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Psych Tech Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Psych Tech PRN

Rosenberg, TX ยท On-site

$16.59 - $18.43/hr

Psych Tech PRN - Crisis Center Night Shift Role Responsibilities Under the direction/supervision of the licensed nursing staff or their designee, the Crisis Center Psychiatric Technician is ...

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Psych Tech information

See Houston, TX salary details

$13

$23

$40

How much do psych tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for psych tech in Houston, TX is $23.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $31.68 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 Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Psych Tech jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Psych Tech jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Psych Tech jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Psych Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Psych Tech job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,746 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Psych Tech PRN

Texana Center

Rosenberg, TX โ€ข On-site

$16.59 - $18.43/hr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Psych Tech PRN - Crisis Center

Night Shift

Role Responsibilities

Under the direction/supervision of the licensed nursing staff or their designee, the Crisis Center Psychiatric Technician is responsible for providing nursing delegated/assigned services to patients with mental illness in the Crisis Center (involuntary extended observation unit and voluntary crisis residential unit.) The position provides care to individuals with a mental illness and/or a co-occurring substance use/abuse diagnosis along with individuals with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and intellectual or developmental disability. Duties include providing a safe and secure environment for all patients and providing support to nursing staff and the clinical treatment team. In addition, psychiatric technicians are required to prepare food for the patients and perform housekeeping duties in the Crisis Center. Reports directly to the Crisis Center Manager. Must be available to work overnight shifts as needed to provide coverage based on facility operational needs. Night shift hours 10:30 PM- 7:00 AM.

Responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the compliance policy.

Salary (plus shift differential for evening/night)

•    $16.59/hour to start

•    $17.51/hour after 6 months with good performance

•    $18.43/hour after 1 year with good performance

Required Education and/or Certifications, Experience, Skills

•    High School Diploma or General Education (GED)

•    Valid Texas Driver’s License

Preferred Education and/or Certifications, Experience, Skills

•    1 Year of psychiatric/behavioral healthcare direct care experience

•    Spanish speaking 

Job Related Physical Requirements

•    Must be able to perform SAMA and CPR

•    Must be able to perform kneeling; pushing; heavy Lifting (45lb. & over); heavy lifting to include physical management of adult clients during behavioral health emergencies

•    Must be able to perform moderate lifting (15lb.-44lb.): lift Lifting (15lb.); stooping; heavy carrying (45lb. & over); moderate carrying (15lb. - 44lb.) light carrying (15lb.)

•    Must be able to operate mechanical equipment: straight pulling; operating office equipment; pulling hand over hand; operating motor vehicle; repeating bending; ability to see; reaching above shoulder; identify colors; simple grasping; depth perception needed; dual simultaneous grasping; hearing (without aid); walking; standing; ability to write; sitting; crawling; twisting. 

•    Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

                                                                                                      Texana Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer