According to Mental Health America, 22.2 percent of adults in California — approximately six million people — experienced mental illness in the past year, highlighting a growing mental health crisis in the state.
Delta’s Psychiatric Technician program addresses this urgent need by introducing prospective students to the field.
During a virtual Psychiatric Technician information session on Nov. 21, Bianca Harrell, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) with more than 12 years of experience, was one of the many students in attendance eager to learn how her background would align with the program.
“I have been a CNA for over 12 years, will I be able to catch on fast being in the psych tech program?”
Psych Technology Professor Christine Meagher reassured her that CNA experience would be valuable in the program.
“CNAs in the program typically excel because of their existing knowledge and compassion for the patient population.”
Meagher, an alumna of the Psych Tech program, shares her journey.
“I graduated in 2006, earned a BA in psychology, a master’s in military psychology, and am now working on my doctorate in organizational leadership,” she said.“As a psych tech, you can progress to senior and chief psych tech roles, administration or even pursue social work or psychiatry. The world is your oyster!”
Her story illustrates the program’s ability to open doors to diverse career paths within the mental health field, from entry-level roles to advanced professions.
The program’s significance has grown even more with the recent passage of Proposition 1, which allocates $6.38 billion to expand mental health and substance abuse facilities across California.
“Proposition 1 funding can help students with a psych tech license, acquire grants to launch small businesses or facilities focused on mental health care, inmate and drug rehabilitation, or youth programs,” said Professor of Psychiatric Technology Monica Fuentes-Rodriguez. “It also provides an opportunity for these students to hire family members, creating generational wealth while supporting mental health care needs.”
Fuentes-Rodriguez said the expansion of mental health facilities will further drive the demand for qualified professionals, creating a wave of job opportunities and advancing the quality of care.
Acting Director of Health Sciences Dr. Gerry Hinayon emphasized the program’s potential to quickly launch students into these rewarding careers. He noted that psych techs can earn up to $80,424 per year, along with overtime, incentives and benefits.
“It’s a fast track to a healthcare career, with the program lasting just 14 months,” he said.
Hinayon also spoke of the program’s ability to open doors for career advancement.
“As Professor Meagher mentioned, the psych tech program is a launchpad for so many pathways,” said Hinayon. “I’ve seen graduates go on to become social workers, psychiatrists, case managers, and more.”
Hinayon also acknowledged the program’s competitive nature, which accepts only 40 students annually through random selection.
“It’s a challenging path, but one that offers incredible rewards for those who complete it,” he said.
