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Psychiatric Emergency Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Health System Providers

$307K - $398K/yr

Psychiatric Emergency Department Medical Director Riverside Mental Health & Recovery Center - Hampton, Virginia This is a unique leadership opportunity to shape emergency behavioral health care ...

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Psychiatric Emergency Department information

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$34K

$111.4K

$225.5K

How much do psychiatric emergency department jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychiatric emergency department in the United States is $111,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become an ER psychiatrist?

To become an ER psychiatrist, you must complete a bachelor's degree, attend medical school to earn an MD or DO degree, and complete a residency in psychiatry. Additional training in emergency medicine or crisis intervention can be beneficial, and obtaining board certification in psychiatry is often required for practice in emergency settings.

Which emergency job pays the most?

In psychiatric emergency departments, senior roles such as Psychiatric Nurse Managers or Emergency Psychiatry Directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced certifications, leadership skills, and extensive experience in mental health care.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Emergency Department vs Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectPsychiatric Emergency DepartmentPsychiatric Nurse
CredentialsMedical degree, psychiatric training, emergency medicine experienceRegistered Nurse (RN) license, psychiatric nursing certification
Work EnvironmentHospital emergency rooms, crisis centers, urgent care settingsHospitals, mental health clinics, community health centers
Employer & IndustryHospitals, emergency services, mental health facilitiesHospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health agencies
Primary RoleAssess and stabilize psychiatric emergencies in acute settingsProvide nursing care, support, and medication management to psychiatric patients

The Psychiatric Emergency Department focuses on managing acute psychiatric crises in emergency settings, requiring medical and psychiatric expertise. Psychiatric Nurses provide ongoing nursing care, support, and medication management in various mental health environments. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, training, and work environment.

What do psychiatrists do in the ER?

Psychiatrists in the emergency department assess patients experiencing mental health crises, such as severe depression, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts. They evaluate symptoms, determine the need for hospitalization or outpatient treatment, and may prescribe medications or recommend therapy. Their role involves quick decision-making and collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and appropriate care.

What is the highest paid field of psychiatry?

In psychiatry, subspecialties such as forensic psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, and consultation-liaison psychiatry tend to have the highest salaries due to specialized skills and demand. Psychiatrists working in private practice or in high-demand urban areas often earn higher incomes, especially those with board certifications and extensive experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Psychiatric Emergency Department Nurse, and why are they important?

Thriving as a Psychiatric Emergency Department Nurse requires a solid background in psychiatric nursing, crisis intervention, and assessment skills, typically supported by an RN license and experience in mental health settings. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), de-escalation techniques, and specialized certifications like CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) are often necessary. Strong communication, emotional resilience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this environment. These competencies are vital for ensuring patient and staff safety, delivering timely interventions, and fostering therapeutic relationships during acute mental health crises.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a Psychiatric Emergency Department, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in a Psychiatric Emergency Department often encounter high-stress situations, unpredictable patient behaviors, and the need to make rapid decisions under pressure. Managing patients experiencing acute mental health crises requires strong de-escalation skills, resilience, and effective teamwork with nurses, social workers, and law enforcement. To prepare, candidates should seek training in crisis intervention, familiarize themselves with hospital protocols, and develop strong communication skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and support patients and families during critical moments.

What is a Psychiatric Emergency Department?

A Psychiatric Emergency Department is a specialized unit within a hospital or medical facility that provides immediate assessment, treatment, and stabilization for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. This can include severe depression, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or other urgent psychiatric issues that require rapid intervention. Staffed by mental health professionals, these departments work to ensure patient safety, offer support, and determine the best course of care, which may involve hospitalization or referral to outpatient services. Their primary goal is to address severe symptoms promptly and prevent harm to the patient or others.
More about Psychiatric Emergency Department jobs
What cities are hiring for Psychiatric Emergency Department jobs? Cities with the most Psychiatric Emergency Department job openings:
What job categories do people searching Psychiatric Emergency Department jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Psychiatric Emergency Department jobs are:
Psychiatric Emergency Department jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychiatric Emergency Department job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,406 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Psychiatric Emergency Department Medical Director for Riverside Mental Health & Recovery Center -...

Riverside Health System Providers

On-site

$307K - $398K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

As a provider with Riverside Health Medical Group, you would join a team of providers who are respected leaders and part of our collaborative care delivery team. Our providers care for our patients as if they are those they love. Our core values are built into our provider compact that outlines our dedication to our patients as our first priority. Our providers encourage patient involvement, embrace change, and take ownership in the success of the team and the organization. If that resonates with you, we would like to speak to you.

Hiring Range: $307,000.00 - $398,000.00

Actual pay depends on specialty, experience, and performance

Riverside Medical Group is seeking a full-time Psychiatric Emergency Department Medical Director to lead clinical operations at the state's only dedicated Psychiatric Emergency Department, located within Riverside Mental Health & Recovery Center.

Psychiatric Emergency Department Medical Director

Riverside Mental Health & Recovery Center - Hampton, Virginia

This is a unique leadership opportunity to shape emergency behavioral health care delivery across southeastern Virginia while working within a collaborative, patient-centered system.

About the Role

The Medical Director provides clinical leadership, quality oversight, and operational direction for the Psychiatric Emergency Department, while also maintaining clinical practice.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership for psychiatric emergency services
  • Oversee quality, safety, and clinical performance
  • Collaborate with Emergency Medicine and hospital leadership
  • Support provider recruitment, onboarding, and mentoring
  • Participate in direct patient care

About the Program

  • Located within a dedicated Psychiatric Emergency Department
  • Part of Riverside's integrated behavioral health system
  • Collaborative, multidisciplinary care teams
  • Access to inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services

Why Riverside

  • Mission-driven organization focused on compassionate care
  • Strong provider leadership culture
  • Collaborative, team-based environment
  • Opportunity to influence behavioral health strategy regionally

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (required)
  • Board-certified or board-eligible in Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine, or Family Medicine, (strongly preferred)
  • Experience in emergency psychiatry or acute behavioral health (preferred)
  • Prior leadership experience preferred
  • Active Virginia medical license (or ability to obtain)
  • DEA certification

Ideal Candidate

  • Passion for behavioral health leadership
  • Experience in high-acuity psychiatric settings
  • Strong collaborator and communicator
  • Committed to patient-centered care

🧩 Who We Are: Our Provider Compact

Our Mission: To care for others as we would care for those we love - to enhance their wellbeing and improve their health.

Our Guiding Principles: Patients First | Pursue Excellence | Stronger Together

Our Compact:

  • We are resolute in our commitment to safety and quality
  • We listen with empathy and communicate constructively
  • We collaborate with a spirit of collegiality and mutual respect
  • We are educators, mentors, and lifelong learners

🌊 Why Riverside?

At Riverside,we care for others as we care for those we love.Our culture is built on clinical excellence, joy in practice, and meaningful community impact. Riverside Health System is a trusted community partner, known for its commitment to excellence in healthcare. We offer a supportive work environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional growth.

🌐Learn More

Explore Riverside Medical Group and discover why we're the perfect place to grow your career:
🔗 Riverside Medical Group - Provider Recruitment -https://www.riversideonline.com/provider-recruitment/riverside-medical-group#

🌊Live Where Others Vacation:

Enjoy life incoastal Virginia, where charming communities, rich history, and scenic beauty meet. Whether it's waterfront living, cultural attractions, or top-rated schools-you'll find your perfect balance here.

Community Overview: https://riversidehealthsystem.box.com/s/ag9d6g1j52czvde9vd7zv8aw1ywkp9a3

What Brings people to Virginia

https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/virginia-usva.htm

Benefit Overview:

🎁Benefits That Go Beyond the Basics

Riverside Health System is known for exceptional care-not just for our patients, but for our team members too. We're committed to supporting your well-being withinnovative, holistic benefitsdesigned to keep you engaged, fulfilled, and thriving.

🌟Well-being & Support Programs

  • Safe Haven- A confidential resource for emotional support and guidance
  • VITAL WorkLife- A comprehensive support system to help address burnout, career fatigue, and mental health challenges
    • Behavioral health and counseling
    • Clinician Peer Coaching Program
    • Legal and financial consultations
    • VITAL WorkLife mobile app
    • Worklife Concierge services
    • 24/7 phone support
    • Peer coaching resources

Riverside providers become the leaders of tomorrow. An unshakable commitment to clinical excellence is central to our culture and is made evident in our systems and technology, our emphasis on joy in the workplace, our focus on philanthropy and all we do for the communities we serve. You'll be set up for success as you tap into decades of diverse expertise in evidence-based care and helpful employees

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