Mental Health Technician: Pros and Cons

this is truly the best video. i have been an MHT for a year, i am actually an MHT2 now and everything he has said is 100% true.

I work in a psychiatric ward in a hospital, and there is this technician that is extremely aggressive towards the patients. She doesn’t play at all. She has threatened to beat the piss out of patience’s that act up.

I just came across this video , I’m a BHT for 18 years .

I'm trying to interview with a hospital for a MHT position. Thank you for the information.

hi! i know this is like a year later but do you still have this book for sale??

What do you do now as a career

Do you have to change any of the patients?

Is it less than 4 months to become a MHT?

I am very nervous to start. I want to help people. I come from a computer programming background, but I want to try something new.

I am very strong and literate and I think I am a good talker and calming person.

Is the pay okay? The place where I am applying says the trainee pay is $4,000 per month which seems high. But they cannot get people to work there.

There is also lots and lots of overtime which I need (I am in serious debt).

Bottom line, though, is at this point in my life, I really, really want to help people in crisis.

Sorry but $17 an hour is NOT "great money" as you put it. Especially considering the amount of money and time spent getting the education to make that job possible. To be honest that's complete garbage money imo

I just accepted a position at a psychiatric hospital as an MHT! Thank you so much for this video, it helped me a lot. I was a former patient at this hospital when I was 14. Now I’m 27 and I’m so excited to help others who are going through similar struggles

I start at my first BHH in a few weeks. Thank you

I've worked in a psych hospital on and off since 2014. It's now May 11, 2025 and I'm quitting tomorrow morning Monday May 12th. Working in a psychiatric hospital can indeed present significant challenges and contribute to a toxic work environment, potentially leading to employee burnout and affecting patient care.

Factors contributing to this toxicity include emotional exhaustion from dealing with difficult situations, unsafe work conditions, and interpersonal issues with colleagues or patients.

Here's a more detailed look at the challenges:

Emotional Labor:
Psychiatric staff are frequently exposed to difficult situations, intense emotions, and potentially violent or aggressive behaviors from patients. This can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.

Unsafe Work Conditions:
Inadequate staffing, lack of resources, and poor policies can create a stressful and unsafe work environment for staff, impacting their well-being and ability to provide effective care.

Interpersonal Dynamics:
Toxic work environments can be fueled by lack of respect, bullying, or negative attitudes among colleagues, creating a stressful and challenging work experience.

Lack of Support:
Insufficient supervision, lack of organizational support, and limited opportunities for self-care can exacerbate stress and contribute to burnout.

Ethical Concerns:
Psychiatric hospitals may face ethical dilemmas related to patient care, confidentiality, and treatment decisions, which can further contribute to stress and a negative work environment.

Examples of toxic behavior:
Verbal abuse, mocking, or harassment of patients:
This can undermine the therapeutic relationship and negatively impact patient recovery.

Unnecessary restraint or seclusion:
Such practices, especially when not in accordance with ethical guidelines, can be harmful to patients and create a hostile work environment for staff.

Falsified records or missed observations:
These can compromise patient safety and contribute to a culture of dishonesty and lack of accountability.

Poor supervision and inadequate training:

This can leave staff feeling unprepared and unsupported, leading to stress and burnout.

Addressing the Issue:
Promoting a positive work culture:

Organizations should prioritize employee well-being, encourage open communication, and foster a sense of respect and support.

Improving training and supervision:
Providing staff with adequate training, resources, and ongoing supervision can help them manage difficult situations and reduce stress.

Addressing bullying and harassment:

Organizations need to have clear policies and procedures in place to address bullying and harassment and ensure a safe and respectful work environment.

Encouraging self-care:
Providing staff with opportunities for self-care, stress reduction, and support can help them cope with the demands of their work.

Implementing policies to address patient care issues:

Ensuring that ethical and legal guidelines are followed in patient care can help create a safer and more supportive work environment.
🎉😢😮 Good luck if you ever decide to work at one, ESPECIALLY WITH THESE BAD, I DO MEAN BAD AZZ KIDS!!!

They are always hiring for this position in South Florida since South Florida is littered with drug rehabs and mental health facilities and private treatment centers. I have an interview tomorrow for a BHT position. They don’t pay well. $15 an hour I’m shocked at how little they pay, and overnight shift pays even less!
Which shift did you prefer? 7-3:30 or 3-1130:?

Wow! This was so helpful. Thank you for posting! And you have a book! Amazing.

The mental health field is a joke. I went for 8 yrs for my PTSD , they had me so medicated I didn't care about life . When they told me shock treatment was next I told her she could take my place and to stick all those drugs where the sun don't shine. All the medications ruined my teeth and I gained 50 lbs. This added to my stress so I started all natural remedies and now I enjoy life. I still deal with anxiety but I'm back to my 110 lbs and didnt do anything but stop all the meds. I thank God for.my recovery for waking me up to what was happening with my body and mind. You can't check boxes to diagnose and treat with any certainties of this being whats best for everyone. We are all individuals . I found therapist who didn't believe in drugging their patients and that was so much better .Sorting it out not covering it up with mind altering drugs. Good luck and dont screw someone up worse.

No matter what you always needs staff because not everyone can handle it mentally.. If you are a person with a good heart it could be life changing and mental draining.