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What is a mental health aide and how to become one
A mental health aide, also called a psychiatric aide, works in specialized care facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals, and assists with the daily routine of mentally ill or emotionally impaired individuals. They provide support and physical help to these people, especially with meals, transportation, personal hygiene, and recreation.
Often under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychiatric technicians, or nurses, a mental health aide also helps in medical care, housekeeping duties, and recreational group activities. The job entails exposure to physical harm or danger, so a mental health aide must be trained to handle stressful situations and calm patients when the need arises.
A mental health aide is expected to be patient, empathetic, friendly, and caring toward patients. They also need to have a deep understanding of how to communicate with mentally ill individuals.
To be qualified for the job, a mental health aide needs at least a high school diploma or GED. They are also required to complete an on-the-job training to prove that they are well-suited for this line of work.
What general advice would you give to a Mental Health Aide?
Dr. Tommy Casarez Ph.D.
Dr., Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Vanguard University
Avg. Salary $32,074
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 9%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.62%
Asian 3.12%
Black or African American 7.90%
Hispanic or Latino 7.90%
Unknown 6.24%
White 74.22%
Genderfemale 70.09%
male 29.91%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Mental Health Aide career paths
Key steps to become a mental health aide
Explore mental health aide education requirements
Start to develop specific mental health aide skills
Skills 
Percentages Patients 22.87% Mental Illness 10.10% Rehabilitation 7.66% CPR 7.03% Direct Services 6.99% Complete relevant mental health aide training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mental health aides learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mental health aide based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mental health aide resumes.Research mental health aide duties and responsibilities
- Respond to and assist in behavioral codes working as a team member to successfully manage patient using methods obtain in CPI training
- Facilitate client ADL's and assist patients with attending any therapeutic requirements, as well as educational and recreational activities.
- Certify in CPR and first aide
- Possess current CPR certification as well as current training in restraint/ control.
Prepare your mental health aide resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mental health aide resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mental health aide resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Mental Health Aide Resume templates
Build a professional Mental Health Aide resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Mental Health Aide resume.
Apply for mental health aide jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a mental health aide job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Mental Health Aide Job
Are you a Mental Health Aide?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average mental health aide salary
The average Mental Health Aide salary in the United States is $32,074 per year or $15 per hour. Mental health aide salaries range between $26,000 and $39,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do mental health aides rate their job?
Mental Health Aide reviews
The system is BROKEN! The clients are either entitled or not truly receiving the help they really need.
The insane amount of paperwork, the insurance/agency politics, the high expectations, the low amount of support. Burnout is very concerning for a profession where people in the frontline are the ones trying to make a difference. Individuals who work in this field need to have an incentive to keep pushing. I’m sorry but a kind heart and good intentions are not enough to sustain this type of career.
Dont know
Updated January 8, 2025
