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

Psychiatric RN in Washington, DC

Washington, DC · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Full Time/Day Shift) Responsibilities Registered Nurse (RN), FT and ... Employee Assistant Program (EAP) * Life Insurance and Disability Insurances * Flexible Spending ...

New

Opportunity includes supervision of a psychiatric physician assistant, third- and fourth-year residents. Experience: Must be ABPN certified. Academic rank and salary are commensurate with experience.

Opportunity includes supervision of a psychiatric physician assistant, third- and fourth-year residents. Experience: Must be ABPN certified. Academic rank and salary are commensurate with experience.

Psychiatrist

Columbia, MD · On-site

$192K - $240K/yr

Providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management Participating in treatment team ... Medical Director and Assistant Medical Director Apply today and help shape the future of community ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Psychiatric Therapist (Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research)

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is seeking to hire a Casual Psychiatric Therapist to provide protocolized experimental psychological support to research participants on an individual basis in the context of an approved research protocol. Under supervision of Clinical Supervisor, Principal Investigator, and staff physician, the Psychiatric Therapist will also evaluate research participants to ensure that they meet study inclusion/exclusion criteria and provide administrative support and clinical supervision of lower-level staff. This is a casual position, averaging up to 12-15 hours a week as needed.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
  • Function as clinical facilitator (independently or as primary clinician in a two-person clinical team) to support study participants through clinical research protocols. When working in a two-person team, this may involve supervision of lower-level staff.
  • Provide individual or group counseling to study participants. This may include structured psychotherapy such as brief motivational interviewing, as well as less structured or supportive psychotherapy.
  • Administer clinical assessments including structured clinical interviews (e.g., SCID-5), and other clinician-rated psychometric assessments (GRID-HAMD, C-SSRS, etc.).
  • Monitor, guide, evaluate, and rate various activities of study participants throughout study visits.
  • Assess clinical condition of study participants during sessions and communicate information to CPCR medical staff as needed to address emergent medical and psychological issues.
  • Interact with faculty and staff on research teams, in clinical programs, and with educational outreach initiatives to strategize about their communication needs.
  • Demonstrate effective risk assessment and crisis management.
  • Refer participants to outside resources or agencies when appropriate.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain planning for caseload.
  • Practice acceptable ethical and behavioral standards of conduct, and promote and ensure good clinical practices, ensuring adherence to clinical and experimental research protocols.
  • Provide operational support, including scheduling subject visits, confirming availability of necessary facilities, preparation of session room and equipment, compiling necessary forms, providing professional explanations of such matters as orientation procedures, payment procedures, collecting and entering physiological and behavioral data into database, and/or assisting with data management.
  • Serve as back-up for research protocols (other than primary assignment) as needed.
  • Be available by phone the evenings after select study visits in case of urgent participant concerns.
  • Assist with community outreach and recruitment efforts.
  • Assist in developing, maintaining training and educational materials as needed.
  • Participate in peer, group or individual supervision with other clinical staff.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Ability to work and provide psychotherapy in a clinical setting with research participants who have a variety of mental health conditions.
  • Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to interact effectively within and outside the department.
  • Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse cultures.
  • Proficient in computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Enthusiasm and willingness to learn about the work of the department as well to acquire new technical skills as needed.
  • Excellent organizational skills to work effectively in an environment that requires balancing multiple assignments.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's Degree from a program accredited by the Council on Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field required.
  • Two (2) years of related experience.
  • Maryland State independent licensure as a professional counselor, social worker or psychologist.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications
Classified Title: Psychiatric Therapist
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MC
Starting Salary Range: $24.61 - $43.12 HRLY (58,500 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: Varies
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Johns Hopkins Bayview
Department name: PSYCHIATRY CPCR
Personnel area: School of Medicine

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876