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Behavioral Health Rn Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours ... behavioral health facilities, schools, correctional healthcare environments, and community-based ...

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Behavioral Health Rn information

See Washington, DC salary details

$17

$51

$88

How much do behavioral health rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health rn in Washington, DC is $51.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.63 and $62.74 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 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.
More about Behavioral Health Rn jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC? For Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Rn jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Rn job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,830 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) Behavioral Health

MedStar Health

Olney, MD • On-site

$36 - $54.07/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 239 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About the Job

Unit Highlights

Key Responsibilities

6 East is a 14-bed inpatient Behavioral Health unit that offers an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in behavioral health. The unit supports both adolescent and adult patients, providing a diverse experience in patient care. The dedicated nurses and techs on 6 East are highly skilled, enthusiastic, and committed to delivering exceptional care. Additionally, the unit is supported by outstanding therapists and occupational therapy resources, ensuring comprehensive treatment for patients.

Positions Available: PRN rotating Day/Night Shift - PRN requirement four shifts per six-week schedule including weekend shifts, one holiday per year and one hard to staff shift per year.

Nursing Benefits

  • Nationally recognized nurse wellbeing resources
  • Comprehensive health benefit plans
  • Generous paid time off and flex scheduling options
  • Retirement plans with match
  • Tuition assistance to advance your education
  • Systemwide referral bonus program-up to $6,000 for each RN and up to $4,000 for each LPN that joins MedStar Health
  • Relocation assistance up to $5,000
  • Free parking for associates

Qualifications

  • ADN, BSN, MSN, or CNL from an accredited School of Nursing required.
  • Prior inpatient behavioral health nursing experience.
  • Active MD RN License or Active Compact State RN and Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers required (AHA or American Red Cross).

This position has a hiring range of
USD $36.00 - USD $54.07 /Hr.

What Medstar Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Medstar Health logo

About Medstar Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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