Behavioral Health, Certified Case Manager (CCM), Clinical Best Practices, Clinical Practices/Protocols, Communication Skills, Consulting, Cross-Functional, Documentation, Electronic Medical Records, Emergency Care, Epic Systems, Healthcare, Hospital, Interpersonal Skills, Maintain Compliance, Patient Care, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Service Delivery, Team Player, Time Management, Treatment Plan, United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Job Title: Staff Psychiatrist – EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization Unit)
Location: Chula Vista, California
Position OverviewA 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 OrganizationThis 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)
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Traditions Behavioral Health