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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Pediatric Behavioral Health RN - PRN

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Pediatric Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) Position Summary The Pediatric Behavioral Health RN provides nursing care to children and adolescents with behavioral, emotional, and mental health ...

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Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

The Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) will assume the role of providing professional nursing care to patients with needs of varying complexity. The behavioral RN will also ensure the quality ...

Insight

Registered Nurse - Behavioral Health

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38 - $50/hr

The Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN) will assume the role of providing professional nursing care to patients with needs of varying complexity. The behavioral RN will also ensure the quality ...

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All JobsBehavioral Health Rn JobsBehavioral Health Rn Jobs in Chicago, IL

Behavioral Health Rn information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16

$48

$83

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Chicago, IL is $48.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.47 and $58.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to make an extra 2000 a month as a nurse?

Behavioral Health RNs can increase their income by taking on per diem or agency shifts, which often pay higher rates, or by working additional hours in specialized settings. Gaining certifications in areas like mental health or addiction can also qualify RNs for higher-paying roles or overtime opportunities.

How to make $100,000 as a RN?

To earn $100,000 as a Behavioral Health RN, gaining experience, obtaining specialized certifications, and working in high-demand settings such as hospitals or outpatient facilities can help increase earning potential. Working overtime, taking on leadership roles, or pursuing advanced education like a master's degree may also contribute to higher salaries.

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.

How to make 150,000 as a nurse?

A Behavioral Health RN can earn $150,000 by gaining extensive experience, obtaining advanced certifications, working in high-demand settings, or taking on leadership roles such as charge nurse or clinical supervisor. Working overtime, specializing in areas like psychiatric or addiction treatment, and working in regions with higher pay scales can also increase earnings.

What does a behavioral health RN do?

A behavioral health RN provides nursing care to patients with mental health or substance use disorders, assessing their needs, administering medications, and developing treatment plans. They often work in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, or community settings, utilizing skills in patient assessment, crisis intervention, and therapeutic communication.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Chicago, IL? For Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:
Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,416 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN)

Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN)

Community First Medical Center

Chicago, IL

$37.86 - $54/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Community First Medical Center rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

988th of 1,003 rated hospitals

Job description

Description

Behavioral Health Registered Nurse (RN)New Behavioral Health Unit | Day & Night Shifts Available

Days: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Nights: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available


Community First Medical Center is excited to expand Behavioral Health Services with the opening of our brand-new 24-bed Adult Behavioral Health Unit.  We are seeking compassionate, patient-centered Registered Nurses to join our growing team and help shape a culture of excellence, safety, and recovery-focused care.

Whether you are an experienced Behavioral Health Nurse or an RN looking to transition into psychiatric nursing, this is an opportunity to be part of a newly developed unit designed to support both patients and staff.


Position Summary

The Behavioral Health RN provides direct nursing care to adult psychiatric patients experiencing acute mental health and behavioral health conditions. The RN is responsible for assessment, treatment planning, medication administration, patient education, crisis intervention, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team.

What Makes Our Unit Different?

New 24-bed Behavioral Health Unit? Dedicated Behavioral Health leadership team? Strong multidisciplinary collaboration? Fair patient assignments? Security presence on the unit? Advanced safety and monitoring systems? Recovery-focused care model? Opportunities for professional growth and Behavioral Health specialization Join Community First Medical Center and help us build a premier Behavioral Health program that prioritizes patient outcomes, staff safety, teamwork, and compassionate care. 


 Community First Medical Center offers benefits to all its full-time and part-time employees:          

  • United Healthcare Medical PPO/HMO/HSA Plans, premiums as low as $50.00/full time, $85.00/Part Time
  • Met Life Dental and Vision
  • Paid Time Off  (PTO) with annual accruals up to 168 hrs./year
  • Six paid holidays
  • Company Paid Life insurance and Short-term Disability 
  • 401(k) after 90 days
  • Continuing Education reimbursement and 2 days paid off separate from PTO  
  • Free Parking Garage
  • Internal Growth Opportunities

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.     

Education and/or Experience

Current Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) License

Graduate of an accredited nursing program

Current BLS Certification

Preferred 

Behavioral Health, Psychiatric, Emergency Department, Medical-Surgical, or Substance Use Disorder experience

CPI or other crisis prevention/de-escalation training 

BSN preferred


Community First Medical Center is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer who is committed to cultivating diversity, equity and inclusion within all aspects of our organizations. We stand against and prohibit discrimination in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status  

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