How to Be Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 6, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Psychiatric technicians, also known as behaviorists, have a significant role in helping people dealing with mental health issues. By providing support, monitoring, and interventions, they help individuals to develop coping skills and gain insight into their behavior. They are also instrumental in helping to prevent crises and further mental health issues from developing. The effects of the work of psychiatric technicians can be seen in the reduction of the number of hospitalizations, the improved ability to cope with stress, and the overall improvement of the quality of life of their patients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Psychiatric technicians must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent in order to be considered for the position.
Complete an accredited psychiatric technician training program. To become a psychiatric technician, you must complete an accredited program in the field. The program must include courses in psychology, mental health, and human behavior.
Obtain certification. After completing the program, you must become certified as a psychiatric technician by passing a state-approved exam.
Get experience. Many employers require psychiatric technicians to have experience in the field before they will hire them. Experience can be obtained through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs.
Consider earning a bachelor's degree. Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field can help you to qualify for higher level positions and increase your earnings potential.
Pursue additional certifications. Once you have been working as a psychiatric technician for some time, you may want to consider becoming certified in areas such as behavior analysis, cognitive behavior therapy, and crisis prevention.

In order to stay updated and capable as a Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist, it is important to stay informed about the field of mental health. This includes reading professional journals and publications for new research, attending conferences and seminars that provide information about new techniques, and engaging with other professionals in the field to stay up-to-date on best practices. continuing education courses can help to expand knowledge and skills in the field.

In addition to staying informed, it is important to develop a strong understanding of the different types of mental health disorders, and a deep understanding of the various treatments and strategies for addressing them. By taking the time to stay informed and gain knowledge, Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorists can remain up-to-date with the latest research and trends in the field, giving them the tools they need to effectively help clients.

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Job Description

Assess and observe patient behaviors, both in individual and group settings
Develop and execute behavior modification programs
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly
Record patient behaviors and progress in detail
Administer psychosocial assessments
Implement cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques
Administer medication as prescribed
Collaborate with other medical personnel to ensure best care for the patient
Educate patients and families on healthy coping skills
Participate in professional development activities and continuing education
Maintain patient confidentiality

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mental health disorders, their symptoms and treatments
Ability to administer psychological tests and interpret results
Understanding of evidence-based principles, interventions and treatments
Proficiency in crisis assessment and intervention techniques
Ability to develop behavior plans and support individuals in implementing them
Knowledge of appropriate documentation practices
Competency in behavior management techniques
Ability to collaborate with other professionals and work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families and other professionals
Understanding of ethical and legal considerations related to mental health practice

Psychiatric technicians, also known as behaviorists, are essential members of healthcare teams dedicated to providing mental health care and support to those in need. Being a successful psychiatric technician requires certain skills and abilities, the most important of which is excellent interpersonal communication. In order to effectively interact with patients and other healthcare professionals, a psychiatric technician must be able to understand the patient's needs and feelings, and be able to respond in an understanding and compassionate manner.

strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills are essential for psychiatric technicians as they must be able to quickly assess situations and take appropriate action. Finally, it is important for psychiatric technicians to understand different mental health diagnoses and treatments so that they can provide accurate information to patients and their families. All of these skills are necessary for a psychiatric technician to be successful in their role and help individuals in need of mental health care.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with psychiatric patients?
How would you handle a situation in which a patient is exhibiting violent behavior?
Describe a time when you successfully addressed a challenging behavior in a patient.
What strategies do you use to create a positive and supportive environment for psychiatric patients?
How do you interact with other staff members to ensure patient safety?
What resources do you utilize to stay up-to-date on best practices for treating psychiatric patients?
How do you support family members of psychiatric patients?
How do you handle difficult conversations with psychiatric patients?
How do you recognize signs of mental illness or distress in a patient?
What strategies do you use to help psychiatric patients develop healthy coping skills?

Common Tools in Industry

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors to improve their functioning and mental health. (e. g. teaching the patient to recognize and substitute maladaptive thoughts with more positive ones).
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). This is a systematic approach to understanding behavior and teaching new skills by manipulating environmental variables. (e. g. setting up a reward system for completing desired behaviors).
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). This is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. (e. g. using meditation techniques to increase awareness of emotions).
Positive Reinforcement. This is a behaviorist approach which uses rewards to motivate individuals to engage in desired behaviors. (e. g. giving compliments or rewards for completing tasks).
Functional Assessment. This is a process of determining why a behavior occurs and what is maintaining it through the use of interviews, observations and data collection. (e. g. observing the patients behavior in different environments to identify triggers).
Crisis Intervention. This is an approach that provides immediate help to individuals experiencing a crisis, such as emotional distress or psychological trauma. (e. g. providing coping skills training or emotional regulation strategies).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT)
National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems (NAPHS)
Association of Behavioral Professionals (ABP)
International Society for Mental Health Online (ISMHO)
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

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Common Important Terms

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. A specialty of nursing focused on providing care for individuals with mental health disorders.
Mental Health Assessment. An evaluation of an individual's mental health status, conducted by a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse.
Psychosocial Interventions. A variety of approaches used to treat individuals with mental health disorders, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and family therapy.
Psychopharmacology. The use of medications to treat mental health disorders.
Diagnostic Testing. Tests used to assess an individual's mental health status, including psychological and neuropsychological testing.
Crisis Intervention. Any intervention used to address a mental health emergency or crisis situation.
Behavioral Modification. Techniques and strategies used to help individuals modify their behaviors in order to achieve desired outcomes.
Behavioral Therapy. An approach to treating mental health disorders that focuses on changing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of those affected.
Behaviorism. A psychological approach that focuses on the study of observable behavior and how it is shaped by environmental conditions and learning processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist?

A Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing emotional and psychosocial support to individuals with mental illnesses. They use evidence-based behavioral strategies to help individuals modify their behavior and cope with their mental health issues.

What type of qualifications are required for a Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist?

To become a Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist, individuals must have an associate's degree in psychology, social work or a related field, as well as certification in the specialty from the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT).

What type of duties does a Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist perform?

The duties of a Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist include evaluating the mental health of clients, providing individual and group counseling sessions, administering medications, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing education and support to family members.

What type of environment does a Psychiatric Technician - Behaviorist work in?

Psychiatric Technicians - Behaviorists typically work in hospitals, residential treatment centers, community mental health centers, and private practice settings.