Staff Psychiatrist - EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit
Updated 3/30/26
$210.00
– $210.00
hourly
Chula Vista, California, United States
Physician
Psychiatric-Mental Health
By applying you agree to our Terms of Service
Job at a glance
Degree Required
MD/DO
Position Type
Full-Time
Part-Time/Contract
Work Environment
Clinic/Private Practice
Visa Sponsorship
No
Experience Level
4 years
Job description
Job description
Job Title: Staff Psychiatrist – EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization Unit)
Location: Chula Vista, California
Position Overview
A leading hospital-based behavioral health program is seeking a Staff Psychiatrist to provide coverage in an EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) Unit. This role focuses on crisis stabilization, rapid assessment, and short-term treatment in a highly collaborative, patient-centered environment.
About the Organization
This established healthcare system is recognized for its person-centered approach to care, delivering comprehensive services across a wide range of specialties. The medical center serves a diverse community and offers a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on quality, compassion, and innovation in patient care.
Facility Details
- Hospital-based EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit
- 6-chair unit with 7-day coverage
- Located adjacent to the Emergency Department
- Patients are medically cleared prior to admission
- EMR: EPIC and SmartCare
- 24/7 staffing by trained behavioral health caregivers
- Designed therapeutic environment with calming features
Job Responsibilities
- Provide psychiatric evaluations and crisis stabilization in the EmPATH unit
- Manage acute psychiatric presentations in a fast-paced setting
- Conduct consults for ED, SNF, and inpatient units with behavioral health needs
- Perform approximately 1–3 SNF consults per week (avg. 2)
- Develop and implement short-term treatment and stabilization plans
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including ED staff, nurses, and case managers
- Participate in care coordination and disposition planning
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in EPIC/SmartCare
- Ensure compliance with clinical protocols and best practices in crisis care
Working Hours
- Weekend and vacation coverage
- 8-hour shifts
- Coverage needed 7 days per week
- No call required
Qualifications
- MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school
- Board Certified or Board Eligible in Psychiatry
- Active California medical license (or ability to obtain)
- DEA license required
- Experience in emergency, inpatient, or crisis stabilization settings preferred
Skills
- Strong crisis assessment and stabilization skills
- Ability to manage acute psychiatric conditions in a fast-paced environment
- Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Strong clinical judgment and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Efficient documentation and time management
- Commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care
Compensation & Benefits
- $210/hour (W-2)
- Attractive 401(k) with competitive company match
Additional Highlights
- Work in a modern EmPATH model focused on rapid stabilization and reduced ED boarding
- Collaborative, team-based environment
- Flexible coverage schedule (weekends + vacation coverage)
- Located in San Diego County (Chula Vista)
Job Responsibilities
Provide psychiatric evaluations and crisis stabilization in an EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit
Assess and manage acute psychiatric presentations in a fast-paced environment
Develop and implement short-term treatment and stabilization plans
Provide consults to the Emergency Department (ED), Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), and inpatient units for patients with behavioral health needs
Complete approximately 1–3 SNF consults per week (avg. 2)
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including ED staff, nurses, and case managers
Participate in care coordination, disposition planning, and patient flow management
Ensure patients are appropriately stabilized and transitioned to the next level of care
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in EPIC and SmartCare EMR systems
Ensure compliance with clinical protocols and best practices in emergency psychiatric care
Qualifications
MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school
Board Certified or Board Eligible in Psychiatry
Active California medical license (or ability to obtain)
Active DEA license required
Experience in emergency psychiatry, inpatient psychiatry, or crisis stabilization settings preferred
Ability to manage high-acuity patients in a fast-paced clinical environment
Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic, and medication management skills
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care
Working Hours
Weekend and vacation coverage
8-hour shifts
Coverage needs span 7 days per week
Flexible scheduling based on coverage needs
No call required
Hospital-based EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit setting
Skills
Strong crisis assessment and psychiatric stabilization skills
Ability to manage acute, high-acuity patients in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in short-term treatment planning and rapid clinical decision-making
Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including ED staff and inpatient services
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, and care teams
Strong clinical judgment in emergency and crisis situations
Ability to manage patient flow and disposition planning efficiently
Strong organizational and time management skills
Proficiency with electronic medical records (EPIC and SmartCare preferred)
Commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care
By applying you agree to our Terms of Service