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Behavioral Health Nurse Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

We Level Up NJ

Behavioral Health Technician

Lake Elsinore, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) is responsible for the day-to-day and immediate supervision ... Observes and reports client's behaviors to supervisor, nursing, and/or clinical team. All ...

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All JobsBehavioral Health Nurse JobsBehavioral Health Nurse Jobs in Riverside, CA

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$16

$48

$84

How much do behavioral health nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health nurse in Riverside, CA is $48.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $59.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health nurse?

Behavioral Health Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with mental health or psychiatric conditions. They assess, monitor, and support individuals experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and schizophrenia. Their responsibilities include administering medications, developing care plans, providing counseling, and collaborating with other mental health professionals. Behavioral Health Nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and community health organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health nurse?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Nurse, you need a solid background in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, and mental health assessment, typically supported by an RN license and specialized behavioral health training. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, psychotropic medication management, and de-escalation techniques is often required. Strong communication, emotional resilience, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for building trust and supporting patients in distress. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing effective, compassionate care in complex mental health environments.

What are some typical challenges behavioral health nurses face when working with patients, and how can they address them?

Behavioral Health Nurses often encounter challenges such as managing patients in crisis, addressing non-compliance with treatment plans, and navigating complex family dynamics. To address these, nurses rely on strong communication skills, de-escalation techniques, and close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including social workers and therapists. Regular training in crisis intervention and maintaining clear boundaries can also help ensure both patient safety and effective care. Team support and supervision are vital for managing the emotional demands of the role.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Nurse vs Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectBehavioral Health NursePsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsRN license, possibly certification in mental healthRN license, certification in psychiatric or mental health nursing
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, community settingsPsychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, inpatient units
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, mental health organizationsSpecialized psychiatric facilities, hospitals

Both Behavioral Health Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses are registered nurses specializing in mental health. While their roles overlap significantly, Psychiatric Nurses often work in specialized psychiatric settings and may have additional training focused on psychiatric care. Behavioral Health Nurses tend to work in broader mental health environments, addressing a wide range of behavioral health issues. Both roles require RN licensure and mental health certifications, making them closely related career paths in the mental health nursing field.

What type of behavioral health nurse is most in demand?

The most in-demand behavioral health nurses are psychiatric-mental health nurses who specialize in caring for patients with mental health and substance use disorders. These nurses often work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings and may require certification such as the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC). Their skills in crisis intervention, patient assessment, and therapy make them highly sought after in the behavioral health field.

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Behavioral Health Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Nurse jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Behavioral Health Nurse jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Behavioral Health Nurse job openings:

Behavioral Health Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Nurse job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,615 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Institutes of Health

Riverside, CA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Pay Range: $130,000 - $170,000 per year

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person | Riverside, CA

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to provide outpatient psychiatric care to adults with a range of behavioral health conditions.

This position is ideal for a psychiatric provider who is comfortable practicing with a high degree of clinical autonomy while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate will have established outpatient psychiatric experience and the ability to independently evaluate, diagnose, and manage psychiatric patients.

This position is not intended for new graduates or providers seeking extensive post-graduate training or mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management follow-up appointments.

  • Diagnose and treat a broad range of psychiatric conditions.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans and prescribe appropriate medications.
  • Conduct suicide risk assessments and other clinical evaluations.
  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary clinical team to coordinate patient care.
  • Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as clinically appropriate.
  • Maintain timely, accurate, and thorough clinical documentation.
  • Provide highquality, patientcentered psychiatric care in an outpatient setting.
    • Qualifications
  • Minimum of 3 years of independent psychiatric practice experience as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
  • Active, unrestricted California Nurse Practitioner license.
  • Current DEA registration.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate and manage psychiatric patients.
  • Established outpatient psychiatric experience.
  • Patient Population and Clinical Focus

    • The selected provider will provide care to adults experiencing a variety of behavioral health conditions, including:

  • Mood and anxiety disorders.
  • Complex psychiatric conditions with medical comorbidities.
  • Chronic pain and functional impairmentrelated behavioral health concerns.
  • Traumarelated and other complex behavioral health conditions.
    • The Ideal CandidateWe are seeking a clinician who:
  • Practices confidently with a high degree of clinical independence.
  • Has experience managing complex psychiatric and traumarelated cases.
  • Values collaboration within a multidisciplinary care model.
  • Is committed to improving longterm patient outcomes.
  • Prefers an outpatient setting focused on quality of care rather than high patient volume.
  • Demonstrates strong clinical judgment, communication, and documentation skills.
    • Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k) matching

Apply