Psychiatric technicians assist in the care and treatment of patients who are mentally ill or have developmental disabilities.

Psychiatric technicians provide nursing, psychiatric, and personal care for patients. Some work with patients who are developmentally disabled and others work with people in rehabilitation for drugs or alcohol.

Technicians help to admit new patients. They interview new patients and their families in order to assess the patient's mental status. They also ask about previous mental health treatments.

Psychiatric technicians monitor patients and write reports about their behavior. They check patients' temperature, respiration, and pulse. They also give prescribed medications. Technicians keep daily records of the physical condition of patients. Technicians may lead group counseling sessions.

Technicians assist patients with personal cleanliness. For example, they help patients clean their rooms, bathe, and dress. They teach patients basic living and working skills. They encourage them to develop social relationships and to participate in recreational activities. Technicians often restrain patients who are violent.

Psychiatric technicians work on a mental health team with doctors and psychologists. Nurses, social workers, and therapists are also part of the team. Psychiatric technicians may be called mental health technicians.