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

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Washington, DC · On-site

$136K - $174K/yr

Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, including physical and mental health evaluations, to ... Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and staff to ensure comprehensive care * Assist in ...

Showing results 21-40

Psychiatric Assistant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$12

$23

$35

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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 Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Psychiatric 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 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% 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.

PA/Physician Assistant Psychiatric

Sheppard Pratt

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$99K - $134K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Sheppard Pratt rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

698th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Mosaic Community Services, part of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, is seeking Physician Assistant Psychiatric to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients (including prescribing and administering medications) in our Outpatient Clinics.
Full-time and Part-time hours available
Flexible outpatient hours
No On-Call Hours
Telemedicine Available (Work from Home)
Malpractice and CME Reimbursement
Locations in: • Baltimore City • Baltimore County (Catonsville, Randallstown, Rosedale, Timonium) • Bel Air • Westminster
Benefits: Paid Annual Leave (PAL), Short-Term Disability, Traditional Medical Plans, Prescription, Dental, 403(b) retirement plan with Employer Match, Life, Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts
Mosaic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
www.mosaicinc.org

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About Sheppard Pratt

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sheppard Pratt is the nation's largest private, nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, special education, developmental disability, and social services. We serve over 70,000 people every year and have over 160 programs in 16 counties throughout the State of Maryland. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals and families by compassionately serving their mental health, addiction, special education, and community support needs. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Sheppard Pratt as one of the top psychiatric hospitals in the nation for the past thirty years. ! Sheppard Pratt is committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and diverse environment for employees and patients, and recently earned the "LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer" designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Sheppard Pratt currently has 5,000 employees, and we are always looking to add compassionate and caring members to our team. If you are someone who is interested in behavioral health, psychology, education, nursing, or social work, Sheppard Pratt is the right fit for you."

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1853