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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Showing 5 of 14+ Mental Health Technician jobs
Mental Health Clinician (DOC)
Location: Washington, DC – Department of Corrections
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
About Unity Health Care
Unity Health Care is the largest network of community health centers in Washington, D.C., dedicated to delivering compassionate, culturally competent, and patient-centered healthcare services to underserved communities throughout the District. Through integrated medical, behavioral health, and supportive services, Unity Health Care advances health equity while improving access to comprehensive whole-person care.
Unity’s Department of Corrections (DOC) Behavioral Health team provides trauma-informed, recovery-focused care to justice-involved individuals within a collaborative correctional healthcare environment focused on improving behavioral health outcomes and continuity of care.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Mental Health Program Manager, the Mental Health Clinician (DOC) provides comprehensive behavioral health and social work services within the DC Department of Corrections Mental Health Unit. This position is responsible for conducting psychosocial evaluations, developing individualized treatment and discharge plans, providing psychotherapy services, and coordinating continuity of care for incarcerated individuals.
The Mental Health Clinician works collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, correctional staff, and community resources to support high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health care within a secure correctional setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial evaluations for inmates admitted to the Mental Health Unit within required timeframes
- Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment teams
- Create comprehensive discharge plans that connect patients with community-based services, Core Service Agencies, healthcare providers, and support resources
- Assist inmates with applications for identification cards, health insurance, medication assistance programs, and income assistance resources
- Provide individual and group psychotherapy services within the Mental Health Unit
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with providers, behavioral health teams, and correctional officers assigned to the unit
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with Unity Health Care and DOC policies and procedures
- Track and maintain required service and patient care data
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, treatment planning, and continuity of care initiatives
- Support trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-focused behavioral health services
- Perform additional related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field required
- Current DC license as an LPC, LICSW, LGSW, or equivalent behavioral health license required
- Minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate experience in a psychiatric social work or behavioral health setting required
- Strong knowledge of mental health diagnoses and psychotherapy techniques
- Working knowledge of psychopharmacology and substance use treatment modalities
- Excellent communication, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively within a secure correctional healthcare environment
- Commitment to serving underserved and justice-involved populations
Why Join Unity?
- Be part of a mission-driven organization serving vulnerable and underserved communities throughout Washington, DC
- Make a meaningful impact providing behavioral health services within the correctional healthcare system
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary and supportive behavioral health environment
- Access opportunities for professional growth, continuing education, mentorship, and leadership development
- Participate in innovative, recovery-focused behavioral health initiatives serving justice-involved populations
- Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a team-oriented work culture
- Contribute to an organization committed to compassion, health equity, and whole-person care
Mental Health Clinician (DOC)
Location: Washington, DC – Department of Corrections
Organization: Unity Health Care
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
About Unity Health Care
Unity Health Care is the largest network of community health centers in Washington, D.C., dedicated to delivering compassionate, culturally competent, and patient-centered healthcare services to underserved communities throughout the District. Through integrated medical, behavioral health, and supportive services, Unity Health Care advances health equity while improving access to comprehensive whole-person care.
Unity’s Department of Corrections (DOC) Behavioral Health team provides trauma-informed, recovery-focused care to justice-involved individuals within a collaborative correctional healthcare environment focused on improving behavioral health outcomes and continuity of care.
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Mental Health Program Manager, the Mental Health Clinician (DOC) provides comprehensive behavioral health and social work services within the DC Department of Corrections Mental Health Unit. This position is responsible for conducting psychosocial evaluations, developing individualized treatment and discharge plans, providing psychotherapy services, and coordinating continuity of care for incarcerated individuals.
The Mental Health Clinician works collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, correctional staff, and community resources to support high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health care within a secure correctional setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial evaluations for inmates admitted to the Mental Health Unit within required timeframes
- Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary treatment teams
- Create comprehensive discharge plans that connect patients with community-based services, Core Service Agencies, healthcare providers, and support resources
- Assist inmates with applications for identification cards, health insurance, medication assistance programs, and income assistance resources
- Provide individual and group psychotherapy services within the Mental Health Unit
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with providers, behavioral health teams, and correctional officers assigned to the unit
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with Unity Health Care and DOC policies and procedures
- Track and maintain required service and patient care data
- Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, treatment planning, and continuity of care initiatives
- Support trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-focused behavioral health services
- Perform additional related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field required
- Current DC license as an LPC, LICSW, LGSW, or equivalent behavioral health license required
- Minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate experience in a psychiatric social work or behavioral health setting required
- Strong knowledge of mental health diagnoses and psychotherapy techniques
- Working knowledge of psychopharmacology and substance use treatment modalities
- Excellent communication, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively within a secure correctional healthcare environment
- Commitment to serving underserved and justice-involved populations
Why Join Unity?
- Be part of a mission-driven organization serving vulnerable and underserved communities throughout Washington, DC
- Make a meaningful impact providing behavioral health services within the correctional healthcare system
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary and supportive behavioral health environment
- Access opportunities for professional growth, continuing education, mentorship, and leadership development
- Participate in innovative, recovery-focused behavioral health initiatives serving justice-involved populations
- Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a team-oriented work culture
- Contribute to an organization committed to compassion, health equity, and whole-person care
See All 14 Mental Health Technician Jobs in District of Columbia
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Mental Health Technician Job Market in District of Columbia
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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 Google, KIPP DC, and Zevo Health and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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 71% of mental health technician openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of September 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 14 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.
Find Mental Health Technician Jobs