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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Psychiatrist - Irvine, CA

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$300K - $330K/yr

Our rapidly expanding, nationally recognized cancer institute is seeking to hire a full-time Psychiatrist at the Assistant, Associate or Professor level to join our clinical faculty at City of Hope ...

Psychiatrist - CHS

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$320K - $348K/yr

... assistant shall receive a licensure differential $1.60 for each hour such licensure is required ... Conducting psychiatric evaluations on inmates referred for examination and treatment

RN Psych Acute

San Bernardino, CA ยท On-site

$1.8K - $2.5K/wk

Responsibilities: * Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment & Care Planning: Complete timely ... Lead or assist with group therapy sessions and coping-skill activities, helping patients develop ...

Showing results 41-60

Psychiatric Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 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 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 requirements of the employer and state regulations.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,308 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Psychiatrist Part Time for Private Practice Medication Management

ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH PSYCHOLOGISTS

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$185/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Company parties
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible schedule
  • Wellness resources

Job Summary
Orange County Health Psychologists seeks an experienced Psychiatrist to join our thriving, highly-regarded group practice of 75+ licensed behavioral health clinicians. We offer individual, couples, and family psychotherapy, testing and assessment, EMDR, Virtual Reality Therapy, ketamine assisted psychotherapy, yoga and somatic therapies, and clinical health psychology specialties from 4 office locations to a relatively high-functioning patient base, providing approximately 60,000 patient visits per year. We seek a Psychiatrist who is dedicated to the highest standards of care, employs a patient-centric and holistic approach to medicine, and works well within an existing group practice infrastructure, to conduct psychiatric intake sessions for children, adults, and older adults, and to prescribe and manage medications. This position requires at least one day per week providing in person treatment from our Irvine office. Additional days in person or telehealth optional as schedule fills.
***** See our 5 star employee ratings on Indeed *****
Responsibilities and Duties: 
  • Perform initial consultations and general psychiatric evaluations; diagnose patient conditions and prepare treatment plans; conduct medication management and routine follow-up psychiatric services; and perform other specialized services, as needed. 
  • Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of patient information and treatment plan, including all medication information
  • Collaborate effectively with behavioral health group colleagues to optimize high quality care and treatment outcomes.   
  • Provide direct in-office patient services in our Irvine office location at least one day per week with an option for more days (in person or telehealth) as the schedule fills. 
  • Qualification and willingness to work with patients of all ages.
Optional Opportunities to Provide the Following Services Upon Interest:
  • Supervise Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants. 
  • Segue to development and leadership of a medical division; building a team of prescribing providers and expanded service offerings. 
  • Conduct initial brain mapping session for TMS services (training provided) 
  • Prescribe, administer and/or manage medication and oversee dosing of KAT
Qualifications and Skills
  • MD and current, unrestricted license to practice as a Psychiatrist in California
  • Board Certified 
  • Current, unrestricted DEA registration
  • 5+ years of clinical medical practice
  • Qualification and willingness to treat children, adults and older adults
  • Aptitude for supervision and mentoring other behavioral health providers
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with superior interpersonal and leadership skills 
  • Superb judgment, problem solving, and cognitive skills 
  • Commitment to best practices and integrated, collaborative health care  
This is a wonderful opportunity for a Psychiatrist who understands today’s relevance of collaborative, integrated care and practicing from a health and wellness model and not a disease model. Interested candidates, please submit a cover letter and CV addressed to Dr. Kristin Kleppe, Practice Owner, with a copy to Jennifer Koran, Director of Operations.

Flexible work from home options available.