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

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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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What job categories do people searching Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Psychiatric Assistant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs?

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

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.

Certified Nursing Assistant CNA Psychiatric/Behavioral Health

Home Care Evolution

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.

  • Monitor and document vital signs, behaviors, and patient observations, and report changes to the nursing team.

  • Support patients during meals, recreational activities, and therapeutic programs, and assist with admissions, transfers, and discharges.


Job description

Benefits:
  • Sick Leave
  • Retirement Plan
  • Referral program
  • Holiday Pay
  • Health Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Training & development

Position Summary
We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and experienced Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to join our team in a psychiatric hospital setting. The ideal candidate will provide direct patient care and support to individuals receiving behavioral health and psychiatric treatment while maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment.
Available Locations
  • Jessup
  • Catonsville
  • Sykesville
  • Rockville
  • Baltimore

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
  • Monitor and document vital signs, behaviors, and patient observations.
  • Provide one-to-one patient monitoring as assigned.
  • Support patients during meals, recreational activities, and therapeutic programs.
  • Assist nursing staff with admissions, transfers, and discharges.
  • Maintain a safe and clean patient environment.
  • Observe and report changes in patient condition, mood, or behavior to the nursing team.
  • Assist with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques as directed by clinical staff.
  • Encourage patient participation in treatment plans and daily activities.
  • Accurately document patient care in accordance with facility policies.
  • Follow infection control, safety, and confidentiality procedures at all times.

Qualifications & Requirements
  • Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in good standing with the Maryland Board of Nursing.
  • Valid Maryland Driver's License and reliable transportation.
  • Current CPR certification.
  • Current immunization records.
  • Current health physical examination.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in a healthcare facility, hospital, rehabilitation center, long-term care facility, or behavioral health setting.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges.
  • Ability to pass required background screenings

Apply Today!
If you are a caring and dedicated CNA looking to make a difference in the lives of individuals receiving psychiatric and behavioral health services, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help provide quality, compassionate care to those who need it most.
Compensation: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Professional caregivers go by many names: homemakers, home care aides, home health aides, certified nursing assistants, personal care assistants, direct care workers. No matter the name, what they all have in common is a calling to care for people in the comfort of their own homes.
This agency is independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the agency, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this agency. All inquiries about employment at this agency should be made directly to the agency location, and not to Home Care Evolution Corporate.