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Prison Psychology Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

AvaMed Workforce

Psychologist (PSYL

Riverside, CA · On-site

$158/hr

... Psychology 1. Consults on complex cases with supervisor, treatment team members, and with ... Provides written reports and consults with the Board of Prison Hearings and other staff; 16 ...

HealthRIGHT 360

Clinical Specialist, ECM

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related ... Previous Clinical experience working with individuals recently released from jail or prison or ...

UC Irvine

BLANK AST 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

Faculty in the three highly-ranked departments (Criminology, Law and Society, Psychology, and Urban ... prison overcrowding, from gang violence to healthy child development, from health risks to ...

University of California, Irvine

BLANK AST 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25.45/hr

Faculty in the three highly-ranked departments (Criminology, Law and Society, Psychology, and Urban ... prison overcrowding, from gang violence to healthy child development, from health risks to ...

University Of California Irvine

BLANK AST 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$25.45 - $29.52/hr

Faculty in the three highly-ranked departments (Criminology, Law and Society, Psychology, and Urban ... prison overcrowding, from gang violence to healthy child development, from health risks to ...

All JobsPrison Psychology JobsPrison Psychology Jobs in Riverside, CA

Prison Psychology information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$29

$61

How much do prison psychology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison psychology in Riverside, CA is $29.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $37.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is prison psychology?

A prison psychology job involves assessing and treating the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals. Prison psychologists provide therapy, conduct psychological evaluations, and help inmates manage issues like trauma, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders. They also assist with rehabilitation programs, crisis intervention, and risk assessments to ensure inmates receive appropriate care. Additionally, they may work with prison staff to improve the overall mental health environment within correctional facilities.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by psychologists working in prison settings?

Psychologists in prison environments often encounter challenges such as managing complex cases with limited resources, maintaining safety and security protocols, and addressing a wide range of mental health conditions among inmates. They work with individuals exhibiting trauma, addiction, and sometimes resistance to treatment, requiring both clinical skill and adaptability. Additionally, prison psychologists must work closely with correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel to coordinate care while operating under strict confidentiality and ethical guidelines. This role requires balancing therapeutic goals with institutional policies, making strong communication and stress-management abilities invaluable. While the environment can be demanding, it also provides opportunities for meaningful impact and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in prison psychology, and why are they important?

To thrive in Prison Psychology, you need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, licensure as a psychologist, and experience in clinical assessment and intervention, especially in correctional settings. Familiarity with risk assessment tools, mental health diagnostics, and secure facility documentation systems like electronic health records (EHR) used in corrections is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to set professional boundaries are crucial for success. These competencies are essential to effectively support inmate mental health, reduce recidivism, and ensure safety within challenging correctional environments.

Can you work in a prison with a prison psychology degree?

Prison psychologists, who hold a degree in prison psychology or a related mental health field, can work in correctional facilities providing mental health assessments, therapy, and crisis intervention. Licensing or certification as a psychologist is typically required, along with relevant experience and knowledge of the correctional environment.

How much do prison psychologists make?

Prison psychologists typically earn between $60,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Salaries can vary based on the facility, certifications, and whether they work in federal or state prisons, with some earning higher with advanced degrees or specialized skills.

How to become a prison psychologist?

To become a prison psychologist, you typically need a master's or doctoral degree in psychology, along with state licensure or certification. Relevant experience in mental health and knowledge of correctional environments are also important for working in prisons.

What are popular job titles related to Prison Psychology jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Prison Psychology jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Prison Psychology jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Prison Psychology jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Prison Psychology jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Prison Psychology job openings:

Prison Psychology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Psychology job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,359 per year, or $30 per hour.

Psychologist (PSYL

AvaMed Workforce

Riverside, CA • On-site

$158/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

AvaMed Workforce is a Healthcare Staffing Agency that staffs all of California State Correctional Facilities. At the moment we are in URGENT need of a Psychologist to take on a Full-Time assignment at the correctional facility located in Stockton, CA.
Position Details: 
40 Hours per week
Location: Stockton, CA
Schedule: Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday 7:00am -5:00pm 
(1 week Orientation)
Rate: $158/hr ($6,320/week)
Status: Independent Contractor (1099)
Must have a Psychologist license by the California State Board of Psychology
Job Description:
1. Consults on complex cases with supervisor, treatment team members, and with institutional health care personnel, and other divisions within the department;
2. Documents all care provided to the inmate, including face-to-face contacts and Interdisciplinary Treatment Team (IOTTs) meetings;
3. Monitors inmate progress using Mental Health approved documentation formatting for progress notes;
4. Effectively applies community standard of practices for non-medical treatment modalities and ethical standards;
5. Performs mental status exam (MSE) in face-to-face clinical interviews.
6. Examines prior mental health records, institutional chromos, probation reports, court records and other available documents to assist in the formulation of patient’s diagnosis and aid in the development of the inmate’s treatment plans;
7. Conducts mental health education and develops additional resources for mentally ill and sex offender patient-inmates/youths;
8. Assists patient-inmates/youths in applying for entitlement benefits (SSI), community programs, and services;
9. Facilitates patient-inmates/youths transition between various settings within the institution;
10. Performs pre-release functions for releasing patient-inmates/youths, to include patient education, while facilitating transition to county mental health and community mental health treatment programs.
11. Performs medical social functions as needed, particularly in CTC setting;
12. Participates in IDTT meetings;
13. Compiles and analyzes data from audits pertaining to the mental health program requirements;
14. Provides information (i.e. appointment documentation, no-shows, etc.) to support staff for data entry;
15. Provides written reports and consults with the Board of Prison Hearings and other staff;
16 Provides relatives/caregivers with information concerning patients in person, by phone, or by correspondence as approved by the supervisor and only after receiving the patient-inmate/wards’ signed release of information for that specific individual;
17. Develops a therapeutic relationship with the patient-inmates, families and caretakers, as assigned by the supervisor, to enhance effective treatment delivery;
18. Represents the Department at formal and informal settings regarding mental health matters related to clinical social work;
19. Protects and maintains safety and security of property; including documentation of unusual occurrences and inventory control of psychological testing material, reference material, computers, and other equipment.
20. Maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the correctional facility to prevent escapes or injury by these persons to themselves or others;
If you are interested, please submit a copy of your resume and we will reach out to you ASAP.