Locum Adult and Child Psychiatrist

Position Availability: Psychiatrist (Adult and Child)

We are seeking a psychiatrist qualified to treat patients aged 5 and older, starting in November or December, contingent upon the credentialing timeline. This is an in-person position with no remote work options available. The position requires approximately 16 hours per week

Job Overview

The psychiatrist will conduct psychiatric assessments and provide ongoing medication management for developmentally disabled patients with mental health disorders. Candidates must be eligible for MediCal/Medicare certification and authorized to prescribe controlled substances.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments, evaluations, and mental status examinations (MSEs) to establish diagnoses in accordance with the DSM-5 as recognized by the APA.
• Utilize the current electronic health record system while adhering to Santa Clara County Psychiatric Medical Guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with the medical director, nursing staff, clinicians, and case managers to deliver a comprehensive, client-centered approach to mental health care.
• Review pertinent laboratory and diagnostic data relevant to patient evaluations and treatment.
• Draft detailed reports summarizing assessments, MSEs, diagnoses, and treatment plans, ensuring complete and compliant medical records.
• Contribute specialized insights to the formulation and execution of individualized mental health treatment plans in collaboration with the clinical team.
• Provide psychiatric services in outpatient settings, including both telehealth and in-person consultations.
• Offer consultation and peer support to fellow psychiatrists or therapists regarding the evaluation and management of patients.
• Liaise with the medical director or clinic director regarding treatment policies and case-specific issues as necessary.
• Participate in quality assurance and improvement initiatives as required.
• Deliver expert counseling and guidance to patients' families and caregivers about mental health diagnoses and challenges related to developmental disabilities.
• Prepare legal documents and reports for court-related matters when needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Proficient in specialized psychiatric services, including evaluation, medication management, and treatment formulation.

2. Familiarity with reimbursement frameworks set forth by Medicare, Medi-Cal, Regional Centers, and County Mental Health—ensuring compliance in service delivery.

3. Strong relationship-building skills with patients, clients, and multidisciplinary teams.

4. Commitment to the principle that every individual is a valued community member.

5. Understanding of normalization principles and advocacy for community integration.

6. Capability to work autonomously while also functioning effectively in a team environment.

7. Excellent communication and documentation abilities, specifically in computerized systems.

8. Flexibility in scheduling and adaptability to a consumer-driven environment.

9. Strong interpersonal skills with a capacity to connect with a diverse client population.

Environmental Conditions and Physical Requirements

Candidate Qualifications

• Active CA State License Status: Board Certified or Board Eligible (Certification must be attained within 5 years post-residency). Must be certified or eligible by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in adult and/or child psychiatry.
• Vaccination requirements: Flu vaccination mandatory or exemption due to medical/religious reasons; COVID-19 vaccination also required or appropriate exemption.

Schedule

We seek both adult and child psychiatrists for 12-16 hours per week, noting that the facility currently can accommodate a maximum of 16 hours. Future needs may arise for increased hours around Spring 2026.

Provider scheduling is negotiable, aligning with clinic hours from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Options include, but are not limited to, a full 8-hour day or variable shifts (e. g., 9 AM to 1 PM for three days or 9 AM to 3 PM for two days). Lunch breaks can be flexible, and it's essential that at least one day per week involves in-person service.

The tentative start date is January 1, with credentialing processes estimated to take 30-40 days.