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Behavioral Health Rn information

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$15

$46

$81

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Pennsylvania is $46.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.51 and $57.36 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 is a behavioral health RN?

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.

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 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 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.

More about Behavioral Health Rn jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:

Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% In-person, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,635 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - Behavioral Health

Nightingale Nurses - Allied

Indiana, PA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Nightingale Nurses - Allied is seeking a travel nurse RN Behavioral Health for a travel nursing job in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Behavioral Health
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/21/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, rotating
  • Employment Type: Travel

Schedule: Rotating Days/Nights, 3x12s, Every Other Weekend

Required Qualifications
  • Inpatient Behavioral Health RN experience
  • Inpatient Adolescent Psych experience with ages 14–17 is required
  • BLS required
  • De-escalation training/certification required
    • SAFE Training Course may be completed onsite if needed
  • Must be comfortable floating between Adolescent and Geriatric Behavioral Health units
Unit Details
  • 44-bed inpatient psychiatric facility
  • Patient populations include adolescent and geriatric behavioral health
  • Rotating day/night schedule
  • 3x12-hour shifts
  • Every other weekend
  • Floating is required between adolescent and geriatric units

Schedule: Rotating Days/Nights, 3x12s, Every Other Weekend Required Qualifications Inpatient Behavioral Health RN experience Inpatient Adolescent Psych experience with ages 14–17 is required BLS required De-escalation training/certification required SAFE Training Course may be completed onsite if needed Must be comfortable floating between Adolescent and Geriatric Behavioral Health units Unit Details 44-bed inpatient psychiatric facility Patient populations include adolescent and geriatric behavioral health Rotating day/night schedule 3x12-hour shifts Every other weekend Floating is required between adolescent and geriatric units

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