Psychiatric Aides

About the Role

Psychiatric aides provide essential support to patients with mental illnesses, helping them with daily activities and ensuring their well-being in healthcare facilities.

Other Common Titles

Mental Health Aide
Psychiatric Technician
Behavioral Health Technician
Mental Health Assistant

Typical Tasks

Assist patients with daily living activities such as grooming and eating
Monitor patients' behavior and report any changes to healthcare professionals
Provide companionship and emotional support to patients
Help maintain a safe and clean environment within the healthcare facility
Assist in administering medications under the direction of nurses
Participate in group therapy sessions and recreational activities with patients
Conduct activities that promote mental well-being, such as arts and crafts or exercise programs
Document patient progress and interactions in daily logs.

Notable People

Hilary Swank – Academy Award-winning actress known for her role in 'Girl, Interrupted', which highlighted mental health issues.
Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison – A prominent clinical psychologist and author known for her work on bipolar disorder and mental health advocacy.

Recommended Resources

The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness
A memoir by Elyn Saks, who shares her experiences living with schizophrenia.
Psychiatric Aide Training
An online training program to learn the skills necessary for working as a psychiatric aide.
The Mental Health Podcast
A podcast exploring various topics related to mental health and wellness.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
A comprehensive resource for mental health information, support, and advocacy.