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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Psychiatrist

Orange, CA ยท 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

Orange, CA ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$200 - $240/hr

Our interdisciplinary team includes Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Therapists, all committed to helping patients achieve meaningful and lasting improvement in their ...

New

Psychiatrist - Part-Time

Riverside, CA ยท 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

Santa Ana, CA ยท 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 (MD/DO) - Senior Care

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$218K - $265K/yr

... Assistants (MAs) and charting assistance, so you can focus on patient care * Administrative and documentation support via AllCare.ai platform * Opportunity to expand psychiatric care for seniors in ...

Psychiatrist (MD/DO) - Senior Care

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$218K - $265K/yr

... Assistants (MAs) and charting assistance, so you can focus on patient care * Administrative and documentation support via AllCare.ai platform * Opportunity to expand psychiatric care for seniors in ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,308 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Open Ranks Health Sciences Clinical Professor Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

American Psychiatric Association

Orange, CA โ€ข On-site

$180 - $230/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

The University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior invites applications for full-time faculty positions in the Health Sciences Clinical Professor Series at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level. Opportunities are available in both Adult/General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

Faculty responsibilities will include providing high-quality clinical care, participating in the teaching and supervision of medical students, residents, fellows, and other trainees, and engaging in scholarly and academic activities consistent with the Health Sciences Clinical Professor series. Clinical assignments may include outpatient, inpatient, consultation-liaison, and community-based settings, depending on departmental needs and the candidate's expertise.

The successful candidate will possess an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, MS, or DO degree and be eligible to sit for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Candidates must be eligible for California medical licensure and appointment to the UCI Health Medical Staff. Availability for holiday and weekend clinical coverage is required. Preferred qualifications include board certification, demonstrated interest in teaching and academic medicine, and a record of scholarly activity.

The position available is dependent on clinical revenues and contract funding. Salaries are based on University of California salary scales, which are dependent on academic rank and step, and commensurate with experience. Based on clinical productivity there is opportunity to earn additional salary.

Candidates must possess an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, MS, or DO degree and must be eligible to sit for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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