To thrive as a Psych Tech, you need a solid understanding of mental health principles, patient care techniques, and a relevant certification or associate degree in psychiatric or mental health technology. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and crisis intervention protocols is often required. Strong communication, empathy, and teamwork skills help you effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring patient safety, delivering compassionate care, and maintaining a therapeutic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by psych techs when working with patients, and how can they effectively manage these situations?

Psychiatric Technicians often encounter challenging behaviors, such as aggression or withdrawal, from patients with mental health conditions. Effectively managing these situations requires strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to de-escalate tense moments while maintaining safety for both patients and staff. Successful Psych Techs rely on teamwork, consistent routines, and following established protocols to support patients' emotional well-being. Ongoing training in crisis intervention and regular collaboration with nurses, therapists, and psychiatrists are also key to handling these challenges confidently.

What is the difference between Psych Tech vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectPsych TechMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsCertification or license depending on state, often a certificate or associate degreeCertification or license, similar educational requirements
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, mental health clinicsHospitals, mental health facilities, residential treatment centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in many settings, especially in mental health careCommonly used term in mental health and psychiatric settings

Both Psych Tech and Mental Health Technician roles involve supporting patients with mental health needs, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, though specific job duties may vary slightly depending on the employer.

How do I get certified as a psych tech?

To become a certified psych tech, you typically need to complete a state-approved training program or educational course in psychiatric or mental health technology, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice. After completing the training, you must pass a certification exam, such as the Psychiatric Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), and meet any state-specific licensing or registration requirements. Maintaining certification often requires ongoing education or renewal processes.

How to become a psychiatric technician?

To become a psychiatric technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved training program or certification. Certification requirements vary by state but often include passing a competency exam and gaining supervised clinical experience. Licensing or registration may be required depending on the state regulations.

What can a psych tech do?

A psych tech, or psychiatric technician, assists mental health professionals by monitoring patients, administering medications, and supporting therapeutic activities. They work in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, or residential facilities, often requiring certification and skills in patient care and safety. Their duties focus on ensuring patient well-being and maintaining a safe environment.

Where do psych techs make the most money?

Psych techs tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for mental health services, such as urban areas or states with robust healthcare funding. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific healthcare facility or setting.

What are popular job titles related to Psych Tech jobs in Illinois?

For Psych Tech jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Psych Tech jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Psych Tech jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Psych Tech jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Psych Tech job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Psych Tech jobs in IL?

For Psych Tech jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Psych Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psych Tech job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,478 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Behavioral Health Tech

Northbrook, IL • On-site

Eating Recovery Center
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Good schedule notice

Respectful managers

Learn more about Eating Recovery Centerexternal

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

What you'll be doing: 

The Behavioral Health Technician works under the supervision of the nursing department and is responsible for the direct care of inpatient and residential patients by providing patient supervision and support. The BHT provides support, structure and boundaries. They provide bathroom and mealtime support as well as contribute to the implementation of therapeutic programming. The BHT may be required to participate in on-call shifts based on business needs, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws. 

Essential duties and responsibilities:  

  • Milieu management, including the following: 
  • Maintains daily program structure, by following program schedule 
  • Completes observation rounds and safety checks as ordered by physician 
  • Works with patients on de-escalation and implementing coping skills per treatment plan 
  • Conducts room searches and luggage searches 
  • Takes patients out on fresh air breaks 
  • Provides patient transportation as needed for medical appointments (may vary by location and program) 
  • Takes patient vital signs, weights, urine Specific Gravity (may vary by location and program) 
  • Act as secondary support staff in group therapy (may vary by location and program) 
  • Provides meal support and bathroom monitoring 
  • Completes documentation of patient observations, meals and individual check-ins that occur during shift 
  • Assists with morning routine and Activities of Daily Living while patients are in spa/bathroom 

BHT I must haves: 

  • High school diploma or GED (required) 
  • Valid driver's license with safe driving record (this requirement is only for locations that have company vehicles or locations that drive on behalf of the company) 
  • 6 months of direct patient care experience (preferred) 
  • Mental Health/Psych Tech, CNA  (preferred) 

BHT II must haves: 

  • High school diploma or GED (required) 
  • New hires: 1 year of direct patient care experience (required) 
  • Valid driver's license with safe driving record (this requirement is only for locations that have company vehicles or locations that drive on behalf of the company)  
  • Mental Health/Psych Tech, CNA  (preferred) 
  • Minimum of 1 year of ERC milieu experience (required, for internal teammates only) 

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