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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CommonSpirit Health

RN Behavioral Health

Stockton, CA · On-site

RN Behavioral Health Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Behavioral Health Registered Nurse, you will help patients experiencing mental health and behavioral health challenges receive ...

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Behavioral Health Rn information

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$15

$46

$79

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,125 per year, or $46.2 per hour.

RN Behavioral Health

St Josephs Behavioral Health Center

Stockton, CA

$66.31 - $86.01/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Behavioral Health Registered Nurse, you will help patients experiencing mental health and behavioral health challenges receive compassionate, evidence-based care so they can achieve stability, healing, and improved well-being.


Every day you will assess, monitor, and support patients with psychiatric and behavioral health needs across a variety of settings. You will be expected to provide therapeutic nursing interventions, administer medications, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, de-escalate crisis situations, and advocate for patients and their families throughout their treatment journey.


To be successful in this role, you will dem

  • Allows for privacy and modesty in the provision of care.
  • Identifies self by name and title to patient/family.
  • Determines presence/type of Advanced Directive.
  • Reports suspected cases of abuse/neglect, if identified.
  • Understands role of, and how to access, the Bioethics Committee.
  • Establishes presence of consent prior to treatment/procedures.
Job Requirements

Required

  • A minimum of six (6) months recent experiencein an Psychiatric and/or ChemicalDependency Nursing Acute Care Facility
  • Active Registered Nurse license in the State of California
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification - American Heart Association
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1974, Dignity Health - St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center is a 35-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Stockton, California. Serving over 3,000 patients annually, the center offers a full complement of services including behavioral evaluations, a chemical recovery program, and inpatient services. Additionally, St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is the only psychiatric and substance abuse hospital in the area.

One Community. One Mission. One California 


Pay Range
$66.31 - $86.01 /hour

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