I want to share some experiences I have had working as a Psychiatric Technician. I have been working for three years in a transition group home for Mentally Ill adults. I find it interesting work but, it can be very challenging at times...to put it mildly. I do not want to discourage anyone from working with the Mentally Ill but, will suggest that one needs to #1...be like Teflon and let things slide; and #2...DO NOT TAKE YOUR WORK HOME!!!

A person who wants to work with the Mentally Ill population must be dedicated and have a calling for the task. It is not a job but, a vocation. No to people are alike. And that goes for fellow staff as well as the residents. So, no text book is going to give you all the answers. A little bit of "gut feeling" can go a long way. It never hurts to get a second opinion.

Respect, dignity and optimism are the keywords in working as a PsychTech in the Mental Health field.

More on these opinions...next time....Cookie, CNA/PT