Staff Psychiatrist - EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit
Traditions Behavioral Health
Sourced from DocCafe
$210 to $210 hourly
About this job
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: 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: 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: 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: 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