A psychology technician is someone who either treats people with mental illnesses or conducts research into different aspects of psychology. A person with an analytical mind, a sympathetic nature, and interpersonal skills is often required for success in this field. Technicians who treat patients are usually employed by a treatment facility, while those who conduct research are typically employed by a university or a private laboratory. A psychology technician’s primary responsibilities include assessing patients’ mental health, monitoring their physical health, assisting patients with personal care, holding therapy sessions, and conducting psychological research.
Constantly evaluating the mental state of patients is one of the most basic duties of a psychology technician. If a patient is schizophrenic, for example, a technician might check in on a regular basis to see how the patient is doing emotionally. He may also administer mental health tests to determine which behaviors need to be addressed. This is necessary in order to keep patients comfortable and avoid incidents such as violence and self-harm. This aspect of the job necessitates the ability to establish rapport with patients and other members of the team.
It’s also crucial to keep track of patients’ physical health. A psychology technician is often required to check patients’ vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, in addition to evaluating mental health. Because so many patients are taking medication, it’s critical to check for allergic reactions or dangerous side effects.
In addition, a psychology technician may be required to assist patients with personal care on occasion. He might assist a patient with getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and combing their hair, for example. He may also help with shaving in the case of male patients. This procedure is critical for keeping patients clean and comfortable.
In many cases, a psychology technician will also conduct patient therapy sessions. This can be individual or group therapy, and the goal is to improve a patient’s mental health and stability. To be effective in this role, one must first understand each patient’s needs and then respond appropriately. As a result, a psychology technician must be able to establish trust with patients and form relationships with them.
Psychological research is an additional task for some technicians. A psychology technician who conducts research is typically employed by a university or a private laboratory. Reading previous case studies, conducting experiments, and observing psychological phenomena in subjects are common examples. An individual may publish his findings in a psychology journal for other professionals to read after completing a research study.