Locum Tenens Psychiatrist (Outpatient) — Developmental Disabilities & Adult Psychiatry, San Jose, CA

Job ID: N/A

Join a growing outpatient psychiatry team in San Jose, CA, providing care to adolescents and adults (ages 5+) with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs. This locum tenens opportunity is clinical-only and ongoing, beginning 01/01/2026. Schedule is flexible within Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with 12–16 hours/week expected and at least one onsite day per week. Telehealth is used as needed for phone consults.

Who you’ll see and how many: You’ll treat a diverse case mix that includes anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, OCD, disruptive mood disorders, intermittent explosive disorder, and occasional forensic-related forms (JV220). Daily volume varies by visit type and can reach up to 610 clients over a 7.5-hour day.

What you’ll do:

• Conduct psychiatric assessments, mental status exams, and DSM-based diagnoses.
• Manage medications, including controlled substances (DEA required).
• Document thoroughly in Avatar NX and enter hours in the Vemsta platform.
• Coordinate care with the medical director, nurses, clinicians, and case managers.
• Review labs, diagnostics, and consults and prepare treatment summaries and legal/court documents when necessary.
• Provide consultations and peer support for therapists and other psychiatrists.
• Participate in quality assurance and improvement activities.
• Advise families and caregivers about diagnoses and how mental health intersects with developmental disabilities.

Support and systems: You’ll work with an interdisciplinary outpatient clinic team; specialty backup includes the medical director and nursing staff. The clinic uses Avatar NX as its EMR. Standard outpatient equipment is provided.

Requirements:

• Active California medical license.
• Board Certified or Board Eligible (must obtain certification within five years of residency).
• DEA registration authorizing controlled substance prescribing.
• Able to treat the developmental disability + mental health population.
• Current flu vaccine and COVID vaccine or approved exemption.
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills; experience with diverse populations is important.

Logistics and compliance:

• No hospital privileges or temporary privileges are required. Credentialing may take 30–40 days.
• Travel and lodging are not covered; malpractice insurance is provided.

Required procedures: Psychiatric assessments and evaluations, medication management (including controlled substances), and mental status examinations.

If you’re comfortable working in a high-volume outpatient setting with a developmental disability focus and want flexible locum work in Santa Clara County, this role offers collaborative support and meaningful clinical impact.