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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

N Street Village

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Washington, DC · On-site

$136K - $174K/yr

Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, including physical and mental health evaluations, to ... Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and staff to ensure comprehensive care * Assist in ...

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Psychiatric Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in Reston, VA is $23.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $27.02 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.
More about Psychiatric Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Reston, VA? For Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:
Psychiatric Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,173 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Psychiatric Technician, Nights, Psychiatry/Addictions Medicine

Howard University Hospital

Washington, DC • On-site

$19 - $30.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Howard University Hospital rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

255th of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

Description
With over 150 years of caring for our community and each other in the Washington DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, patient-centric care. Howard University Hospital is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University and has created a superior learning environment, with groundbreaking research and positive patient outcomes.
Howard University Hospital seeks to hire a Psychiatric Technician who will embrace our reach and historic tradition of excellence. If you want to make a difference in someone's life every day, consider a position with a team of professionals who are doing just that, making a difference.
This is a Full-Time Night Shift position with an every other weekend requirement. 7:30pm-8a.
Pay Range: $19.00-$30.40 (actual offer rates are based upon the applicant's relevant experience pertaining to the position)
The Psychiatric Technician:
  • Provides for cleanliness, grooming, rest, nourishment and elimination as needed. Encourages independent behavior when appropriate
  • Reports observations and pertinent information concerning patients to the Registered Nurse
  • Assists in maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment that respects patients' rights
  • Monitors patients for special risks (falls, elopement, suicide attempt) and reports observations to responsible nurse. Inspects unit for contraband
  • Participates in and may conduct therapeutic milieu activities for assigned patients under the supervision of the Registered Nurse
  • Motivates patients to participate in scheduled daily activities, i.e., community meetings, groups, etc. Assists with activities therapy program under the supervision of the adjunctive therapists
  • Attends individual treatment planning for assigned patients when requested
  • Assists with admission, transfer and discharge procedures. Accompanies patients for scheduled off-unit and off-site activities, field trips, diagnostic tests, etc.
  • Observes patient behavior and when necessary, notifies appropriate staff. Observes when the patient's behavior may be physically harmful to self or others
  • Intervenes with critical patients such as during escalation, suicidal behavior and elopement. Monitors patients on close observation and/or suicide precautions

Qualified candidates will possess:
  • Graduation from high school
  • Minimum two years of college with academic work in psychology or related field
  • Graduation from an approved psychiatric or nursing technician training program
  • One or more years' experience working as a Clinical Associate, Nursing Assistant, Mental Health Technician, or Psychiatric Technician
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support Card Certification required

At Howard University Hospital our job is to care for you. We do this by offering:
Work life balance
Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans offered (including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403B retirement plan)
Compliance Statements
Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org.
Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.
Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

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