Locum Tenens Physician - Psychiatrist Needed in CA

Job Description

Our client in California is seeking a Psychiatrist for a 156-day locum tenens assignment, beginning Jun 29, 2026. This Physician will provide essential psychiatric care during evening shifts, Monday through Friday, starting at 3 PM. Responsibilities include conducting client sessions, diagnosing, medication maintenance, chart review, and timely prescribing, primarily for patients with complex serious mental illnesses, co-occurring disorders, and high-risk needs.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Be provided with a list of clients and schedule sessions within available times.
• Review and complete patient charts thoroughly.
• Conduct client sessions focused on diagnosing and medication maintenance.
• Prescribe and document medications within 48 hours of assessment.
• Manage patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), including schizophrenia spectrum disorders with active psychosis and hallucinations, often post-discharge.
• Stabilize mood cycles in patients with Bipolar I & II, including those with frequent hospitalizations.
• Manage complex behavioral patterns and interpersonal challenges associated with Cluster B personality disorders.
• Provide adult ADHD management, particularly within populations at high risk for substance diversion.
• Manage psychiatric symptoms in patients with active substance use (Alcohol and Drug).
• Coordinate care for patients being referred to on-site drug and alcohol treatment programs.
• Provide psychiatric care for justice-involved individuals transitioning out of the jail system into community-based recovery.
• Address needs of crisis and high-risk populations, including patients experiencing chronic homelessness and individuals in acute psychiatric crisis needing immediate stabilization.

Additional Information

• Board Certification in Psychiatry required.
• EMR system used is AWARDS.

Benefits

• Strong compensation
• Travel-related expenses covered
• A-rated medical malpractice insurance provided
• Dedicated recruiter for future travel opportunities

What are Locum Tenens Jobs?

Locum tenens jobs, sometimes referred to as travel assignments, are contract positions that help meet patient care needs at various healthcare facilities and hospitals for a defined period. These roles can vary in length from a single week to over a year, often with options for extension.

Medical professionals who undertake locum or travel work possess the same qualifications as permanent staff and frequently opt for these roles due to benefits such as competitive remuneration and greater scheduling flexibility.

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