Psychiatric Aides
Psychiatric aides assist patients with mental illness or emotional disturbances in hospitals, clinics, and residential mental health facilities. Working under direction of nursing and medical staff, they help with daily living activities, lead recreational and educational programs, and may restrain patients when necessary. Most work in inpatient psychiatric units or behavioral health settings.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against psychiatric aides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A psychiatric aide's week involves direct patient care tasks like helping with hygiene and meals, supervising recreational activities, and accompanying patients to medical appointments. They observe and report on patient behavior and mood changes to nursing staff. Work includes building rapport with patients, documenting activities, and responding to patient requests or concerns. Shifts typically occur during day, evening, or night hours at their facility location.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited for this work if you're interested in understanding people's behavior and motivations while also being drawn to helping others directly. You do well with this job if you're patient, calm under pressure, and comfortable asking questions to better understand patients' needs.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $43,740 | $55,040 | $60,680 | 620 |
| Washington | $52,570 | $52,570 | $59,370 | 330 |
| Hawaii | $36,440 | $52,310 | $53,890 | 30 |
| Maryland | $41,510 | $51,440 | $57,650 | 250 |
| Nevada | $40,410 | $51,400 | $59,090 | 220 |
| Rhode Island | $44,810 | $51,100 | $51,100 | 130 |
| New York | $48,610 | $50,220 | $59,460 | 5,120 |
| Alaska | $46,320 | $49,300 | $54,330 | 190 |
| Illinois | $48,660 | $48,670 | $48,690 | 120 |
| Oregon | $43,530 | $48,300 | $58,710 | 1,550 |
| Vermont | $46,300 | $47,860 | $48,880 | 330 |
| California | $45,390 | $47,500 | $57,160 | 3,760 |
All 39 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician 1 (NCPT) — American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Inc.
- Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician 2 (NCPT) — American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Inc.
- Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician 3 (NCPT) — American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Inc.
- Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician 4 (NCPT) — American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Inc.
- Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) — Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against psychiatric aides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-1133.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.