Hospital & Community: Mental Health Tech

Your Path to a Compassionate Career in Mental Health Support

Monroe Community College’s Hospital & Community Mental Health Tech Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a career-focused program designed to prepare students for specialized support roles in the rapidly growing field of mental and behavioral health. Developed by mental health experts and taught by experienced faculty, the program offers a strong blend of academic coursework and practical field experience. Plus, with 50% or more of the coursework available online, students benefit from flexible learning options that fit their schedules.

AREA OF INTEREST

Community Engagement & Development

DEPARTMENT

Education & Human Services

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585-292-2200 

admissions@monroecc.edu

In our Hospital & Community Mental Health Tech A.A.S. program, you’ll learn: 

Trauma-Informed Care & Crisis Management: De-escalation techniques and strategies to effectively communicate with individuals in emotional crisis.

Psychopathology & Behavioral Health: Identification of symptoms associated with common psychological, and substance use disorders across the lifespan.

Case Management & Documentation: Essential skills for client assessment, record-keeping, treatment plan contribution, and medical settings literacy.

Applied Helping Models & Ethics: Understanding therapeutic boundaries, professional ethics, legal requirements, and value-based care in mental health.

Cultural Responsiveness & Inclusion: Approaches for engaging respectfully with clients across diverse cultural, social, and personal backgrounds.

Build Key Skills

Assessment

 Compassion

De-escalation

Interested in something else? Explore by your interests

As a mental health technician, you’ll work directly with individuals receiving behavioral health services in both hospital and community settings. Your day-to-day responsibilities include observing client behavior, assisting with the implementation of treatment plans, facilitating therapeutic activities, and documenting patient progress. Working under the supervision of clinical healthcare professionals, you will serve as a crucial line of daily support, offering compassionate guidance, crisis de-escalation, and advocate-level care to help clients reach their wellness goals.

Career Opportunities

Mental Health Technician / Behavioral Health Tech

Psychiatric Technician

Community Support Specialist

Case Management Assistant

Crisis Intervention Aide

Residential Care Specialist

Where You Could Work

Inpatient and outpatient hospital psychiatric units

Community health centers and outpatient clinics

Substance abuse and addiction recovery facilities

Group homes and residential treatment centers

Youth, family, and crisis stabilization agencies

Emergency shelters and community support programs

Local Employers

University of Rochester Medical Center (Strong Memorial Hospital / Strong Behavioral Health)

Rochester Regional Health (Unity Hospital, Rochester General Hospital, Evelyn Brandon Health Center)

Rochester Psychiatric Center

Villa of Hope

DePaul (Community Services & Mental Health Residential Programs)

Catholic Charities Family and Community Services

Developed by mental health experts and taught by experienced faculty, the program offers a strong blend of academic coursework and practical field experience.

A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science 

This program emphasizes practical training, preparing graduates to work directly with patients and interdisciplinary teams. Students learn to navigate diverse care environments, ensuring they are ready to meet the growing demand for mental health professionals in Rochester and beyond.

Length

2 years / 61-62 credit hours 

Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters of full time study.

Location

Downtown Campus

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

A.A.S. Courses & Prerequisites

Important Links

Career Services

Quality Education That Fits Your Budget

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible.

Financial Aid Available Scholarships

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Common search terms

Hospital & Community: Mental Health Tech

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