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Psychiatry Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Consulting Psychologists will also have the opportunity to work with the Psychology & Psychiatry Program Director in ongoing planning and program development; identifying and working with subject ...

Program Director

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$83K - $91K/yr

Under the supervision of the Napa Director of Clinical Services, the Program Director has full responsibility for all operations of this adult psychiatric acute residential treatment program. The ...

Under the supervision of the Napa Director of Clinical Services, the Program Director has full responsibility for all operations of this adult psychiatric acute residential treatment program. The ...

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Psychiatry Program Director information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do psychiatry program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychiatry program director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a psychiatry program director?

A Psychiatry Program Director is a senior physician responsible for overseeing the administration, curriculum, and accreditation of a psychiatry residency or fellowship program. They ensure that the training meets educational standards set by accrediting bodies such as the ACGME, mentor residents, and coordinate faculty and clinical rotations. The Program Director also manages evaluations, supports resident wellness, and ensures graduates are prepared for board certification and independent practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychiatry program director?

To thrive as a Psychiatry Program Director, you need board certification in psychiatry, extensive clinical experience, and a strong background in academic leadership. Familiarity with accreditation standards, electronic medical records, and residency management systems is essential, along with possible certifications in medical education. Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills are crucial for mentoring residents and collaborating with faculty. These abilities ensure the program meets educational standards, supports trainee development, and provides high-quality psychiatric care.

What are some common challenges faced by psychiatry program directors in balancing administrative duties with educational responsibilities?

Psychiatry Program Directors often juggle a variety of administrative tasks—such as accreditation, recruitment, and compliance—with the core responsibility of overseeing resident education and mentorship. Balancing these demands can be challenging, as program directors must ensure the curriculum meets evolving standards while also supporting faculty and residents. Effective time management, delegation, and strong communication with institutional leadership are key strategies to succeed in this dual role. Additionally, staying updated on regulatory changes and fostering a positive learning environment are essential for long-term program success.

What is the difference between Psychiatry Program Director vs Psychiatry Department Chair?

AspectPsychiatry Program DirectorPsychiatry Department Chair
ResponsibilitiesOversees residency or training programs, manages curriculum, ensures compliance, and mentors residents.Leads the entire psychiatry department, sets strategic goals, manages faculty, and oversees clinical and educational activities.
CredentialsMedical degree, board certification in psychiatry, experience in education or program management.Medical degree, board certification, extensive clinical and leadership experience.
Work EnvironmentAcademic medical centers, hospitals, residency programs.Academic institutions, hospitals, university settings.

The Psychiatry Program Director focuses on managing residency or training programs within psychiatry, emphasizing education and compliance. In contrast, the Psychiatry Department Chair has broader leadership responsibilities, overseeing the entire department's clinical, educational, and administrative functions.

More about Psychiatry Program Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Psychiatry Program Director jobs?

Cities with the most Psychiatry Program Director job openings:

What states have the most Psychiatry Program Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Psychiatry Program Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Psychiatry Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

$126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description

Position: Program Director

Type: Salary, Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: Up to $126k per year

  • Base Salary: $90k-$100k per year
  • Performance Bonus: Up to $26k per year ($500/week based on census, earned weekly, paid monthly)

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, Vision & Dental
  • Paid Time Off: Sick & Vacation
  • Equity Shares

Program Details:

  • The Program Director oversees day-to-day operations of a 30-Bed Mental Health & Substance abuse Residential Facility. This program will treat high acuity clients with mental health disorders such as: Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, etc.
  • Due to the nature of the clients treated at this program, and the relevant governing body (DSS and DHCS) requirements, candidates with a background of treating mental health clients in a crisis setting are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Training & Accountability: The Program Director ensures that all program staff are carrying out their daily functions and responsibilities through continuous monitoring, training, and accountability.
  • Staffing & Scheduling: The Program Director is responsible for ensuring that the program operates within its Staffing Guidelines and maintains adequate coverage on every shift, at all times (incl. Timekeeping).
  • Compliance: The Program Director ensures strict adherence to Akua's policies, regulatory standards, and licensing requirements, , ensuring their program remains fully licensed, credentialed, accredited, and in good standing.
  • Employee Management: The Program Director actively participates in hiring, interviewing candidates within staffing guidelines, and oversees disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring compliance with HR policies.
  • Emergency Management: The Program Director is responsible for promptly communicating and resolving any client issues/crisis.
  • Performance and Cost Management: The Program Director monitors key program metrics to drive performance improvements and ensures cost control by adhering to budgetary guidelines, including staffing, scheduling, and operational expenses.

Requirements

The Program Director of a certified Residential Treatment Program shall have the following Qualifications prior to employment:

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or any other major which includes at least 24 semester college units in one or more of the following subject areas: (A) Psychology, (B) Social Work, (C) Sociology, (D) Behavioral sciences (E) Psychiatric Nursing; and:
  • Two (2) years of full-time work experience in a community program that serves clients who have a mental illness. Such experience must be in the direct provision of services to clients, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, or
  • As an alternative to the Bachelor Degree and experience, a total of four (4) years of experience in a community program providing direct services to persons with mental disabilities, of which one (1) year must be in the position of supervising direct care staff, and graduation from high school of possession of a GED may be substituted.

Qualifications:

  • License/Credentials: LADC OR +, SUDCC-CS II OR +, LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or functional equivalent / appropriate license or certification (preferred).
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree (required) or master's degree (preferred) in a relevant field (e.g. Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Psychology)
  • Experience: 3+ years of mental health experience and 1+ year(s) of management experience (required)
  • Additional: Valid CA Driver's License, Current Health Screen / Physical, TB Test Clearance, Current CPR/First Aid certificate, Able to Pass Live Scan (required)

Key Qualities:

  • Blend of clinical expertise and business administration skills
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability
  • Compassion for clients and employees in all interactions
  • Emotional stability under pressure
  • Exceptional leadership skills and execution capabilities

Company Description:

Akua Behavioral Health is California's leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment from Master's and Doctorate level clinicians across various levels of care at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.