ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Psychiatric Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPsychiatric JobsPsychiatric Assistant Jobs

Psychiatric Assistant information

See salary details

$11

$22

$34

How much do psychiatric assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric assistant in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.96 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 are psychiatric assistants?

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.

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.
More about Psychiatric Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Psychiatric Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Psychiatric jobs? The most popular types of Psychiatric jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Psychiatric Assistant jobs? The top employers for Psychiatric Assistant jobs are:
What states have the most Psychiatric Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Psychiatric Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Psychiatric Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Psychiatric Assistant jobs are:
Psychiatric Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 96% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,304 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Psychiatric Office Assistant Internship/Outpatient Clinic (Certification Program)/Lutz

Psychiatric Office Assistant Internship/Outpatient Clinic (Certification Program)/Lutz

Harmony United Psychiatric Care

Lutz, FL • On-site

Internship

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company: Harmony United Psychiatric Care
Job Title: Psychiatric Office Assistant Internship/Outpatient Clinic (Certification Program)
Program Duration: 3 to 6 months (600 hours total)
Schedule: Flexible, minimum 20 hrs/week with 10 hrs/day (Full office day)
Location: Lutz
About Us
Harmony United Psychiatric Care is part of Harmony United Healthcare LLC. We are a network of outpatient mental health clinics. We provide comprehensive, full-service outpatient mental health services in Florida through in-person and virtual visits through a secure online telehealth platform. Our services include Psychiatric/Psychological Evaluations, Medication Management, Psychotherapy & Counseling, and Neuropsychological Testing Services. Our team of mental health professionals includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists/neuropsychologists, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners, certified physician assistants, and licensed therapists. We care for adults, adolescents, and children aged five and above. Each patient is treated with compassion and respect at Harmony United Psychiatric Care. We strive to provide the best treatment possible through individualized care for patients' needs.
About the Program
The Psychiatric Office Assistant Internship Program is designed for individuals seeking to transition into healthcare careers or entry-level candidates without prior medical experience. This hands-on program offers foundational exposure to medical office operations, particularly within behavioral and mental health settings.
Participants will gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and mentorship, enhancing their resumes and employability in the healthcare field. After successfully completing the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion stating the hours served and skills learned, which can be included in your resume as an experience.
Voluntary, Unpaid Internship Program
This internship is a voluntary and unpaid position. Participants will not receive financial compensation or wages for their time during the internship. However, they will gain valuable, hands-on experience and training in a professional mental health care environment.
There are no fees charged by Harmony United Psychiatric Care for this internship program. All training and mentorship are provided at no cost to the intern.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Individuals aged 18 or above
  • Must be a High School graduate
  • No prior healthcare or office experience required
  • Able to commit a consistent schedule
  • Must pass a basic screening ( e.g. background check)
  • Motivated to gain healthcare experience for career development

Program Schedule
  • Week 1 - Orientation and HIPAA/confidentiality training
  • Week 2 to 4 - Front desk observation and shadowing
  • After week 4 - Supervised hands-on practice in Psychiatric Out-Patient office tasks

Key Responsibilities and Training Offered
Under the supervision, you will learn and perform:
  • Professional phone etiquette and patient scheduling
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR) basics using MEDENT
  • Patient check-in/check-out procedures
  • Managing patient flow and waiting area
  • Professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in healthcare
  • Appointment scheduling and front desk duties including faxing, copying and filing
  • Basics of psychiatric services offered
  • General medical terminology
  • Introduction to insurance billing and coding
  • HIPAA compliance and patient privacy
  • And other responsibilities pertinent to the operation of the clinic.

Supervision and Support
  • Assigned supervisor
  • Weekly feedback and progress check-ins
  • Real-time guidance and corrections
  • Structured training checklist to track learning milestones
  • Observation periods prior to independent work

Advantages
Upon successful completion, participants will receive
  • Certificate of completion detailing hours and skills acquired
  • Reference letter for employment or further education
  • Experience to include on professional resumes

Eligibility to complete the Program
To be eligible for completion of program and receiving Certificate of Completion, participants must successfully complete a minimum of 600 hours of internship with us. This ensures sufficient hands-on experience and mastery of the core skills outlined in the program.
Drug-free policy:
Harmony United Psychiatric Care enforces a comprehensive drug-free workplace policy to ensure the safety and security of our employees and visitors. We prohibit the use of illegal drugs and the unauthorized use of controlled substances on company premises or during work hours. To ensure compliance, we conduct pre-joining drug screening and random drug testing. Violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action, including termination of internship. By applying for an internship with us, candidates acknowledge their understanding of these terms and willingness to abide by our drug policy.

Apply