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Psychiatric Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Syra Health

Psychiatric Registered Nurse

Washington, DC · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans. * Assist in the management of psychiatric emergencies and crisis situations. * Conduct patient education on ...

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Psychiatric Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in Silver Spring, MD is $23.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $26.83 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.
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What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:

Psychiatric Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,868 per year, or $23 per hour.

Care Management Assistant -Psych

LifeBridge Health, Inc.

Randallstown, MD • On-site

$17 - $24.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

LifeBridge Health rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

670th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Summary:
The Psychiatric Care Management Assistant (PCMA) is an integral part of the social work team in the inpatient behavioral health units at Northwest. They function as the liaison between the hospital and the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), and the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), ensuring that the dockets are updated each week and that family members are prepared to testify at the hearings when necessary. The Psychiatric Care Management Assistant is responsible for facilitating the hearings each week and represents Northwest Hospital during the hearing and while communicating with the OPD, and OAH to keep Northwest compliant with the legal requirements and COMAR regulations for involuntarily admitted patients. The PCMA also gives the opening and/or closing statement in the hearings. Assesses the patient insurance/financial status to facilitate and assist with appropriate discharge planning. Maintains log of post hospital care referrals, provider, contacts, and other related information. Serves as communication liaison between attending psychiatrists, social workers, and external reviewers. Also, serves as the administrative support staff in maintaining departmental statistical data, tracking and maintaining departmental system reports and performing general clerical and receptionist duties. Works in partnership with other staff members and providers and proactively identifies and provides for the customer's needs.

Experience:
Essential:
1-3 years related experience

Pay Range: $17.00 to $24.75 Based On Experience

Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire, plus wellness programs and mental health support

403(b) retirement plan with employer match, pension, and life and disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement toward advanced degrees and specialty certifications

Generous paid time off, fitness discounts, and free on-site parking

About Northwest Hospital

Northwest Hospital is a full-service community hospital in Baltimore County serving Randallstown, Pikesville, Owings Mills, and beyond. As part of LifeBridge Health - one of the region's most comprehensive healthcare systems - Northwest delivers compassionate, high-quality care close to home, with a mission to improve the health of the communities we serve, and to take care of the people who take care of patients.

About LifeBridge Health

LifeBridge Health is a dynamic, purpose-driven health system redefining care delivery across the mid-Atlantic and beyond, anchored by our mission to "improve the health of people in the communities we serve." Join us to advance health access, elevate patient experiences, and contribute to a system that values bold ideas and community-centered care.

With over 14,000 employees, 130 care locations, and two million annual patient encounters, we combine strategic growth, innovation, and deep community commitment to deliver exceptional care anchored by five leading centers in Maryland.

Our organization thrives on a culture of CARE BRAVELY-where compassion, courage, and urgency drive every decision, empowering teams to shape the future of healthcare.

LifeBridge Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. LifeBridge Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

What LifeBridge Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About LifeBridge Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

LifeBridge Health is a $2B, 13,000 team member healthcare system that Cares Bravely for over 1 million patients annually throughout Maryland. We are comprised of 5 main healthcare centers: Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, and Grace Medical Center as well as several specialty and primary care locations throughout Baltimore.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1988

Social media

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