Staff Psychiatrist - EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit

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

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