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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Psychiatrist

Orange, CA · On-site

$541K/yr

... psychiatric care to diverse and underserved communities. You'll work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary outpatient setting alongside psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and ...

Psychiatrist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$541K/yr

... psychiatric care to diverse and underserved communities. You'll work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary outpatient setting alongside psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and ...

Psychiatrist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$541K/yr

... psychiatric care to diverse and underserved communities. You'll work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary outpatient setting alongside psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and ...

... psychiatric care to diverse and underserved communities. You'll work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary outpatient setting alongside psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and ...

Psychiatrist

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$541K/yr

... psychiatric care to diverse and underserved communities. You'll work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary outpatient setting alongside psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and ...

Psychiatrist - Part-Time

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$247.97 - $275.52/hr

Support organizational growth, provider retention, and clinical excellence initiatives * Assist in the development of psychiatric protocols, training materials, and clinical guidance when appropriate ...

Psychiatrist - Part-Time

Riverside, CA · On-site

$247.97 - $275.52/hr

Support organizational growth, provider retention, and clinical excellence initiatives * Assist in the development of psychiatric protocols, training materials, and clinical guidance when appropriate ...

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Psychiatric Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in Riverside, CA is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are psych pas in demand?

Psychiatric assistants are in demand due to the growing need for mental health services and the expansion of behavioral health programs. Employment opportunities are expected to increase as healthcare facilities seek support staff to assist with patient care and treatment under supervision.

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 psychiatric assistants?

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.

Do psychiatric aides wear scrubs?

Psychiatric aides typically wear scrubs or uniforms that are comfortable and easy to clean, suitable for a healthcare environment. Wearing scrubs helps maintain hygiene and allows staff to be easily identified by patients and colleagues. The specific attire may vary depending on the facility's dress code policies.

What is a psychiatric assistant?

A psychiatric assistant is a healthcare worker who supports mental health professionals by assisting with patient care, monitoring symptoms, and helping with daily activities in mental health facilities. They often work under supervision and may need basic training or certification in mental health support or patient care.

Do psych techs make more than CNAs?

Psychiatric technicians, or psych techs, generally earn higher wages than certified nursing assistants (CNAs) due to their specialized training and work in mental health settings. However, salaries can vary based on location, experience, and employer, with psych techs often requiring additional certifications or skills related to psychiatric care. Overall, psych techs tend to have higher pay than CNAs in most healthcare environments.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,308 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

$119K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner provides patient care for students of the Claremont Colleges Community. Works collaboratively with the psychiatrist, medical and counseling providers, and others to provide patient assessment and diagnosis, formulate treatment plans, prescribe medications, order laboratory tests, interpret test results, provide patient education, prepare medical records and refer patients for inpatientcare in accordance with statutes, regulations and protocols regulating the profession. These duties are performed within the framework of authorized policies and protocols providing mentalhealth care to students at The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS) - Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services.

This position reports to the Director of MCAPS and will work under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Student Health Services.

  • Priority Deadline: The deadline for first consideration is August 3, 2026.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Clinical Responsibilities (Direct Client Care)

  • See patients on an appointment basis, receiving referrals from, and consulting with MCAPS' clinicians

  • Assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic psychiatric disorders

  • Provides patient medication evaluation assessments, diagnosis, treatment plans, and follow-up medication check appointments in accordance with statutes, regulations, and protocols regulating the profession.

  • Oversees and monitors psychotropic medications prescribed to clients.

  • Makes appropriate referrals for concerns outside field of expertise and/or beyond the scope of MCAPS services and refers patients for inpatient or outside community care, as necessary.

  • Promptly complete thorough patient electronic records, which
    include visit notes, phone calls, messages, review of test results,
    and prescription management

  • Meet and consult with clinical supervisor as required by law

  • Provides psychiatric health services, education, counseling, and emotional support.

  • Provide patient education regarding medications, risks, benefits, and reasonable outcome expectations.

  • Communicates with patients and engages in follow-up as necessary.

  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

  • Consult with MCAPS staff regarding shared clients

Other Clinical Responsibilities

  • Consult with other MCAPS staff, professionals, students, administrators, parents, and college officials (with proper releases) regarding clinical issues/situations

  • Compose client initial Medication Evaluation Intake reports, Med-check/progress notes, and termination reports

  • Maintain accurate patient records while adhering to HIPPA/FERPA/the field's laws, regulations, and ethical codes/guidelines

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Attend weekly disposition meetings

  • Attend staff meetings

  • Attend supervision meetings with the primary medical supervisor

  • Participate in professional development opportunities and in-service training

  • Other duties/projects as assigned

  • Maintain credentials, licensure, and malpractice insurance

QUALIFICATIONS

Unless otherwise stated, the following qualifications are required to perform the essential functions of this position, or the individual must demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other qualifications not listed below.

Education

  • Three years of experience related to the above-described duties.

  • Masters of Science in Nursing, with a Psychiatric/Mental Health emphasis, from an accredited college or university.

  • California State License for RN and NP

  • Board Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California.

  • Current and active DEA License in the State of California

  • Active Furnishing License in the state of California

Preferred Education

  • Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner degree and license to work independently and without supervision

  • Two years of experience related to the above-described duties.

  • Experience working on a college campus with a college population preferred.

Certifications/Licenses:

  • Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner degree and license to work independently and without supervision, NP103.

  • Current California License

  • Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification. Ongoing training for recertification is provided.

Experience

  • Three years of experience related to the above-described duties.

  • Experience in providing clinical psychiatric diagnosis and prescribing psychotropic medications to clients as indicated

  • Experience in working clinically with college students or college-age clients and working with crisis situations including hospitalizations, suicidality, psychosis, Eating Disorders, academic management, working in a high-demand environment etc..

  • Experience in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for depression, anxiety, alcohol/drugs abuse, psychotic disorders, and developmental concerns frequently faced by college-age students.

  • Ability to work within a culturally diverse population while being aware of issues of difference, diversity, and social justice

Competencies

  • Knowledge of medical science, the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, treatment methods, and management of psychiatric conditions and medications

  • Demonstrated ability to manage the fluctuation of clinical caseload and maintain appropriate records in a timely manner.

  • Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive communications with employees and external agencies

  • Sensitivity to and embracement of individuals that represent cultural, religious, ethnic and lifestyle diversity.

  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work as a team member within the Center and throughout campus.

  • Understanding of and/or experiences in residential, liberal arts college environment

  • Ability to prepare comprehensive intake case histories

  • Ability to quickly assess emergency psychiatric situations and
    provide the necessary prompt course of action

  • Demonstrated skills in diagnostic clinical decision-making and
    critical thinking

  • Demonstrated ability to provide accurate psychiatric diagnosis
    and treatment

  • Possession of good customer service and public relations
    skills and the ability to effectively establish and maintain working
    relationships within a diverse multicultural population of students
    and staff in a university community

  • Compassion, sensitivity, and strong communication skills

  • A high degree of sensitivity and confidentiality to appropriately manage delicate and urgent patient situations

  • Ability to collaborate and form effective relationships with colleagues, physicians, staff, and patients

  • Ability to solve problems and manage changing priorities

  • Ability to work with an Electronic Health Records System for Client notes and scheduling

Physical Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to perform work that involves prolonged sitting and occasional standing and walking.

  • The role routinely requires working in indoor and occasional outdoor environments.

  • Employees must be able to communicate effectively in person and by phone or other devices, read and interpret printed or electronic materials, and constantly perform computer-based work requiring repetitive hand and wrist movement.

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Schedule: This is an exempt full-time, nine-month (mid-August through mid-May) position. The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Holiday, weekend, and evening work hours may be required. Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the organization or business unit. This department has an adjusted holiday schedule in which certain holidays are worked due to students being on campus.

COMPENSATION

Pay: The 9-month annual salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position, between $130,000-$140,000.

Benefits: This position is eligible for our employment benefits package including:

  • medical, dental, vision,

  • 10% retirement contributions after one year (no matching required),

  • group life insurance,

  • generous time off,

  • professional development funds,

  • discounts for mobile plans, software, and entertainment,

  • access to fitness facilities,

  • and more!

Disclaimer:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, The Claremont Colleges Services will review this job description and make changes of business necessity. TCCS reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional duties as needed.

ADA/OSHA:

This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The Claremont Colleges Services expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Equal Opportunity Employer:

TCCS is an equal opportunity employer. TCCS managers make employment decisions on the basis of merit, with the aim of having the best available person in every job. TCCS prohibits discrimination based on all characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation. TCCS also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.