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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Psychiatric Assistant information

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$12

$23

$35

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in Colorado is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $27.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychiatric assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Psychiatric Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of mental health care, basic patient care skills, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring relevant certifications or coursework. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), crisis intervention techniques, and safety protocols is typically required. Patience, strong observational abilities, and effective interpersonal communication help build rapport with patients and support clinical staff. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining a safe, supportive environment and delivering effective care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

What is a psychiatric assistant?

Psychiatric assistants are healthcare professionals who support nurses and doctors in caring for patients with mental health conditions. They assist with daily living activities, help maintain a safe environment, observe and report patient behavior, and may participate in therapeutic activities. Psychiatric assistants typically work in hospitals, mental health facilities, or residential treatment centers, playing a key role in supporting patients' emotional and physical well-being.

What does a psychiatric assistant do?

As a psychiatric assistant, your responsibilities involve supporting people with mental health issues at a mental health care facility. You provide basic medical care by monitoring vital signs and dispensing medications. Your duties include assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and eating. You aid in facility management by keeping patient rooms and common areas clean and safe. Finally, you work with the clinical staff to help patients learn coping and life skills through educational and recreational programs and provide transportation to and from group activities. Job qualifications include an interest in social work or psychology and a desire to help others.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Assistant vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectPsychiatric AssistantMental Health Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, mental health clinics, psychiatric unitsHospitals, residential facilities, community mental health centers
Job DutiesAssist patients with daily activities, monitor behavior, support treatment plansAssist with patient care, observe and report patient progress, support therapeutic activities

Both Psychiatric Assistants and Mental Health Technicians work in mental health settings, providing patient support and care. While their roles overlap in assisting with daily activities and monitoring patients, Psychiatric Assistants often focus more on basic care and support, whereas Mental Health Technicians may have additional responsibilities in observing and reporting patient progress. Both roles typically require similar credentials and are employed in similar environments.

How many years to be a psychiatric assistant?

Becoming a psychiatric assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring post-secondary education or certification in mental health or healthcare. Most employers do not specify a set number of years of experience but may require on-the-job training or relevant coursework; the role often involves supervised work under licensed professionals. Certification or training programs can range from a few months to a year, depending on the requirements of the employer and state regulations.

What are some common challenges psychiatric assistants face when working with patients, and how can they be addressed?

Psychiatric assistants often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, de-escalating tense situations, and maintaining personal boundaries while providing compassionate care. These challenges can be addressed through thorough training in crisis intervention, strong communication skills, and regular team debriefings to share strategies and support. Building rapport with patients and collaborating closely with nurses, therapists, and other mental health professionals also helps create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone involved.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,690 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Psychiatric Physician Assistant

Eating Recovery Center

Denver, CO • On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Eating Recovery Center rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

What You'll Be Doing:

Under the supervision of a credentialed physician the Psychiatric Physician Assistant is responsible for delivering psychiatric healthcare to patients. Operates with latitude and collaborates with other health professionals to provide high quality, cost effective psychiatric health care to patients, manage health care systems, and influence health care decision-making through expert clinical reasoning research and theory-based practice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Evaluates and monitors the psychiatric condition of patients in collaboration with physicians and other care providers. Adhering to established standards of care or applying appropriate protocols, makes decisions regarding treatment.
  • Determines and assesses the health status of new or existing patients by reviewing records, taking comprehensive psychiatric and medical histories, and performing patient examinations.
  • Analyzes present patient care and the responses to the present care and helps to develop the patient care plan and treatment.
  • Completes required documentation thoroughly and in a timely manner. Prepares and maintains complete and accurate charts, case files and records.
  • Orders appropriate medications within the limits of the appropriate statutory limitations.
  • Collaborates on care delivery by 1) including staff, physicians, other providers and management in both service and patient care improvements; 2) treating all teammates with respect; 3) demonstrating the highest levels of ethical and professional conduct; and 4) behaving in a manner consistent with company mission and values 5) establishing and maintaining contact with referring providers both within that outside of the system 6) establishing and maintaining contact with family members and patient's support persons when appropriate.
  • Advocates for patients including providing consistent and timely documentation regarding the patients need for level of care and participating in insurance peer reviews to optimize optimal length of stay for treatment.

Other Responsibilities and Expectations:

  • May be assigned to perform leadwork and/or involvement in clinical coordination, responsibility for special projects which may encompass protocol development, management planning, scheduling and other tasks as necessary to support practice environment in the different levels of care
  • Functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. Attends staff meetings to present and discuss clinical concerns. Utilizes the principles and practices of effective and persuasive communication to elicit information, contribute psychiatric expertise, problem resolution, and/or garner support for various programs or policies.
  • Achieves quality metrics by 1) focusing on clinically relevant outcome measures; 2) adapting company innovations to continuously improve patient care, program, and organizational efficiency.
  • Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
  • Promotes positive interpersonal relationships with fellow employees, physicians, patients and visitors. Treats these individuals with courtesy, dignity, empathy and respect; consistently displays courteous and respectful verbal and non-verbal communications.
  • Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, receiving current literature, and attending in-service meetings, staff meetings and workshops. Attends, participates in, and contributes to in-services, education, and staff training sessions to maintain/increase skills and teach others.
  • Ensures all duties, responsibilities and competencies are conducted in a manner that is effective and appropriate to patients to whom care, service and treatment is being provided.
  • Receives individual and group supervision from physician and non-physician leaders.
  • Evaluates own performance and recognizes opportunities for growth.
  • Provides community education and engages in marketing efforts when requested.

Education Requirements:

  • Graduate Degree - Master's degree with an advanced knowledge of nursing theory and practice
Licenses and Certifications: 
  • Current State Certified Physician's Assistant and Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's Assistant
  • Psychiatric experience working with Psychiatric population as a Psych tech or Floor Nursing (preferred)
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of community resources for appropriate procedures.
  • Skill in applying clinical psychiatric service practices.
  • Skill in utilizing the principles and practices of effective and persuasive communication to elicit information, negotiate problem resolution, and/or garner support for various programs or policies.
  • Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in selecting proper treatment.
  • Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
  • Ability to prepare accurate reports and documentation.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time. 

This position is a 1.0 FTE role with a standard Monday-Friday schedule and the on-call requirements listed below.

On-Call Expectations:

Please note: On-call responsibilities are an important part of this role and are outlined transparently below.

  • Participate in the medical staff weekend call rotation.
  • Cover assigned facilities from Friday evening through Monday morning.
  • Conduct in-person inpatient rounds on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
  • Provide coverage for all psychiatric calls from inpatient units during the call period.
  • Additional compensation: $2,000 per weekend on-call assignment.
  • With the current medical staff size, providers typically take call approximately once every 2-3 months.

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