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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

UNMHSCHS

APRN PSYCH - PSYCHIATRIC

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

... nurses and physician assistant students * RESEARCH - Support research by conducting or ... Essential: 1 year psychiatric experience Nonessential: Bilingual English/Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa ...

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Psychiatric Assistant information

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How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $20.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $24.42 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.
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What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:

Psychiatric Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 76% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,554 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Mental Health/Psychiatric Physician Assistant

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Geneis Healthcare
See more jobs at Geneis Healthcareexternal

$120K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider

Sub-Acute, Long-Term Care is a sector of healthcare exploding with potential and work-life balance flexibility (no on call or weekends)!

We are seeking a full-time (40 hours per week) Psychiatric Advanced Practice Provider for a float position between our centers located in Albuquerque, NM. This position can be filled by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Prior APP experience in a psychiatric/mental health role is required. The base salary range is $120,000 - $130,000, in addition to our no-cap incentive compensation bonus program.

AlignMed Partners is a national medical group dedicated to improving health outcomes among residents of skilled nursing and senior living facilities. Our physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are supported by a clinical leadership team with a decades-long track record of excellence in post-acute and long-term care. At AlignMed, we believe in a better quality of life for all. Our mission is to elevate healthcare outcomes for our patients, providers, and partners. In living out our mission, we embrace the following pillars in our day-to-day operations.

The Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) reports directly to the Area Clinical Practice Manager and/or the Director of Clinical Practice. The Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) collaborates on-site with the Center Leadership Team for center-specific goals and priorities. The Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) collaborates with the Medical Director and/or Attending Physician for patient-specific medical care.

The Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) provides mental health primary and urgent care services to nursing center residents in collaboration with the other medical providers in the center. The Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) works collaboratively with Center Leadership to achieve the facility operator mission of improving patient care through the delivery of high quality health care and everyday compassion.

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive mental health care to patients. This position offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

  • Utilizes the scientific process and national standards of care as a framework for managing patient care.
  • Conduct psychiatric evaluations and assessments to determine the mental health needs of patients as well as ongoing medication management follow-up appointments.
  • Performing and giving psychotherapy for the treatment of conditions.
  • Development and implementation of the treatment plan in accordance and collaboration with the interdisciplinary care planning process.
  • Prescribe and manage appropriate medications for mental health conditions.
  • Monitor and evaluate patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
  • Completion of all necessary documentation regarding the health care of customers in accordance with established policies and procedures and relevant State and Federal regulatory requirements.
  • Educate patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and self-care strategies.
  • Consulting with a physician for areas outside the scope of practice.
  • Work with AlignMed leadership team, individual center, and area market leadership to improve quality measures related to psychiatric care.
  • Demonstrates continued professional competence.
  • Supports the development of nursing staff, in collaboration with the Center Nursing Executive.
  • Complies with and promotes adherence to applicable legal requirements, standards, policies and procedures including but not limited to those within the Compliance and Ethics Program, Standard/Code of Conduct, Federal False Claims Act and HIPAA.

Qualifications:

The Mental Health Advanced Practice Provider must be a graduate from an accredited School of Nursing program, licensed as a registered nurse, certified as a Nurse Practitioner by being a nursing graduate from an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program with a Master's Degree in Nursing, will have a concentration and specialty track of Adult/Geriatrics and/or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

The Physician Assistant must be a graduate from a program accredited by the ARC-PA and take the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to use the PAC designation. PA state licensure required. NCCPA certification required. Will hold active certification as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. Other concentrations/specialty tracks will be considered based on experience and business needs.

Benefits:

Comprehensive 90-day training program and continued support

New and recent graduate mentorship and clinical education program

Opportunities for advancement: career ladder, clinical lead, and specializations in wound or palliative care services

Free subscription to UpToDate and Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)

Access to Nabla, an ambient AI assistant designed to help clinicians streamline clinical documentation by generating comprehensive clinical notes in seconds

Yearly average of thirteen thousand per year in bonus through our no-cap Incentive Compensation Program (for providers working 40 hours per week)

Relocation bonus for eligible candidates. Eligibility will be determined by distance, experience, and priority

Health, Dental, and Vision plans

100% employer-paid ArmadaCare Plan: supplemental plan which provides reimbursement for many out-of-pocket medical, wellness, and pharmacy expenses, with an eight thousand max reimbursement for designated expenses and tiered pharmacy reimbursements for single and family plans

Paid Time Off, 6 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Bereavement Leave

Continuing Medical Education time off and reimbursement allotments

Reimbursement for licensing renewal costs and 100% paid for Malpractice Insurance

401(k) plan and company-paid group life insurance

Restrictions apply based on collective bargaining agreements, applicable state law and factors such as pay classification, job grade, location, and length of service

Posted Salary Range USD $120,000.00 - USD $130,000.00 /Yr.

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