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Prison Psychiatrist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patton State Hospital

Psychiatrist

Patton, CA · On-site

Client manages inpatient forensic mental health system, operating hospitals and three prison psychiatric programs. It provides evaluation and treatment for individuals committed through civil or ...

KurzSolutions

Psychiatrist

Avenal, CA · On-site

About the Facility - Avenal State Prison Avenal State Prison, located in Avenal, California, is a ... The Psychiatrist conducts crisis interventions, face-to-face interviews, and clinical evaluations ...

MCSP - Mule Creek State Prison

Psychiatrist

Avenal, CA · On-site

$11K/wk

Details Client Name ASP - Avenal State Prison Job Type Locum Offering Locums Profession Physician Specialty Psychiatrist Job ID 37471207 Job Title Psychiatrist Weekly Pay $11600.0 Shift Details Shift ...

KurzSolutions

Psychiatrist

Ione, CA · On-site

The prison offers various rehabilitation and educational programs aimed at reducing recidivism and ... The Psychiatrist conducts crisis interventions, face-to-face interviews, and clinical evaluations ...

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Prison Psychiatrist information

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$39.5K

$262.2K

$399.5K

How much do prison psychiatrist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison psychiatrist in the United States is $262,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $250,000.00 and $265,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prison psychiatrist do?

A prison psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions among inmates. They conduct psychiatric evaluations, prescribe medications, and provide therapy or counseling services to individuals in correctional facilities. Their work also includes crisis intervention, risk assessments, and collaborating with other prison staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of inmates. Prison psychiatrists play a vital role in rehabilitation by helping inmates manage mental health challenges and improve their overall functioning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prison psychiatrist?

To thrive as a Prison Psychiatrist, you need a medical degree, completion of a psychiatry residency, board certification, and a valid state medical license. Experience with electronic health records, risk assessment tools, and correctional mental health protocols is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to remain impartial under pressure help build trust and ensure effective treatment in challenging environments. These competencies are crucial for delivering ethical, effective mental healthcare to incarcerated populations while maintaining safety and professional boundaries.

What are some unique challenges faced by prison psychiatrists in managing inmate mental health?

Prison psychiatrists often encounter complex cases involving co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as well as the effects of trauma and prolonged incarceration. Security protocols and limited privacy can make building therapeutic relationships and conducting assessments more challenging than in other settings. Additionally, psychiatrists must frequently collaborate with correctional staff, social workers, and legal teams to ensure continuity of care and manage crises. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and a thorough understanding of forensic psychiatry are essential for navigating these unique challenges and providing effective care.

What is the difference between Prison Psychiatrist vs Forensic Psychiatrist?

AspectPrison PsychiatristForensic Psychiatrist
CredentialsMedical degree, Psychiatry license, possible forensic certificationMedical degree, Psychiatry license, forensic certification
Work EnvironmentCorrectional facilities, prisonsCourts, legal settings, correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryPrison systems, correctional institutionsLegal system, hospitals, correctional facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Prison Psychiatrists primarily work within correctional facilities providing mental health care to inmates. Forensic Psychiatrists, on the other hand, apply psychiatric expertise in legal contexts, often evaluating defendants or providing expert testimony. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and focus differ, with forensic psychiatrists often working in courts or legal settings alongside correctional facilities.

How do you become a prison psychiatrist?

To become a prison psychiatrist, you must first earn a medical degree and complete a residency in psychiatry. Licensing and board certification are required, and additional training or experience in forensic or correctional psychiatry can be beneficial for working in prison settings.
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What states have the most Prison Psychiatrist jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Prison Psychiatrist jobs look for?

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Prison Psychiatrist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Psychiatrist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $262,164 per year, or $126 per hour.

Staff Psychiatrist, CF - Ironwood State Prison (ISP)

California State Jobs

Blythe, CA • On-site

$295K - $367K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title

Ironwood State Prison Psychiatrist

Job Description and Duties

Effective July 1, 2025, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) was implemented in response to the status of the State budget. PLP 2025 requires each full-time employee in Bargaining Unit 16, and related Excluded, Exempt and Statutory Exempt employees, will have their base salary reduced by 4.62 percent and will receive 8 PLP 2025 leave credits monthly for at least 16 months. Salaries do not reflect the recent changes. Part-time employees are subject to the same conditions as full-time employees, on a prorated basis equivalent to their time-base. Permanent intermittent employees are subject to the same condition as full-time employees, based on the number of hours worked in the pay period. This is a limited term position which may be extended or become permanent. Ironwood State Prison is in Blythe, CA, which is on the border of Arizona and California. This Job Control is listed Until Filled. Applications will be reviewed on the following dates: 8/21/26, 9/4/26, 9/18/26, 10/2/26, 10/16/26, 10/30/26, 11/13/26, 11/27/26, 12/11/26.

  • This classification is subject to Section 5, Hiring-Above-Minimum (HAM) Authorization of the California State Civil Service Pay Scales. The authorized HAM rate for this classification is: P $30,259.00, Q $31,136.00.
  • Recruitment and Retention Bonus may be available for clinicians newly hired with California Correctional Health Care Services.
  • Effective July 1, 2023, employees in this class, employed within the California Correctional Health Care Services, who are physically located at and assigned to direct in-person patient care on grounds or at a facility, shall receive a pay differential equivalent to 15% of their monthly base pay.
  • Only employees who provide direct patient care, treating patients in-person, on grounds, or at a facility more than 50% of the pay period are eligible for this pay differential.

Please note:

Individuals may be eligible to receive a $10,000 one-time recruitment and retention stipend should they meet the eligibility criteria, including but not limited to remaining employed with CCHCS for six months. Additionally, individuals may be eligible to receive a monthly recruitment and retention differential during their first year with CCHCS (totaling $5,000), should they meet the eligibility criteria. IMPORTANT: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) employees may be eligible for a $5,000 referral bonus should you be selected for hire, and remain employed with CCHCS for 90 days. For a CDCR/CCHCS employee to be considered, a questionnaire must be completed to the best of your knowledge, including the referring employee's name, classification, PERNR, and work location. The questionnaire will be provided to the selected candidate during the pre-employment process.

Under general direction of the Senior Psychiatrist (Sup), the Psychiatrist in Mental Health Services is a member of an Interdisciplinary Treatment Team providing general population outpatient services to inmates. The Team includes other psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric social workers assigned to a Service Area. In general, the staff psychiatrist in case management performs psychiatric evaluations, participates in treatment planning and case reviews, prescribes medications, and provides crisis intervention and psychotherapy. The staff psychiatrist also provides consultations and training in treatment approaches to both clinical and custody staff of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team. Minimum Qualifications: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/9758.aspx.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

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