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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

... Psychiatric Technicians (LPT) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) to join our team. Apply today to ... Oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing ...

Overview Pacific Grove Hospital is a 68 bed psychiatric hospital serving our community since 1961. Come join our team as a PRN Activity Assistant! Starting hourly pay: $24 per hour - in accordance ...

Pacific Grove Hospital is a 68 bed psychiatric hospital serving our community since 1961. Come join our team as a PRN Activity Assistant! Starting hourly pay: $24 per hour - in accordance with ...

Overview Pacific Grove Hospital is a 68 bed psychiatric hospital serving our community since 1961. Come join our team as a PRN Activity Assistant! Starting hourly pay: $24 per hour - in accordance ...

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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 Jun 16, 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.
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:

Licensed Psychiatric Tech (LPT)

Pacific Grove

Riverside, CA • On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

Pacific Grove Hospital in Riverside, CA. is looking for dedicated and passionate Licensed Psychiatric Technicians (LPT) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) to join our team. Apply today to learn more!

AVAILABLE SHIFT

Full Time 

Day or Night shift (7:00 - 7:00)

3 x 12-hour shifts

BENEFITS:

  • Competitive pay rate
  • Flexible schedules
  • Advancement opportunities to further your career in nursing
  • Work Life balance is as important to us as it is to you, and we strive to find that perfect fit.
  • Great pay, flexibility, advancement opportunities and work life balance - what a great combination for both of us.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for roles at Pacific Grove Hospital varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience.As required by local law, Pacific Grove Hospital provides a reasonable salary range of compensation for roles that may be hired in California as set forth below.

LVN pay From $28 - $32 per hour!

PURPOSE STATEMENT: 

Responsible for providing personal care services under the direction of clinical or nursing leadership within the standards and scope of LPT/LVN, as defined within the state board regulations, policies, procedures and protocols, as well as facility and corporate policies and procedures. Demonstrates a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers at all times. Collaborate with others to ensure that patients' physical, biopsychosocial, age, developmental and cultural needs are met and when they are not met, acknowledges and works to resolve customer complaints. Recognizes that patient safety is a top priority.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Uses and practices basic assessment (data collection), participates in planning, executes interventions in accordance with the care plan or treatment plan, and contributes to evaluation of individualized interventions related to the care plan or treatment plan.
  • Provide for the safe delivery of medication in accordance with policies and procedures, physicians orders and/or current practice.
  • Contributes to the development and implementation of a teaching plan related to self-care for the patient/client.
  • Ensure the well-being of patients and provide a positive, supportive and structured environment, under direction of Charge Nurse or Supervisor.
  • Escalates change in patient condition to the RN or provider in order to meet the patient's needs.
  • Ensure patient safety is addressed through required rounds completed timely. Observation may be assigned every 15 minutes, within reach of patient and/or at more frequent intervals up to 1:1 patient care.
  • Obtain patient's vital signs, height and weight as assigned and ensure accurate documentation.
  • Identify self to patient and visitors promptly and respond to patient requests quickly.
  • Engage with patient in activities and interactions designed to encourage achievement of treatment goals.
  • Respond to distressed patients in a non-threatening manner and attempt to understand the source of distress.
  • Apply de-escalation techniques to help manage patient's emotions, behavior and participation in treatment and assist with seclusion and restraints when necessary.
  • As part of the multidisciplinary team provide safety and increase coping skills of patient and assist in developing strategies for helping patients to be as independent as possible.
  • Monitor behavioral improvements and reinforce these behaviors. Report changes and responses to treatment by communicating with team. Significant changes are reported to nurse immediately.
  • Reinforce skills patients learn from nurses, physicians and therapist that promote improved physical and mental wellness.
  • Lead or co-lead individual or group sessions as part of specific recreational or therapeutic procedures.
  • Participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs as well as teach strategies to promote patient wellness and independence, as needed.
  • Oversee or assist patients with activities of daily living, including toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming, oral hygiene, meals, snacks, hydration and changing bed linens, as needed.
  • Deliver care based on the priority of needs and available resources to the specific service population of the facility.
  • Help with admissions and discharges, as needed.
  • Provide guidance and direction to other staff members, including training of new staff, or otherwise assisting in day-to-day operations.
  • Perform day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining files and processing paperwork.
  • Provide transportation for patient or coordinate transportation with appropriate staff member, as needed.
  • Quality of work exhibited through accuracy, neatness, and timeliness of work completed.
  • Adherence to work schedule and overall attendance.
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Associate or bachelor's degree in human service field from an accredited college or university preferred.

One or more years' experience as a Licensed Psychiatric Technician, Licensed Vocational Nurse in a behavioral health environment, and/or Behavioral Health Associate, preferred.

One or more years' experience working with the specific population of the facility preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

Licensed Psychiatric Technician or Licensed Vocational Nurse by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).

First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME