Your compassionate care and psychiatric expertise are needed at top-tier facilities nationwide. Nomad Health connects dedicated psychiatric nurses with the most rewarding travel assignments across the country. Register today to begin your journey, or browse our extensive list of Psychiatry RN jobs below.
We believe in fully supporting our mental health professionals. That’s why every Nomad Psychiatry assignment includes a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and malpractice insurance, and a 401(k). We also provide housing and meal stipends, $750 for travel expenses, and reimbursements for your scrubs, licenses, and certifications. Getting started is simple: build your Nomad profile and apply with just a few clicks.
Working as a psychiatric travel nurse gives you the unique opportunity to treat patients dealing with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions in the communities that need it most. It allows you to expand your psychosocial and neurobiological expertise while enjoying exceptional financial rewards and the flexibility to choose where you work. You can take the next step in your mental health nursing career with confidence, knowing you are making a profound impact.
Competitive Pay – Psychiatric travel nursing jobs frequently offer substantially higher compensation than permanent staff roles. Depending on your experience, education, and assignment location, earning potential is maximized, with average weekly pay around $2,260 and top-tier assignments reaching up to $3,520 per week.*
Continuous Learning and Skill Mastery – Traveling accelerates your professional growth by exposing you to diverse patient populations and treatment environments. You will gain invaluable experience conducting intake assessments, managing psychotropic medications, and treating unique cases like schizophrenia, PTSD, or severe anxiety. You'll work in various settings, from urban mental health facilities to rural communities where provider shortages are highest.
Location Freedom – One of the greatest advantages is having the power to decide exactly where you practice. Accepting travel assignments empowers you to experience different hospital systems and serve vulnerable populations you might not encounter at home, giving you complete control over your contract length, shift preferences, and lifestyle.
*Average pay based on Nomad Health psychiatric job data as of February 24, 2026.
To become a travel psych nurse, the journey typically starts with obtaining a nursing degree (such as an ADN or BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam to secure your licensure. After becoming licensed, you must gain a minimum of one to two years of hands-on clinical experience within a psychiatric setting to master crucial skills like therapeutic communication, medication management, and patient de-escalation.
Many nurses choose to boost their hireability by earning a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC™) and obtaining a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Once you have the necessary experience and credentials, you can partner with Nomad to find travel assignments that perfectly align with your professional goals.
Learn more about traveling as a psychiatry travel nurse in Nomad's Psych Travel Nurse Career Guide.