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

Physician Assistant (PA-C)

Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Psychiatry Physician Assistant (PA-C) Experienced Behavioral Health Clinician Impireum Psychiatric Group Impireum Psychiatric Group is seeking an experienced, high-performing Physician Assistant (PA ...

Psychiatrist

Columbia, MD ยท On-site +1

$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 ...

Psychiatry Physician Assistant (PA-C) Experienced Behavioral Health Clinician Impireum Psychiatric Group Position Overview Impireum Psychiatric Group is seeking an experienced, high-performing ...

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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.

MD Psychiatrist

VINTAGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE CENTER

Beltsville, MD โ€ข On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • Careers Advancement Opportunities 
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Competitive Compensation
Job Summary
Vintage Behavioral Healthcare Center LLC is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Psychiatrist (MD or DO) to provide psychiatric leadership, medical oversight, and clinical guidance for our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and broader mental and behavioral healthcare services.
This is a physician-level clinical leadership position. The Psychiatrist will work collaboratively with organizational leadership, clinical supervisors, therapists, psychiatric providers, nursing staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team to promote safe, effective, medically appropriate, and coordinated behavioral healthcare.
The ideal candidate will have experience working within an outpatient behavioral health, psychiatric, PHP, IOP, or similar structured treatment environment and understand the clinical responsibilities associated with overseeing individuals with complex mental health and co-occurring behavioral health needs.

Required Psychiatric Credentials
Applicants must meet one of the following qualification pathways:

  • Current physician license and board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN); OR
  • Current physician license and documentation demonstrating successful completion of an accredited psychiatry residency program.
The successful candidate must maintain all professional licenses, credentials, registrations, and other qualifications required to perform assigned psychiatric and medical responsibilities.
Primary Responsibilities
PHP Clinical & Medical Oversight
  • Provide physician-level psychiatric and medical oversight for the organization's Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
  • Provide clinical leadership regarding the psychiatric needs of individuals admitted to and participating in PHP services.
  • Participate in the development and oversight of clinical standards, treatment protocols, and psychiatric practices within the PHP.
  • Provide consultation regarding complex psychiatric presentations, medication concerns, changes in clinical condition, and appropriateness of treatment.
  • Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team regarding treatment planning, patient progress, continued-stay needs, discharge planning, and transitions to other levels of care.
  • Assist the organization in maintaining appropriate clinical standards for individuals requiring intensive behavioral health treatment.
  • Provide guidance regarding escalation to emergency, inpatient, or other higher levels of psychiatric care when clinically indicated.
Behavioral Health Clinic Oversight
  • Provide psychiatric leadership and physician oversight for mental and behavioral healthcare services.
  • Collaborate with psychiatric providers, therapists, clinical supervisors, nurses, and other treatment professionals.
  • Support the development and maintenance of clinically appropriate policies, procedures, protocols, and standards of care.
  • Provide psychiatric consultation to the clinical team when complex cases require physician-level review.
  • Promote continuity and coordination of care across PHP, outpatient mental health, substance use, and other applicable behavioral health services.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary case consultations and clinical meetings as required.
  • Assist leadership with clinical quality improvement, patient safety, risk management, and regulatory readiness within the scope of the position.
Psychiatric Services
As assigned and consistent with the agreed scope of work, responsibilities may also include:
  • Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
  • Establish and review psychiatric diagnoses.
  • Evaluate psychiatric symptoms, behavioral concerns, medical history, medication history, and treatment response.
  • Develop and approve individualized psychiatric treatment recommendations.
  • Prescribe, manage, monitor, and adjust psychiatric medications when clinically appropriate.
  • Monitor effectiveness, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and patient response to medication.
  • Order or review laboratory testing and other clinically appropriate diagnostic information when indicated.
  • Provide psychiatric consultation for individuals experiencing significant changes in mental status or psychiatric stability.
  • Coordinate care with primary care providers, hospitals, pharmacies, specialists, and other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
Documentation & Quality Responsibilities
The Psychiatrist will:
  • Complete required clinical documentation accurately and within established organizational timeframes.
  • Maintain documentation consistent with professional standards, payer requirements, organizational policies, and applicable federal and Maryland requirements.
  • Review clinical records when physician-level review or oversight is required.
  • Support appropriate treatment planning, utilization review, continued-stay, and discharge processes within the PHP.
  • Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement activities relevant to psychiatric services.
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and other applicable privacy requirements.
  • Remain current on developments in psychiatry, psychopharmacology, behavioral healthcare, patient safety, and evidence-based treatment.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an accredited medical school.
  • Current, unrestricted physician license appropriate for the services being provided.
  • Must satisfy one of the following:
    • Board certification in psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN); or
    • Documentation of successful completion of a psychiatry residency program.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis, treatment planning, psychopharmacology, and behavioral healthcare.
  • Ability to provide effective physician-level consultation and clinical leadership within an interdisciplinary environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong clinical judgment, assessment, documentation, and decision-making abilities.
  • Ability to communicate complex psychiatric and medical information clearly to patients, families, and interdisciplinary treatment professionals.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience providing clinical or medical oversight.
  • Experience with outpatient mental health clinics, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), substance use disorder treatment, or integrated behavioral healthcare.
  • Experience treating individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
  • Experience supervising, consulting with, or providing clinical leadership to multidisciplinary behavioral healthcare teams.
  • Familiarity with Medicaid and other behavioral health payer documentation requirements.
  • Experience with utilization management, quality improvement, clinical compliance, and accreditation or regulatory standards.
  • Experience working with both adult and child/adolescent behavioral health populations is highly desirable.
What We Offer
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Part-Time/Contract Opportunities
  • Clinical Leadership Opportunity
  • Collaborative Interdisciplinary Environment
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Opportunity to help shape and strengthen a growing behavioral healthcare program
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a psychiatrist who is not only interested in seeing patients, but who can serve as a physician clinical leader for our behavioral healthcare services.
The ideal candidate understands structured behavioral health programming, interdisciplinary treatment, psychiatric risk management, medication management, documentation standards, and the importance of maintaining high-quality clinical services.
The Psychiatrist will play an important role in ensuring that our PHP and behavioral health services maintain strong psychiatric oversight while supporting the organization's commitment to safe, compassionate, evidence-based, and person-centered care.