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Psychiatric Tech Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Psychiatric Tech

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$17.39 - $24.35/hr

R161136 Psychiatric Tech (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare: Sign on Bonus Eligible: $5,000 per applicable guidelines (external hires only) The Psychiatric Technician assists with ensuring ...

Psychiatrist - Inpatient

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$260 - $320/hr

Psychiatrist - Inpatient Carilion Clinic & Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Roanoke, Virginia J1 Visa Sponsorship Available If you're looking for more than just a job, if you want a role ...

$307K - $398K/yr

Psychiatric Emergency Department Medical Director Riverside Mental Health & Recovery Center ... technology, our emphasis on joy in the workplace, our focus on philanthropy and all we do for the ...

Emergency Psychiatrist

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Opportunities through the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Your Role * Conduct psychiatric evaluations and risk assessments in the emergency department * Provide crisis intervention and ...

Emergency Psychiatrist

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$200 - $240/hr

Opportunities through the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Your Role * Conduct psychiatric evaluations and risk assessments in the emergency department * Provide crisis intervention and ...

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Psychiatric Tech information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$24

$42

How much do psychiatric tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for psychiatric tech in Virginia is $24.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a psychiatric tech?

Psychiatric techs, or psychiatric technicians, are healthcare professionals who assist in the care and treatment of individuals with mental health or developmental disorders. They work under the supervision of psychiatrists, psychologists, or registered nurses in settings like hospitals, mental health facilities, and residential care centers. Their responsibilities include monitoring patient behavior, assisting with daily living activities, administering medications, and supporting therapeutic activities. Psychiatric techs play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, as well as helping them work toward recovery and improved quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychiatric tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Psychiatric Tech, you need knowledge of mental health disorders, basic healthcare procedures, and usually a certificate or associate degree in psychiatric or mental health technology. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, de-escalation techniques, and documentation tools is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal skills help in building trust and effectively supporting patients in challenging situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining patient safety, delivering quality care, and fostering a therapeutic environment.

What are some common challenges psychiatric technicians face when working with patients, and how can they be addressed?

Psychiatric Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable patient behaviors, handling emotional stress, and maintaining clear boundaries. Addressing these issues typically involves consistent use of de-escalation techniques, strong communication skills, and teamwork with mental health professionals. Regular training, support from supervisors, and self-care practices also help Psychiatric Technicians maintain their well-being and effectiveness on the job.

What is the difference between Psychiatric Tech vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectPsychiatric TechMental Health Technician
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes state-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, mental health clinicsHospitals, community mental health centers, residential facilities
Job DutiesAssist with patient care, monitor behavior, support treatment plansAssist with patient activities, observe and report patient progress, support therapy sessions

Both Psychiatric Techs and Mental Health Technicians work in mental health settings, providing patient support and monitoring. While their roles are similar, Psychiatric Techs often focus more on direct patient care in psychiatric hospitals, whereas Mental Health Technicians may work in broader community settings. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in mental health treatment teams.

How do I get certified as a psychiatric tech?

To become a certified psychiatric tech, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a state-approved training program, and pass a certification exam such as the Certified Psychiatric Technician (CPT) exam offered by the National Board for Certification of Psychiatric Technicians (NBPCT). Some states may have additional requirements or licensing procedures.

How to work as a psychiatric tech in a psych ward?

To work as a psychiatric tech in a psych ward, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require certification such as CPR and first aid. The role involves assisting with patient care, monitoring patients, and supporting clinical staff, often requiring strong communication skills and the ability to handle challenging situations. On-the-job training is common, and a compassionate, patient-focused attitude is essential for success in this environment.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Psychiatric Tech jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Psychiatric Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Psychiatric Tech job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,645 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Psychiatric Tech

Carilion Clinic

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$17.39 - $24.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Carilion Clinic rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 217 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

498th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Employment Status:Full timeShift:Day/Evening/Night (United States of America)Facility:1906 Belleview Ave SE - RoanokeRequisition Number:R161136 Psychiatric Tech (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare:Sign on Bonus Eligible: $5,000 per applicable guidelines (external hires only)
The Psychiatric Technician assists with ensuring the safety of adults and children with mental illness on acute psychiatric hospital unit. Responsibilities include: delivery of patient care, providing assistance with activities of daily living, provides secretarial support, leads goals/wrap up groups, and direct/lead code secures activities. Actively participates with all unit activities providing support as indicated. Functions as a team member, reporting appropriate observations, information, while maintaining a safe therapeutic milieu.

The Psychiatric Technician

  • Assists with observing the patients and reporting any unusual circumstances to licensed nurse.
  • Organizes, prioritizes and provides nursing care in accordance with unit standards.
  • Completes the admission/discharge process and documentation according to unit standards in chart/EMR.
  • Admissions are greeted, made comfortable, oriented to unit routines and safety precautions within 15 minutes of arrival on the unit.
  • Call lights and telephones are answered promptly and basic patient needs are met, whether assigned patient or not.
  • Patient safety rounds are conducted every 15 minutes or according to unit policy.
  • Performs activities of daily living and assists with meeting nutritional needs of patients.
  • Provides patient treatments as delegated such as EKGs, Blood Glucose testing, I&O, enemas, etc.
  • Is a patient advocate, protector of patients rights and provider of psychological/social/cultural support. Treats patients with respect and dignity. Calls patient by name, provides privacy, etc. Uses system resources to meet patients cultural and disability needs.
  • Provides patients and their families with appropriate information and care in a timely manner.
  • Organizes and leads daily goals/wrap up groups. Reports to licensed nurse any issues or concerns by patients verbalized or written in groups.
  • Requires ability to function with minimal supervision, recognizing the need for direction and assistance in situations beyond his/her scope of capabilities. Must be able to manage patients with potential for aggressive or combative behavior toward themselves or others. Assist nursing staff with escalating patients. Possess strong communication skills to cope with escalating situations. Leads and directs code secure activities with staff and security. Functions well in crisis situations to ensure safety and well-being of patients, visitors and staff.
  • Participates in Quality Management activities. Contributes to Carilion Clinic performance improvement activities. All activities related to performance improvement are completed as requested by the CTL or director. Participates in performance activities and identifies opportunities for improvement in a timely manner.
  • Actively participates in cost containment measures at the unit level.
  • Supplies used are appropriately charged for at the time of use.
  • Discontinued equipment is removed from patient's room, cleaned and returned to the proper storage area.
  • Equipment and supplies are utilized in a respectful and cost effective manner according to policy and procedures.
  • Contributes to the maintenance of a safe, orderly, and professional environment.
  • Identifies safety hazards and corrects them and/or reports them to appropriate resource.
  • Selects proper equipment, assures proper operating conditions and uses according to policies and procedures or manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Performs clerical duties under supervision of license nursing staff.
What We Require:

Education: High school graduate or GED required.


Experience: N/A


Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration: De-escalation training must be successfully completed within 4 months of hire and then maintained going forward. Must be able to obtain AHA BLS-HCP. Valid Virginia State Drivers license required in the NRV to transport patients.


Other Minimum Qualifications: Requires experience with or the ability for managing patients with explosive potential and/or escalating situations. Requires ability to function with minimum supervision, recognizing the need for direction and assistance in situations beyond his/her scope of capabilities. Requires ability to learn and participate as a team member. Requires clinical skills to work with child, adolescent and adult population understanding their growth and development


This job description is intended to be a representative summary of the major responsibilities and accountabilities performed by incumbents in this role. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Compensation Range:

$17.39 - $24.35

Employee pay is based on a variety of factors, including qualifications, credentials, education, and prior work experience. The compensation range does not include benefits or pension plan.

Recruiter:

TAMIKA RICKMAN

Recruiter Email:

tdrickman@carilionclinic.org

For more information, contact the HR Service Center at 1-800-599-2537.

Carilion Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veterans status. Carilion is a Drug-Free Workplace. For more information or for individuals with disabilities needing special assistance with our online application process contact Carilion HR Service Center at 800-599-2537, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on E-Verify: https://www.carilionclinic.org/eoe-e-verify-and-right-work-policies

Benefits, Pay and Well-beingat Carilion Clinic

Carilion understands the importance of prioritizing your well-being to help you develop and thrive. That's why we offer a well-rounded benefits package, and many perks and well-being resources to help you live a happy, healthy life - at work and when you're away.


When you make your tomorrow with us, we'll enhance your potential to realize the best in yourself.Below are benefits available to you when you join Carilion:


  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits
  • Employer Funded Pension Plan, vested after five years (Voluntary 403B)
  • Paid Time Off (accrued from day one)
  • Onsite fitness studios and discounts to our Carilion Wellness centers
  • Access to our health and wellness app, Personify Health
  • Discounts on childcare
  • Continued education and training

What Carilion Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Carilion Clinic logo

About Carilion Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

This is Carilion Clinic ... An organization where innovation happens, collaboration is expected and ideas are valued. A not-for-profit, mission-driven health system built on progress and partnerships. A courageous team that is always learning, never discouraged and forever curious. Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., you will find a robust system of award winning hospitals, Level 1 and 3 trauma centers, Level 3 NICU, Institute of Orthopedics and Neurosciences, multi-specialty physician practices, and The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute. Carilion is where you can make your own path, make new discoveries and, most importantly, make a difference. Here, in a place where the air is clean, people are kind and life is good. Make your tomorrow with us.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Roanoke, VA, US

Year founded

1899