The Licensed Psychiatric Technician provides direct, compassionate support to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises by assisting in de-escalation, emotional regulation, and monitoring patient safety through observation and therapeutic engagement. This role also involves administering prescribed medications, supporting harm-reduction approaches for substance use challenges, and maintaining a safe, therapeutic environment within the crisis setting.
Description OUR MISSION Wellness Equity Alliance is a national multidisciplinary health organization that designs and delivers integrated, community-based care for populations most impacted by health inequities. We do this through mobile and field-based models, providing medical care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, harm reduction, and care coordination in nontraditional settings such as encampments, schools, reentry sites, and rural communities as well as with sovereign tribal nations. Grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and data-driven practices, WEA combines clinical expertise, lived experience, and advanced population health analytics to reduce barriers to care, improve continuity, and strengthen local systems. We have partnered with more than 60 public agencies, managed care plans, and community-based organizations across the U.S. to implement scalable, sustainable programs that are advancing health equity and improving outcomes for historically marginalized populations
We are known as Renegades, Rebels, Disruptors and Dreamers. If that sounds like you we want you on our team.
WEA’s Crisis Walk-In (CWI) Center, located on the behavioral health campus of Riverside University Health System in Indio, CA, offers 24/7 walk-in, voluntary crisis services for adults and children ages 5 and older. Designed to provide immediate, accessible care, the center serves up to 20 patients at a time, including both youth and adults
The Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT) is a key member of the care team within WEA’s Indio Crisis Walk-In Center (CWI), providing direct, compassionate support to youth, adults, and families experiencing behavioral health crises.
Working in a fast-paced, walk-in crisis setting, the LPT supports emotional regulation, symptom stabilization, and patient safety through observation, therapeutic engagement, and collaboration with clinical staff.
This role contributes to maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive care environment while assisting with clinical interventions and medication-related support.
The LPT works closely with nurses, behavioral health providers, peer support specialists, and prescribers to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
This role is ideal for individuals who are calm under pressure, skilled in de-escalation, and committed to supporting individuals through moments of acute distress.
The compensation range for this role is $33.65–$48.08/ Hourly with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and role scope.
Work
Location &
Expectations: This role requires daily in-person engagement at Indio Crisis Walk-in Center location.
Professional
Development: Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Behavioral Health, Medical, Street Medicine, Public Health, Rural Health, and Tribal Health initiatives. Key Responsibilities
1.
Client Support & Crisis Stabilization Provide direct care and continuous support to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health symptoms.
Assist in de-escalation, emotional regulation, and behavior management in collaboration with clinical staff.
Monitor patient safety and well-being, including behavioral observations, vital signs, and comfort needs.
Support implementation of stabilization interventions and therapeutic activities.
Engage youth, adults, and families in supportive, recovery-oriented interactions.
Encourage family involvement when appropriate to support care and transitions.
2.
Medication & Health Support Administer prescribed medications in accordance with scope of practice and program protocols.
Observe and document medication responses, side effects, and changes in condition.
Collaborate with RNs and prescribers to support safe medication management.
Support individuals experiencing substance use challenges, including monitoring early withdrawal symptoms and promoting harm-reduction approaches.
3.
Milieu & Safety Management Help maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment within the crisis setting.
Conduct routine safety checks and support environmental safety protocols.
Respond to behavioral escalations using approved de-escalation techniques.
Assist with crisis interventions and safety planning as directed by clinical staff.
4.
Team Collaboration & Care Coordination Work closely with RNs, behavioral health providers, peer support specialists, and case managers.
Participate in team huddles, care planning discussions, and shift coordination.
Communicate patient status changes and safety concerns promptly to the care team.
Support transitions of care, including warm handoffs to community providers.
5.
Documentation & Communication Maintain accurate and timely documentation of observations, interventions, medications, and safety checks.
Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and team members.
Support continuity of care through consistent and professional information sharing.
6.
Continuous Improvement & Professional Practice Participate in ongoing training related to crisis care, de-escalation, and behavioral health support.
Key Competencies Therapeutic communication and de-escalation. Strong observation and situational awareness. Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure. Team collaboration and adaptability. Cultural humility and respect for diverse populations. Commitment to safety, dignity, and recovery-focused care. Required Qualifications Active, unrestricted California Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT) license. Experience providing direct care in behavioral health, psychiatric, or related settings. Strong observation, de-escalation, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment. Commitment to patient-centered, recovery-oriented care. Willingness to work 12-hour shifts within minimum expectations for daytime, overnight, weekend, and holiday availability.
Experience in crisis settings, CWIC, CSU, inpatient psychiatry, ED, or community behavioral health programs. Experience working with youth and/or family systems. Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. CPI, MAB, SAMA, or equivalent certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire). Bilingual (Spanish preferred). Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs).
Contribute to a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Perform additional duties as needed to support site operations.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.