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Psych Tech Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Psych Tech information

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$14

$25

$43

How much do psych tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for psych tech in Chicago, IL is $25.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $34.18 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Psych Tech jobs in Chicago, IL? For Psych Tech jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Psych Tech jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Psych Tech jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Psych Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psych Tech job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,662 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Behavioral Health Tech

Eating Recovery Center

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Eating Recovery Center rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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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