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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Wyndy LLC

Local assistance near

Yucaipa, CA

Seeking a resilient and trustworthy individual for our local assistance role near 92399. This position plays a crucial part in providing support and aid to the community. The ideal candidate should ...

Wyndy LLC

Local assistance near

Pomona, CA

Seeking a resilient and trustworthy individual for our local assistance role near 91774. This position plays a crucial part in providing support and aid to the community. The ideal candidate should ...

Wyndy LLC

Local assistance near

Loma Linda, CA

Seeking a resilient and trustworthy individual for our local assistance role near 92353. This position plays a crucial part in providing support and aid to the community. The ideal candidate should ...

Wyndy LLC

Local assistance near

San Bernardino, CA

Seeking a resilient and trustworthy individual for our local assistance role near 92423. This position plays a crucial part in providing support and aid to the community. The ideal candidate should ...

Care Partners

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 ...

Care Partners Medicine

Psychiatrist

Orange, CA

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

Care Partners

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 ...

CarePartners Living LLC

Psychiatrist

Orange, CA

$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 ...

Care Partners

Psychiatrist

Orange, CA

$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 ...

Care Partners

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 ...

CarePartners Living LLC

Psychiatrist

Santa Ana, CA

$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 ...

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All JobsPsychiatric Assistant JobsPsychiatric Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

Psychiatric Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 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.

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.

Can I be a BHT without a degree?

Becoming a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, but some employers may accept relevant experience or certification instead of a degree. Certification programs are available and can enhance job prospects, though specific requirements vary by state and employer.

How much do psychiatric aides get paid?

Psychiatric aides typically earn a median hourly wage of around $14 to $16, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $33,000. Pay can vary based on location, experience, and work setting, such as hospitals or mental health facilities.

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.

Can I work in psych as a CNA?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can work in psychiatric settings, providing basic patient care under supervision. However, some psychiatric facilities may require additional training or certifications specific to mental health care, and CNAs often work alongside psychiatric professionals such as psychiatrists and nurses. Licensing requirements vary by state or region, so it is important to verify local regulations for psychiatric employment as a CNA.

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. Psych techs often require additional certifications and handle more complex patient care tasks, which can contribute to higher pay. However, salaries vary by location, employer, and experience.

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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Psychiatric Assistant 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:
Psychiatric Assistant jobs near you
Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT)

Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT)

AvaMed Workforce

Corona, CA

$42/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

AvaMed Workforce is a Healthcare Staffing Agency that staffs all of California State Correctional Facilities. At the moment we are in URGENT need of a Licensed Psychiatric Technician to take on a Full-Time assignment at the correctional facility located in Corona, CA.
Position Details:
40 Hours per week
Location: Corona, CA
Schedule: Friday- Tuesday 2:00pm-10:30pm 
(2 week Orientation)
Rate: $42/hr ($1,680/week)
Must have a valid license California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician.
Must have 1 full-year of experience as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician.
Under the direction of the Institution's designee, the Temporary Relief Psychiatric Technician shall provide services as permitted within the scope of practice for Psychiatric Technician in accordance with Institution/Facility policies and procedures. The duties of the Temporary/Relief Psychiatric Technician shall include, but are not limited to the following requirements:
a. Give a basic level of general behavioral and psychiatric nursing care to mentally or
developmentally disabled patient/youth;
b. Conduct daily clinical rounds and monitoring of patient /youth with signs and symptoms of mental illness;
c. Under general supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Medical Doctor (MD), perform psychiatric nursing procedures, such as administer medications and treatments, including hypodermic injections, take and chart temperature, pulse, blood pressure and respiration, and all other basic general nursing procedures within the scope of licensure;
d. Work with other disciplines as part of Treatment Team in the development of treatment plans and objectives from assessments in providing an overall treatment program for patient/youth;
e. Assist in the development of group and individual therapy regimens. Act as a provider of group therapy to patient/youth;
f. Provide liaison activities with custody personnel in management of mentally or
developmentally disabled patient/youth;
g. Observe patients'/youths' physical condition and behavior, and report significant changes;
h. Prepare and coordinate clinical appointment dates and times, and assist in having patient/youth present at their clinical appointments;
i. Assist in first responder duties, such as giving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid as needed;
j. Follow completely and accurately all documentation procedures as required.
k. Help to create a safe, secure and therapeutic environment for patient/youth.
If you are interested, please submit a copy of your resume and we will reach out to you ASAP.