Staff Psychiatrist - EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization) Unit

Job Title: Staff Psychiatrist – EmPATH (Crisis Stabilization Unit)
Location: Chula Vista, California

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• Weekend and vacation coverage
• 8-hour shifts
• Coverage needed 7 days per week
• No call required

• 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

• 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

• $210/hour (W-2)
• Attractive 401(k) with competitive company match

• 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)