Mental Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia
Mental Health Technician jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in Washington, D.C.'s dense network of psychiatric hospitals, federally affiliated behavioral health centers, and community mental health organizations, with demand from entry-level technicians through senior behavioral health aides. Major employers with a lasting presence in the District include Saint Elizabeths Hospital, MedStar Health, and George Washington University Hospital. The most in-demand specialties are crisis stabilization, inpatient psychiatric care, and substance use disorder support. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Overview
Join our dynamic mental health team as a Mental Health Clinical Social Worker (CSW), where you will play a vital role in delivering compassionate, evidence-based mental health and behavioral care to diverse populations. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to apply your clinical expertise in psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and case management within a supportive environment that values professional growth. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assess, plan, and implement individualized treatment strategies, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and confidentiality. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in people's lives and thrive in a fast-paced setting, this role is perfect for you!
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and diagnostic evaluations utilizing clinical documentation standards and medical terminology.
- Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions employing evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and other behavioral health interventions.
- Develop personalized treatment plans aligned with client needs, including mental health interventions for conditions such as PTSD, substance use disorders, autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s care, and geriatrics.
- Engage in crisis management and crisis intervention to support clients experiencing acute mental health episodes or emergencies.
- Maintain accurate medical records and documentation adhering to HIPAA regulations and clinical confidentiality policies using EMR/EHR systems.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers, social workers, educators, and families to coordinate care plans tailored to children, adolescents, adults, or geriatric populations from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Collect data for clinical research projects related to mental health assessments, treatment outcomes, or behavioral studies while ensuring compliance with research protocols.
Experience
- Proven experience working with children and adolescents in settings such as schools or community clinics; familiarity with special education is a plus.
- Demonstrated expertise in psychotherapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, addiction counseling, and mental health counseling for individuals with substance use disorders.
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder; knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques is highly desirable.
- Background in crisis intervention within hospital or community-based environments; ability to manage psychiatric emergencies effectively.
- Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems for documentation and data collection; understanding of ICD coding (ICD-9/10) for accurate medical record keeping.
- Knowledge of medical social work principles related to patient assessment, psychiatric patient care, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Experience working with diverse populations across cultural backgrounds; sensitivity to various religious or spiritual considerations such as Christian counseling is advantageous.
This position offers an engaging environment where your skills will directly impact the well-being of individuals facing complex mental health challenges. We are committed to supporting your professional development through ongoing training in clinical research methodologies, psychopharmacology updates, CPT coding practices, and emerging best practices in behavioral health care. Join us in making a difference—apply today!
Pay: $35.00 - $50.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20002
See All 24 Mental Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find Mental Health Technician JobsMental Health Technician Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mental Health Technician Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mental health technician jobs across District of Columbia.
- Active D.C. Department of Behavioral Health registration or recognized equivalency preferred
- High school diploma or GED required, associate degree in psychology or human services preferred
- One or more years of experience in a psychiatric, residential, or behavioral health setting
- Current CPR and first aid certification required before start date
- Demonstrated ability to implement de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention protocols
- Proficiency documenting patient observations and treatment activities in electronic health records
Mental Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mental health technician in District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia does not require a separate state license specifically for mental health technicians, but employers typically expect candidates to meet standards set by the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health. Most positions require at least a high school diploma, with an associate or bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field preferred. Completing a CPR certification and gaining experience through internships or direct-care roles at D.C.-area psychiatric facilities strengthens your application considerably.
Which companies hire mental health technicians in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia mental health technician roles are posted by Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Kolmac Integrated Behavioral Health, and CloseKnit and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The District's concentration of federally affiliated hospitals and community behavioral health centers means hiring tends to be consistent year-round, particularly at established systems with inpatient psychiatric units.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most mental health technician jobs?
Washington are the areas with the most mental health technician openings in District of Columbia. Washington, D.C. dominates hiring because it is home to Saint Elizabeths Hospital, MedStar's psychiatric network, and numerous federally funded community mental health centers, while nearby suburban areas reflect spillover from large anchor systems that operate satellite behavioral health clinics across the metro.
Are there remote mental health technician jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 91% of mental health technician openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that the role is primarily hands-on and requires in-person patient monitoring. The portions of the work most likely to shift remote are telehealth observation support, administrative documentation, and certain case coordination functions at larger behavioral health organizations.
How can I get hired as a mental health technician in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for psychiatric aide or behavioral health associate positions at D.C. institutions such as Saint Elizabeths Hospital or MedStar Washington Hospital Center, both of which hire for entry-level direct-care roles that do not require prior clinical experience. Completing a certified nursing assistant or patient care technician program at a D.C.-area community college provides a credential that meaningfully differentiates candidates. Volunteering or interning with D.C. Department of Behavioral Health community partners also builds the documented patient-contact hours that hiring managers look for.
Where can I find and apply to mental health technician jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to mental health technician jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the District. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, specialization, and preferred setting, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 24 Mental Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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