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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

LanceSoft

Travel ER Registered Nurse

Los Banos, CA · On-site

LanceSoft is seeking a travel nurse RN ED - Emergency Department for a travel nursing job in Los ... Behavioral Health Centers, Drug & Alcohol Facilities, Home Health & Community Health, Urgent Care ...

CommonSpirit Health

RN

Merced, CA · On-site

Job Summary and Responsibilities As a Registered Nurse (RN), you will be a pivotal healthcare professional, delivering compassionate, high-quality care that truly impacts our patients' well-being and ...

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All JobsBehavioral Health Rn JobsBehavioral Health Rn Jobs in Merced, CA

Behavioral Health Rn information

See Merced, CA salary details

$16

$49

$85

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Merced, CA is $49.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.29 and $60.43 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
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What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Behavioral Health Rn jobs? Cities near Merced, CA with the most Behavioral Health Rn job openings:
Behavioral Health Rn jobs near you
Director of Behavioral Health

Director of Behavioral Health

Doctors Medical Center of Modesto

Turlock, CA

$75.61 - $120.99/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job type: Full Time
Shift: Day
Hours:
Position Summary
Directly reporting to the Chief Nursing Officer, and to the Behavioral Health Center Administrator, the Director of Patient Care Services is a Master's Degree in psychiatric or mental health nursing, or its equivalent from a school of nursing accredited by the National League for Nursing, or be qualified by education and experience in the care of the mentally ill; who is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, monitoring, and evaluating patient care given by a designated healthcare team. The Director of Patient Care Services has twenty-four hour responsibility for patient care functions in the inpatient departments, intake, and is accountable for staffing, leadership, decision-making, fiscal guidelines, and effective department relationships. The Director of Patient Care Services maintains an active approach to foster a supportive and collaborative professional environment of physicians, staff, and patients focusing on Quality and efficiency.
Minimum Education:
MSN or equivalent, Psychiatric Nursing
Minimum Experience/Skills:
Minimum 5years in nursing management role, specifically psychiatric nursing
License/Certificates/Credentials:
Current Registered Nursing license for the State of California
Are you a results-driven leader ready to make a meaningful impact to patients, caregivers, and your community? At Doctors Medical Center of Modesto hospital, were seeking an innovative and experienced healthcare leader to drive excellence and inspire our team towards exceptional patient outcomes and operational success.
At Doctors Medical Center of Modesto, we understand that our greatest asset is our dedicated team of professionals. That's why we offer more than a job - we provide a comprehensive benefit package that prioritizes your health, professional development, and work-life balance. The available plans and programs include:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
  • Generous paid time off
  • Career development and continuing education opportunities
  • Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
  • Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
  • Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, auto & home insurance

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location and is determined by employment status
Doctors Medical Center (DMC), part of the Central Valley Doctors Health System, is the largest full-care hospital between Stockton and Fresno, and from the Sierras to the San Francisco Bay Area, with a 394-bed general acute care and a 67-bed inpatient psychiatric capacity. DMC is known for providing comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and emergency care. Doctors Medical Center offers a wide range of services including cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, emergency and trauma services, minimally-invasive and robotic surgery, women and childrens services, medical/surgical, behavioral health, oncology and critical/intensive care. Join our team!
$75.61 - $120.99 **Individual wages are determined based upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, an individual's qualifications and experience ***Calculated based on a full time position

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