Some psychiatric technicians work in hospitals.
Psychiatric technicians help treat people with mental illness or developmental disabilities. As of 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average annual salary for these health professionals was $30,730.00. Missouri, Virginia, New Mexico, Florida and Alaska have the most psychiatric technicians, the Bureau adds. The American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) states that California expects to hire more than 1,000 technicians in the next few years; It also reports job opportunities in other states across the country.
Workplace
According to the AAPT, psychiatric technicians may work in hospitals, residential treatment facilities, schools, substance abuse centers, prisons, psychiatric institutes, mental health day treatment centers, geriatric facilities, doctors’ offices, armed forces psychiatric facilities, community centers and as part of home care or mobile crisis teams.
Teamwork
According to Cuesta College in San Luis Obisbo, California, psychiatric technicians assist and work under the supervision of medical doctors, registered nurses or psychiatrists. They also work as part of a team with these health professionals and others, including social workers, psychologists and rehabilitation therapists. Of this mental health team, psychiatric assistants are often on the front lines, admitting patients and performing initial assessments. They sometimes interact with patients more often than the other professionals do, says the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians. The mental health team strives to treat patients using recreational, occupational, educational and counseling therapy so that they can live a functional life out in the community. Psychiatric technicians help develop, implement and evaluate treatment plans; they monitor patients and report back to the primary doctor or psychiatrist. They also must report urgencies, such as issues with medications or patients exhibiting suicidal tendencies.
Physical Care
When psychiatric assistants first start out, they help patients with personal care, including feeding and hygiene, reports Cuesta College. They have first aid training and are able to perform CPR or check vital signs. According to the AAPT, as psychiatric assistants become more experienced, they start performing basic nursing skills such as administering medicine and caring for geriatric patients.
Therapeutic Care
Jobprofiles.org states that psychiatric technicians may work with a range of patients, including people with depression, addictions, psychosis and dementia. They assist or lead individual and group therapy sessions, as well as teach occupational skills and facilitate recreational activities. During the patients’ free time, psychiatric technicians socialize with them, going on walks, playing cards or pool, says Cuesta College. Educating patient family members may also be part of their job description. Simply put, psychiatric technicians play a huge role in motivating patients to get better.
Paperwork
Psychiatric technicians complete a range of paperwork, including incident reports, patient assessments and case files.
Qualifications
Depending on the employer, a candidate applying for a psychiatric technician position must be licensed with the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians and/or meet relevant educational requirements, such as an Associate Arts degree in Behavioral Sciences. Sometimes relevant work experience is also a requirement. There are four levels of licensing with the AAPT, starting with level 1, where only a high school diploma is needed, up to level 4, where a bachelor of arts related to mental health or disabilities is necessary. Either way, all license applicants must complete a certification exam.
Tags: mental health, American Association, American Association Psychiatric, Association Psychiatric, Association Psychiatric Technicians, Cuesta College
