The history of the profession of psychiatric technician in the United States had a modest beginning in the 19th century. At that time, mentally ill patients were cared for by attendants, who were trained to meet only the basic needs of the patient. Patient ailments included autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

The names of the institutions were reflective of the manner in which psychiatric patients were perceived and treated. In California, the institutions were entitled, The Great Asylum for the Insane (1885), the State Hospital for the Insane and Inebriates (1893), and the Home for the Care and Training of Feeble Minded Children (1895).

The next milestone came after World War II. The introduction of modern techniques involving neurosurgery, electric shock therapy and lobotomy necessitated attendant personnel with improved aptitudes. However, no dramatic changes took place in their inherent qualifications though they were called psychiatric technicians.

A major change took place in 1950 with the formation of the California Society of Psychiatric Technicians (CSPT). The psychiatric technician became an integral part of the multidisciplinary team, the job classification was standardized, and the requirements for entry level psychiatric technicians were formalized.

In 1959 a certification regimen was set up for Psychiatric Technicians in both the private and governmental sectors. By 1970 licensing requirements were defined. Currently the states of California, Colorado, Kansas and Arkansas license Psychiatric Technicians.

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