Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in California
Psychiatric nurse jobs in California are among the most actively recruited in the country, with sustained demand across public mental health systems, integrated hospital behavioral health units, community mental health centers, and correctional healthcare. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the largest hiring metros, where major employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and the County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health maintain ongoing needs at every level from new-graduate RNs entering psychiatric settings through senior nurse practitioners and clinical leads. The most sought-after specialties are inpatient acute psychiatric care, forensic nursing, and child and adolescent behavioral health. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 125+ Psychiatric Nurse jobs
Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.
MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.
MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.
MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.
MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.
Licensed Vocational Nurse / Licensed Psychiatric Technician / Registered Nurse
35 hours per week
LVN + LPT: $33.50 + per hour
RN: $51.50 + per hour
(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)
Summary: The nurse/ psychiatric technician provides direct medical care/medication management to participants with physical and mental health needs. In addition to direct participant care, the nurse/ psychiatric technician will serve as a resource for the interdisciplinary team regarding management of physical healthcare needs and medications.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).
- Provide physical health care services to members based on medical needs, including collecting routine health information e.g. blood pressure, weight/BMI, glucose levels.
- Develop appropriate health care plan and interventions to address chronic or acute health concerns in collaboration with member and case management team.
- Provide education to members regarding health promotion, medications, and disease management. Teach skills to build members’ ability to handle health concerns independently. Educate case management team on member’s health care concern/ illness, and care plan.
- Monitor members’ health care concern/ illness/ medication compliance and communicate concerns/ noncompliance to treating physician and case management team.
- Demonstrate competence in the proper transcribing, administration, monitoring, and managing of both psychotropic and non-psychotropic medications, including long term injections. Knowledgeable of adverse side effects, indications for use, and contraindications of medications.
- Maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements, including entering medical/medication information into electronic health record or other databases.
- Communicate regularly with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physical health care providers and interdisciplinary personnel to address complex needs of individual members and update care team on participant’s health status.
- Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Current California Licensure – LVN/LPT/RN, LPT, RN.
- Certified in CPR/AED upon hire and bi-annually thereafter
- Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on call when necessary
- Minimum 3 years of driving history with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment
- TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of employment
- COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
- Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period
Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.
MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.
MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.
MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.
MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.
Licensed Vocational Nurse / Licensed Psychiatric Technician / Registered Nurse
35 hours per week
LVN + LPT: $33.50 + per hour
RN: $51.50 + per hour
(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)
Summary: The nurse/ psychiatric technician provides direct medical care/medication management to participants with physical and mental health needs. In addition to direct participant care, the nurse/ psychiatric technician will serve as a resource for the interdisciplinary team regarding management of physical healthcare needs and medications.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).
- Provide physical health care services to members based on medical needs, including collecting routine health information e.g. blood pressure, weight/BMI, glucose levels.
- Develop appropriate health care plan and interventions to address chronic or acute health concerns in collaboration with member and case management team.
- Provide education to members regarding health promotion, medications, and disease management. Teach skills to build members’ ability to handle health concerns independently. Educate case management team on member’s health care concern/ illness, and care plan.
- Monitor members’ health care concern/ illness/ medication compliance and communicate concerns/ noncompliance to treating physician and case management team.
- Demonstrate competence in the proper transcribing, administration, monitoring, and managing of both psychotropic and non-psychotropic medications, including long term injections. Knowledgeable of adverse side effects, indications for use, and contraindications of medications.
- Maintain all records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements, including entering medical/medication information into electronic health record or other databases.
- Communicate regularly with psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physical health care providers and interdisciplinary personnel to address complex needs of individual members and update care team on participant’s health status.
- Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- Current California Licensure – LVN/LPT/RN, LPT, RN.
- Certified in CPR/AED upon hire and bi-annually thereafter
- Flexible work schedule to include some evenings or weekends, and on call when necessary
- Minimum 3 years of driving history with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment
- TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of employment
- COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
- Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period
See All 125+ Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in California
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Find Psychiatric Nurse JobsPsychiatric Nurse Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Psychiatric Nurse Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- LifeStance Health14
- Mood Health7
- CHE Behavioral Health Services6
- Mindpath Health5
- Mindful Health Solutions5
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in psychiatric nurse jobs across California.
- Active California Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing
- Current BLS certification and preferably ACLS from an accredited provider
- Experience with psychiatric assessment, de-escalation, and crisis intervention techniques
- Familiarity with California's Lanterman-Petris-Short Act and involuntary hold procedures
- Proficiency with electronic health record platforms such as Epic or Cerner
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary behavioral health teams
Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a psychiatric nurse in California?
You become a psychiatric nurse in California by first earning an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, then passing the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure through the California Board of Registered Nursing. Once licensed, you apply to positions in psychiatric or behavioral health settings. Many nurses add the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center to strengthen their candidacy for specialized roles across the state.
How much do psychiatric nurses make in California?
Psychiatric nurses in California earn a median of about $140,270 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $101,260 for the lowest 10% to over $213,320 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire psychiatric nurses in California?
Employers hiring psychiatric nurses in California right now include LifeStance Health, Mood Health, and CHE Behavioral Health Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large integrated health systems, county behavioral health departments, and state-operated psychiatric hospitals together account for a significant share of consistent openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most psychiatric nurse jobs?
Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego have the most psychiatric nurse openings in California. Los Angeles and San Francisco drive volume through their large public mental health systems and major hospital networks, while San Diego's combination of VA facilities, county behavioral health contracts, and private health systems generates steady demand for psychiatric nurses across inpatient and outpatient settings.
Are there remote psychiatric nurse jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 67% of psychiatric nurse openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most inpatient and crisis work. The roles most likely to allow remote or telehealth arrangements are outpatient medication management, telepsychiatry support nursing, and care coordination positions rather than direct acute care.
How can I get hired as a psychiatric nurse in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate nurse residency programs specifically designed for behavioral health rotations, such as those offered by Kaiser Permanente Northern and Southern California and county health systems in Los Angeles and Sacramento. Starting in a medical-surgical or emergency department role at a California hospital, then transferring internally to a psychiatric unit, is also a well-worn path. Holding an active California BRN license and completing a psychiatric nursing externship or clinical practicum during your program meaningfully improves your candidacy.
Where can I find and apply to psychiatric nurse jobs in California?
You can find and apply to psychiatric nurse jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across hospitals, community mental health centers, county behavioral health departments, and other employers. Find the roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the ones that interest you.
See All 125+ Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Psychiatric Nurse Jobs