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Entry Level Psychiatric Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Psychiatric information

See Michigan salary details

$29.6K

$97.1K

$196.5K

How much do entry level psychiatric jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level psychiatric in Michigan is $97,101.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $114,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level psychiatric professionals when working with patients, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level psychiatric professionals often encounter challenges such as managing patients in crisis, handling emotionally charged situations, and establishing trust with individuals who may be resistant to care. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but thorough training, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and regular supervision can help. Building strong communication skills and learning effective de-escalation techniques are essential for success. Additionally, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams ensures that patient care is holistic and well-supported.

How to start a mental health career?

To start a career as an entry-level psychiatric professional, obtain relevant education such as a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions and pursuing certifications like Certified Psychiatric Technician or Licensed Mental Health Technician can also help establish a foundation in mental health care.

What are entry level psychiatric jobs?

Entry level psychiatric jobs are positions in mental health care that require minimal prior experience and are often suitable for recent graduates or those new to the field. These roles may include psychiatric technician, mental health aide, or psychiatric nursing assistant. Responsibilities typically involve supporting patients with mental health conditions, monitoring behavior, assisting with daily activities, and working under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals. Entry level psychiatric jobs provide valuable experience and can be a stepping stone toward more advanced roles in psychiatry or psychology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Psychiatric Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Psychiatric Technician, you need a basic understanding of mental health disorders, crisis intervention techniques, and a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), patient observation systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and emotional resilience help you effectively support patients and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure safe, compassionate care and contribute to the well-being and recovery of individuals in psychiatric settings.

Is it hard to get a job in psychiatry?

Entry level psychiatric positions can be competitive and typically require relevant education such as a bachelor's or master's degree, along with clinical experience or internships. Licensing or certification may also be necessary, and strong communication skills are important for success in the field.

What degree do you need to work with psych patients?

Entry-level psychiatric positions typically require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many roles such as psychiatric technician or aide may require a post-secondary certificate or associate degree. For roles involving direct patient care or counseling, a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is often necessary, along with relevant certifications or training in mental health support.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry-level psychiatric roles typically do not pay $4,000 a week without advanced education or specialized certifications. High-paying jobs that do not require a degree often include skilled trades like commercial driving, sales, or certain entrepreneurial ventures, but these usually involve experience or licensing rather than entry-level positions. Most roles with such high weekly pay require significant experience, certifications, or entrepreneurial success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Psychiatric jobs in Michigan? For Entry Level Psychiatric jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Psychiatric job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, and 59% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,101 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Per Diem - NEW Sign-on Bonus Included!

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Cost Center
168 Activity Therapy
Scheduled Weekly Hours
0
Work Shift
Shift & Status
$1000 sign-on bonus for new per diem Rec Therapists!
Who Are We?
We at Pine Rest believe in the power of healing and that everyone in our community has the right to expert care for mental health and substance use disorders. We are much more than just the third largest non-profit behavioral health system in the country, our 220-acre main campus, and our network of clinical sites across Michigan. We are a tight-knit community of healers who witness the impact of our life-changing work each day.
Each day, we are closing the gaps in access to care. We are innovating through leading-edge research, testing, programs, and treatment modalities that others replicate across the country. Our services include a state-of-the-art psychiatric urgent care center and a soon-to-be-built pediatric behavioral health center, outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization (day programs), assessment and testing, residential, addiction treatment and specialty services such as crisis response, employee assistance programs, forensic psychiatry and psychology, and neuromodulation. On-the-job educational programs for nurses, psychologists, advanced practice providers, psychiatrists, and chaplains are equipping the next generation of care providers.
We are passionate about serving and are honored to be a part of this incredible work.
What Will You Do?
As an Activity Therapist at Pine Rest, you'll be part of tight-knit team that believes in the healing power of your expertise and compassion. A member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, the Activity Therapist utilizes clinical skills associated with current training in area of expertise, the expressive arts therapies, recreation or occupational therapies and psycho-educational interventions, to plan, organize and implement educational programming. Assesses patients' capabilities, needs, interests, and goals and engages patients in group-based programming consistent with interdisciplinary team's goals. Our Activity Therapists are driven to make an impact in the lives of those we serve and are motivated by the healing they witness first-hand each day. They are dedicated to excellent customer service, enthusiastic about the care we offer, and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment in a diverse workplace.
Who Are We?
We at Pine Rest believe in the power of healing and that everyone in our community has the right to expert care for mental health and substance use disorders. We are much more than just the third largest non-profit behavioral health system in the country, our 220-acre main campus, and our network of clinical sites across Michigan. We are a tight-knit community of healers who witness the impact of our life-changing work each day.
Each day, we are closing the gaps in access to care. We are innovating through leading-edge research, testing, programs, and treatment modalities that others replicate across the country. Our services include a state-of-the-art psychiatric urgent care center and a soon-to-be-built pediatric behavioral health center, outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization (day programs), assessment and testing, residential, addiction treatment and specialty services such as crisis response, employee assistance programs, forensic psychiatry and psychology, and neuromodulation. Our on-the-job educational programs for nurses, psychologists, advanced practice providers, psychiatrists and chaplains are equipping the next generation of care providers.
We are passionate about serving and are honored to be a part of this incredible work.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Complete individualized patient assessment within the first 72 hours of admission; plan, implement, and facilitate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Informed (DBT-I) and psychoeducational programming; documentation on patient interactions; participation and communication surrounding interdisciplinary team treatment planning. Identify project and process improvement in coordination with unit and departmental goals.
What Does This Role Require?
• Bachelor's in Recreational Therapy.
• Registered as a therapist or certification as a CTRS.
• A minimum of three months of relevant psychiatric/medical/clinical experience necessary in order to gain entry-level abilities in planning and implementing therapeutic activities.
• Knowledge of current therapy principles in area of expertise, therapeutic expressive arts activities, recreation or occupational therapies, psycho-educational interventions and group counseling techniques at a level normally acquired through completion of degree in area of expertise with successful completion of clinical training at a university affiliated Hospital.
What Benefits Do We Offer?
  • Medical, dental, vision & life insurance plans
  • 403(b) retirement match contribution by Pine Rest
  • Generous PTO for full and part time employees
  • Tuition assistance & loan forgiveness
  • Employee Assistance Program offering many free and discounted services for therapy, legal, accounting, gym membership, etc.
  • Partnership with Davenport University provides generous discount on tuition for employees and family members.

Notice:
Pine Rest provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
All new employees are subject to a criminal background check and education verification which may include sending a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts.
Successful completion of a drug screen prior to employment is also part of our background process.
#IND789
The equivalent base pay range for this position is $20.75 - $31.13. Your interview and offer letter will specify whether the role is hourly or salaried. Please note that this range does not include potential shift differentials, incentives, or bonuses, which may be part of the total compensation package. Final base pay will be determined based on location, experience, education, certifications, and FTE status.

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