Specialty: Behavioral Health Travel Jobs
Psych RN, LCSW, LMFT, LPT, LPCC, and Recreational Therapist travel contracts nationwide. Hospital, correctional, and community settings. Live openings updated every 4 hours.
Quick Answer
Behavioral health travel professionals earn $1,800–$3,500/week in 2026 depending on role and setting. LCSWs command the highest pay at $3,200–$3,300/week. Psychiatric RNs earn $2,500–$3,500/week, with California CDCR correctional assignments paying the top of the range. CatSol places Psych RN, LCSW, LMFT, LPT, LPCC, and Recreational Therapist travelers at hospital, correctional, and community settings nationwide.
Select your profession to see pay, requirements, and open positions.
Psychiatric / Mental Health RN
Highest-volume BH travel role. Inpatient psych units, crisis stabilization, and correctional mental health. CA CDCR pays $2,800–$3,500/wk — the top psych RN market nationally.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Highest-paid non-physician BH role at $3,200+/wk. Selective inventory — high pay, limited volume. CA correctional LCSW assignments at CMF, SATF, and EOP programs.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Individual and group therapy in correctional, residential, and community settings. License portability is complex — no compact for LMFTs. CA requires separate CA LMFT license.
Licensed Psychiatric Technician
California-exclusive license with near-zero national competition. 15 active LPT openings at CDCR facilities — CMF Vacaville, CSP Sacramento, CCI Tehachapi. No other state has this role.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
CBT, motivational interviewing, SUD treatment in correctional EOP programs and community BH settings. Growing demand in correctional systems nationwide.
Recreational Therapist
Therapeutic recreation programs supporting mental health, social skills, and physical wellbeing in PSU and mental health programs at correctional facilities.
114 open now — apply right here, it takes about a minute.
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcora (SATF)
Corcoran, CA
$3,453/wk
26 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP)
Ione, CA
$3,422/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQ)
San Quentin, CA
$2,839/wk
28 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,782/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,782/wk
6 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP)
Delano, CA
$2,773/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,748/wk
26 weeks · 07:00 AM TO 05:00 PM
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,748/wk
27 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP)
Coalinga, CA
$2,741/wk
29 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,722/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcora (SATF)
Corcoran, CA
$2,713/wk
26 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Calipatria State Prison (CAL)
Calipatria, CA
$2,702/wk
26 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Centinela (CEN)
Imperial, CA
$2,702/wk
26 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley State Prison (VSP)
Chowchilla, CA
$2,701/wk
27 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,568/wk
26 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,568/wk
26 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC)
Lancaster, CA
$2,559/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC)
Lancaster, CA
$2,545/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Wasco State Prison (WSP)
Wasco, CA
$2,538/wk
27 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
North Kern State Prison (NKSP)
Delano, CA
$2,533/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,528/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,522/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP)
Coalinga, CA
$2,521/wk
28 weeks · Variable Shifts 10 hrs
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,515/wk
27 weeks · Variable Shift 12 hrs
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,508/wk
26 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC)
Represa, CA
$2,508/wk
26 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Wasco State Prison (WSP)
Wasco, CA
$2,498/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
North Kern State Prison (NKSP)
Delano, CA
$2,493/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California State Prison, Centinela (CEN)
Imperial, CA
$2,482/wk
28 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Calipatria State Prison (CAL)
Calipatria, CA
$2,482/wk
29 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP)
Crescent City, CA
$2,462/wk
27 weeks · 07:00 AM TO 05:30 PM
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,462/wk
29 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP)
Crescent City, CA
$2,462/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,454/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,454/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,454/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,454/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP)
Crescent City, CA
$2,442/wk
8 weeks · Variable Shift 12 hrs
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP)
Delano, CA
$2,433/wk
27 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Mosaic in Rockford
Rockford, IL
$2,386/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Regional West Medical Center
Scottsbluff, NE
$2,362/wk
13 weeks · Variable Shift 12 hrs
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,314/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,314/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,302/wk
47 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
St Mary's Regional Medical Center
Lewiston, ME
$2,272/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
St Mary's Regional Medical Center
Lewiston, ME
$2,272/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP)
Crescent City, CA
$2,262/wk
19 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,262/wk
16 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
Spokane, WA
$2,249/wk
13 weeks · 10hr Mid
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
Spokane, WA
$2,249/wk
13 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
Spokane, WA
$2,249/wk
13 weeks · 10hr Mid
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,242/wk
28 weeks · 08:00 AM TO 04:30 PM
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,242/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,240/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,240/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,230/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,230/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Copper Springs
Avondale, AZ
$2,230/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,229/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,229/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,229/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,222/wk
16 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,211/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,202/wk
16 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,195/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) & (SVSP/PP)
Soledad, CA
$2,187/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$2,182/wk
15 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,172/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,172/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$2,172/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California Correctional Institution (CCI)
Tehachapi, CA
$2,118/wk
31 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California Correctional Institution (CCI)
Tehachapi, CA
$2,118/wk
45 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)
San Diego, CA
$2,108/wk
31 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)
San Diego, CA
$2,108/wk
32 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)
San Diego, CA
$2,108/wk
31 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP)
Delano, CA
$2,097/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF)
Chowchilla, CA
$2,097/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California Correctional Institution (CCI)
Tehachapi, CA
$2,090/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California Correctional Institution (CCI)
Tehachapi, CA
$2,090/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California Correctional Institution (CCI)
Tehachapi, CA
$2,090/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California Correctional Institution (CCI)
Tehachapi, CA
$2,090/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Cottonwood Springs
Olathe, KS
$2,085/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Calipatria State Prison (CAL)
Calipatria, CA
$2,082/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital
Elko, NV
$2,074/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)
San Diego, CA
$2,065/wk
31 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP)
Delano, CA
$2,055/wk
28 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)
San Diego, CA
$2,053/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD)
San Diego, CA
$2,051/wk
26 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Calipatria State Prison (CAL)
Calipatria, CA
$2,042/wk
14 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP)
Ione, CA
$2,022/wk
16 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California Institution for Women (CIW)
Corona, CA
$2,006/wk
27 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Research Psychiatric Center
Kansas City, MO
$1,966/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Research Psychiatric Center
Kansas City, MO
$1,966/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Starr Regional Medical Center - Athens
Athens, TN
$1,910/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$1,860/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$1,860/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
California Institution for Women (CIW)
Corona, CA
$1,859/wk
10 weeks · 8hr Mids
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Cottonwood Springs
Olathe, KS
$1,791/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Copper Springs
Avondale, AZ
$1,746/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Copper Springs
Avondale, AZ
$1,746/wk
13 weeks · 8hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$1,724/wk
13 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$1,724/wk
13 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
HCA HealthONE Mental Health and Wellness Center, A part of Aurora Hospital
Aurora, CO
$1,683/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
HCA HealthONE Mental Health and Wellness Center, A part of Aurora Hospital
Aurora, CO
$1,673/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQ)
San Quentin, CA
$1,521/wk
22 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$1,350/wk
13 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Holyoke, MA
$1,350/wk
13 weeks · 10hrs Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Samaritan Albany General Hospital
Albany, OR
$1,280/wk
13 weeks · 08:00 AM TO 04:30 PM
Healthcare Travel Assignment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Susanville, CA
$1,206/wk
28 weeks · Variable Shift 12 hrs
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Mission Hospital - Memorial Campus
Asheville, NC
$1,186/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Mission Hospital - Memorial Campus
Asheville, NC
$1,186/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Days
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Mission Hospital - Memorial Campus
Asheville, NC
$1,178/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital
Elko, NV
$1,172/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
Healthcare Travel Assignment
Starr Regional Medical Center - Athens
Athens, TN
$1,055/wk
13 weeks · 12hr Nights
| Role | Weekly Pay | License | Best Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCSW | $3,200–$3,300/wk | State LCSW (no compact) | CA CDCR corrections |
| Psych RN | $2,500–$3,500/wk | Compact or state RN | CDCR / Hospital inpatient |
| LMFT | $2,100–$2,700/wk | State LMFT (no compact) | Corrections EOP / Residential |
| LPT | $1,800–$2,500/wk | CA BVNPT (CA only) | CDCR facilities (CA only) |
| LPCC / LPC | $2,000–$2,200/wk | State LPCC (no compact) | Corrections / Community BH |
| Recreational Therapist | $1,800–$2,500/wk | CTRS credential | Corrections PSU / Residential |
CA
75
open positions
MA
15
open positions
WA
3
open positions
AZ
3
open positions
NC
3
open positions
ME
2
open positions
Premium Pay
BH travel roles pay 20–40% more than permanent staff equivalents — driven by a nationwide shortage in 80% of US counties.
Structured Schedules
Correctional BH positions offer day shifts only — no nights, no holidays, no on-call. Most contracts are 13 weeks with extension options.
Choose Your Market
Move between California, Texas, Florida, and 38 compact states. Tax-free housing stipends offset cost of living differences.
Underserved Specialty
BH travel has less competition than bedside nursing travel — fewer travelers competing for fewer, higher-paying contracts.
High Impact Work
Behavioral health shortages are most acute in correctional and rural settings — where your clinical work has the greatest marginal impact.
Growing Demand
Post-pandemic mental health crisis + insurance parity laws are driving unprecedented demand through at least 2030.
CCHCS (under federal Coleman consent decree) operates the largest correctional mental health system in the country. 40+ active BH roles at CDCR facilities — Psych RN pays $2,800–$3,500/wk with day shifts only, no holidays, no call. LCSW assignments at CMF Vacaville and SATF Corcoran pay $3,200+/wk.
CatSol places travel professionals in 6 behavioral health roles: Psychiatric RN, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT, California only), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Recreational Therapist. Settings include inpatient psychiatric hospitals, correctional behavioral health (CDCR, TDCJ), crisis stabilization units, residential treatment, and community mental health centers.
Pay varies by role: Psychiatric RN earns $2,500–$3,500/week; LCSW earns $3,200–$3,300/week (highest non-physician BH role); LMFT earns $2,100–$2,700/week; LPT earns $1,800–$2,500/week; LPCC earns $2,000–$2,200/week. All roles include a taxable base rate plus tax-free housing and meal stipends. California CDCR correctional positions consistently pay the highest rates.
It depends on the role. Psychiatric RNs with a compact nursing license can work in 41 states without a separate endorsement (exceptions: CA, NY, MA, IL). LCSWs, LMFTs, and LPCCs have no compact — each state requires a separate license endorsement. LPT is California-only and not applicable outside CA. CatSol's recruiters help with licensing paperwork and cover endorsement fees for qualified candidates.
Most contracts require 1–2 years of direct behavioral health experience in the specific role. Psych RNs need 1–2 years inpatient psych. LCSWs and LMFTs need 2 years post-licensure clinical experience. LPTs need 1 year of CA LPT experience. Correctional BH positions typically require 2 years of psych or corrections experience. CatSol's corrections-specialist recruiters can help you assess your eligibility.
California Title 22 mandates strict psychiatric nurse-to-patient ratios (1:6 in most psych units), creating constant staffing gaps that travel contracts fill. CDCR (California's prison system) operates under federal Coleman consent decree — meaning court-ordered mental health staffing levels must be met regardless of cost. This is why CA CDCR psych RNs earn $2,800–$3,500/week while comparable positions elsewhere pay $2,200–$2,800/week.
State-specific pay data, credential requirements, and top BH facilities.
Travel Psychiatric Nurse Guide
Pay, requirements, licenses, and top markets for psych RN travel
Corrections Nurse Salary Guide
How much prison nurses make — CA CDCR to TX TDCJ comparison
CA CDCR/CCHCS Ecosystem
How California's correctional healthcare system works
Travel Nurse Pay 2026
National pay ranges by specialty, state, and setting
CatSol's corrections-specialist recruiters place Psych RNs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and LPTs at CDCR, TDCJ, and hospital behavioral health units. Transparent pay packages. Fast credentialing. Dedicated support throughout your assignment.
