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Behavioral Health

Psychiatric Aide

Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

Annual openings

90

Median wage

$46,130

Typical education

High school (GED), though some employers expect some college or even a Bachelor's degree.

Growth 2026–2032

+4%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), though some employers expect some college or even a Bachelor's degree.

Credential requirement

The requirements for this role differ from employer to employer, sometimes on-the-job training is enough, sometimes a Certified Nurse Assistant, sometimes some college, and sometimes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology are required. It is also possible to become a Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT). Some employers value the Registered Behavior Tech or Assistant Behavior Analyst from Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no work experience is required.

Work-based learning

This can be an excellent way to gain experience as you complete a behavioral health degree.

Salary/Demand information shared with Qualified Behavioral Health Assistant.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenMay vary
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Healthcare Technicians

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Participate in recreational activities with patients, including card games, sports, or television viewing.
  2. Listen and provide emotional support and encouragement to psychiatric patients.
  3. Provide patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities with routine physical, emotional, psychological, or rehabilitation care under the direction of nursing or medical staff.
  4. Complete physical checks and monitor patients to detect unusual or harmful behavior and report observations to professional staff.
  5. Organize, supervise, or encourage patient participation in social, educational, or recreational activities.
  6. Provide patients with assistance in bathing, dressing, or grooming, demonstrating these skills as necessary.
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