Mental health technicians and counselors share similar goals but have differing duties, educational requirements, and professional focuses.
Navigating the world of mental health professions can be overwhelming, given the various roles and responsibilities involved and the vast number of career opportunities rising in the field.
The Bureau of Labor Status predicts that employment in mental-health-related occupations to grow faster than the 3% average of all occupations. Two critical positions in this field are mental health technicians and counselors. Although they work towards the common goal of improving patient well-being, their duties, educational requirements, and professional focus differ significantly.
University of Western States offers multiple programs focused on mental health, including the M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Ed.D. in Sport Performance Psychology, CMHC specialization. Both help students to pursue clinical licensure in their state.
At UWS, students learn a whole-person approach to mental health care. Specifically, with our clinical mental health counseling programs, students learn how to assess the emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and intellectual components of the whole person to make functional improvements.
What Is a Mental Health Technician?
The primary job description for a mental health technician is a worker who monitors patients’ behavior and health and works closely with other mental health care professionals to inform a well-balanced treatment plan. They work in settings such as hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient clinics, collaborating with a team of health care professionals to deliver comprehensive care.
What Does a Mental Health Technician Do?
The primary responsibilities of a mental health technician are:
- Monitor and administer medications: Observe medication administration and monitor behavior, taking note of the patient’s behavior before and after administration. Report observations back to health care professionals involved in the patient’s treatment plan.
- Patient behavior and mood monitoring: Identify changes in behavior or emotional states that may indicate a need for crisis management.
- Aiding patients with any necessary physical activities: Assist with daily living tasks such as personal hygiene, grooming, and recreational activities.
- Crisis management: Monitor and recognize any irregularities in the patient’s mood/behavior and escalate to their family and health care professionals if intervention is necessary.
- Arranging transportation: Escort and/or arrange for transportation for patients to and from appointments.
- Recreational activities: Direct patients to participate in recreational and therapeutic activities.
What Is a Counselor?
Professional counselors are trained mental health practitioners who support individuals facing various challenges, including emotional distress, relationship issues, and personal growth. They utilize their knowledge and expertise to get to know clients, analyze their behaviors, and provide solutions to problems they are facing. Professional counselors typically can work in private practices, schools, hospitals, and other various settings.
What Does a Counselor Do?
The primary responsibilities of a mental health counselor are:
- Run counseling sessions: conduct individual, group, or couple counseling sessions tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Utilize evidence-based techniques: Address need-based issues by calling upon evidence-based techniques as a solution.
- Crisis management: Monitor behavior in counseling sessions, and read the reports from other health care professionals working with the client to observe any signs of harmful thoughts/behaviors.
Mental Health Technicians vs. Counselors
While both careers are within the mental health field, there are some key differences between the career responsibilities as well as education and licensing requirements. A mental health technician is a professional who monitors a patient’s behaviors, helps with daily functions, and reports progress to other mental health professionals in the field, such as the clients’ professional counselor. Mental health technicians and counselors have specific roles and responsibilities that differ but work together to treat a patient in need.
Key Differences Between Mental Health Technicians and Counselors
Education Differences
Mental Health Technicians: To become a Mental Health Technician, typically an associate or bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement. This can vary depending on the specific employer/state employed. Similarly, licensure may also be required.
Counselors: To become a counselor, you need a master’s degree in counseling from an accredited program. UWS is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. NWCCU is a recognized accreditation organization by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Licensure requirements vary by state and involve completing supervised clinical hours and passing a licensing exam.
Salary Differences
Mental Health Technician Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a psychiatric technician is $43,650 a year.
Mental Health Counselor Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a mental health counselor is $53,710 a year. (Note that numbers include counselors who may not necessarily be licensed.) If you get your licensure to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, there is a potential to increase the salary range.
Start Your Mental Health Career at UWS
If you have your bachelor’s degree and are looking to take the next step in your career and put yourself on the path to licensure in the mental health counseling field, the UWS Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a great fit. We offer an M.S. or an Ed.D. In Sport Performance Psychology With Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization that can help to prepare you for further advancement in your mental health career. Request more information about which path might be right for you and your career goals.