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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NewVista Behavioral Health

RN Registered Nurse

Vista, CA · On-site

$40/hr

Job Address: 5500 South BroadwaySt Louis, MO 63111 Registered Nurse (RN) Inpatient Behavioral Health - Day Pay: Up to $40/Hr | Location: St Louis, MO | Schedule: Day Shift | 3x12s (7p-7a) | Every ...

Acadia Healthcare

RN Behavioral Health

Indio, CA

$52 - $62.34/hr

RN - FT Nights (12 hr shift) Coachella Valley Behavioral Health - Indio, CA (Near Palm Springs) Hourly Rate: $52.00-$62.34/hr Coachella Valley Behavioral Health is hiring FullTime RNs for our ...

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All JobsBehavioral Health Rn JobsBehavioral Health Rn Jobs in California

Behavioral Health Rn information

See California salary details

$15

$46

$79

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in California is $46.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $56.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Behavioral Health RN Do?

The job duties of a behavioral health RN revolve around providing patient care in a mental health capacity. You work with psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians to offer psychiatric and behavioral care. As a behavioral health nurse, you perform duties such as helping patients perform exercises to change thought patterns or habits. You may also assist with relaxation techniques for stress management or pain management. With specialized training, you may also employ biofeedback techniques or work with clients on long-term therapies such as personality development and behavior modification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health RN, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and expertise in mental health assessment and crisis intervention. Familiarity with behavioral health documentation systems, de-escalation tools, and relevant certifications like BLS or PMH-BC is typically required. Strong communication, emotional resilience, and empathy are vital soft skills for supporting patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe, effective care and fostering a therapeutic environment for individuals facing mental health challenges.

What are some typical challenges a Behavioral Health RN might encounter when working with patients in a mental health setting?

Behavioral Health RNs often face challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, de-escalating crisis situations, and balancing the emotional demands of supporting individuals with complex mental health needs. They must also maintain clear and compassionate communication with both patients and interdisciplinary team members, while adhering to strict safety protocols. Successfully navigating these challenges requires resilience, adaptability, and strong teamwork skills within a supportive mental health care environment.

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

AspectBehavioral Health RnPsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, possibly additional behavioral health certificationsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, often with psychiatric or mental health certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, community health settingsPsychiatric hospitals, mental health units, outpatient clinics
Employer & IndustryHospitals, mental health facilities, outpatient centersPsychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilities
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral Health Rn vs Psychiatric Nurse

Both roles involve providing mental health care, but Behavioral Health Rns often work in diverse settings with a focus on behavioral health interventions, while Psychiatric Nurses typically work specifically within psychiatric hospitals or units. The credentials and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related roles in mental health care.

What are Behavioral Health RNs?

Behavioral Health Registered Nurses (RNs) are specialized nurses who care for patients experiencing mental health issues, emotional disorders, or substance abuse problems. They work in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and residential treatment centers. Their responsibilities include assessing patients’ mental health needs, administering medications, developing care plans, and providing support to patients and their families. Behavioral Health RNs collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and promote patient recovery.
More about Behavioral Health Rn jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in California? The most popular types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Rn jobs in California? For Behavioral Health Rn jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Rn jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Rn jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities in California with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:
Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,125 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Registered Nurse - Charge - Behavioral Health

Registered Nurse - Charge - Behavioral Health

Pacifica Hospital of the Valley

Sun Valley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REGISTERED NURSE CHARGE is a member of the patient care team responsible for providing specialized nursing care to patients with behavioral and/or mental disorders. The Behavioral Health Registered Nurse Charge will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement a plan of care for a specific group of assigned patients, ensuring the coordination of care between other disciplines, physicians and support staff. The Behavioral Health Registered Nurse Charge will perform professional nursing duties that incorporate the psychosocial, psychomotor and age-appropriate cognitive skills of the patient to assess, plan, intervene and advocate for the patient on an ongoing basis throughout the continuum of care.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Provides patient care, reviews and administers patient medications, treatments and procedures in a safe, effective and age appropriate manner that meets scope of practice and standards of nursing practice. Recognizes change in patient's clinical condition, takes appropriate action and documents intervention.
  • Provides ongoing assessments and documents the patient's physical and psychosocial condition, as well as response to care. Reviews patient test results, identifies critical results and communicates in a timely manner consistent with the condition of the patient and integrates information into the plan of care.
  • Collaborates with staff, physicians and members of the healthcare team, ensuring the coordination of care between other disciplines and support staff.
  • Shift oversight of the Behavioral Health Unit leading and guiding subordinate staff.

The successful candidate will possess the following:
  • Valid CA Registered Nurse license
  • One (1) year clinical experience as a Registered Nurse, behavioral health experience preferred
  • Previous Charge Nurse experience
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (RN-BC) preferred
  • LPS Certification Preferred
  • Management of Assaultive Behavior or equivalent
  • BLS required
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Excellent communication (written and verbal) and organization skills required
  • Basic computers skills - Empower experience preferred

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