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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

MI · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Full Time Ionia, MI, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 13233 Join the VitalCore Team in Michigan! We're people fueled by passion, not by profit!

Seeking a resilient and trustworthy individual for our local assistance role near 49456. This position plays a crucial part in providing support and aid to the community. The ideal candidate should ...

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Psychiatric Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in Michigan is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 or requiring 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 specific requirements of the employer or state regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,358 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Discharge Planning Assistant - Psychiatric Access (ED)

Trinity Health

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Trinity Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 354 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Employment Type:
Part timeShift:
Day Shift
Description:
• Collaborate with the clinical team to refer patients to appropriate inpatient psychiatric treatment facilities based on age, diagnosis, and location.
• Obtain prior authorizations for patients admitted to Trinity Health sites.
• Prepare and send complete clinical packets to community partners to ensure efficient patient placement.
• Coordinate with Emergency Department or Medical Unit providers to gather updates necessary for successful transfers.
• Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology and maintain awareness of varying levels of mental health care across counties served by Trinity Health Southeast Michigan sites.
Facilitates patient transfers and transportation to appropriate care settings (e.g., inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization programs) based on referrals from clinical staff. Supports multiple sites to enhance Emergency Department and Medical Unit throughput, ensuring patients reach the appropriate level of care promptly to initiate treatment effectively. Coordinates referrals and transfers efficiently and cost-effectively while delivering quality, age-appropriate, culturally sensitive care and demonstrating required unit competencies.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

What Trinity Health employees say

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About Trinity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Trinity Health Ann Arbor is a 537 -bed teaching hospital located on 340 acre campus. Recognized by IBM Watson as a Top 100 Hospital and #1 Teaching Hospital, Trinity Health Ann Arbor has been a leading health care provider for more than 100 years. Trinity Health has received numerous local and national awards in recognition of our leadership, quality outcomes, and clinical excellence.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Livonia, MI, US