The article “Temporary work for psychologists is gaining traction” from APA.org, published on March 1, 2025, explores the rise of locum tenens opportunities in psychology. While temporary work has long been a staple in medical fields, it has expanded significantly for psychologists in recent years—especially in response to increased mental health demands post-pandemic.
Amy Gentile, Divisional Vice President of behavioral health at Consilium Staffing, reflects on how much the field has evolved, saying, “I don’t remember seeing psychology jobs when I started, but in the last decade, it’s really grown.” She notes that the COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in this shift, as healthcare facilities sought immediate staffing solutions to address the surge in mental health needs.
For psychologists considering temporary work, locum tenens offers flexibility, travel opportunities, and exposure to different clinical environments. It has also become a vital solution for staffing underserved areas. As Ricky Moses, Divisional Vice President at Consilium, explains, psychologists who take these assignments often have “a deep-rooted commitment to service, which helps them thrive despite the challenges of remote or resource-limited environments.” To attract providers to rural areas, some facilities offer increased pay and additional support.
However, locum tenens also comes with challenges. Since independent contractors are not integrated into organizations the same way full-time employees are, some report feeling disconnected from the workplace culture. Despite this, Consilium’s recent Trends in Locum Tenens report found that 96% of providers feel accepted or embraced by existing staff.
As psychology locum work continues to expand, it provides an increasingly viable career path for professionals seeking autonomy and variety in their work.
Read the full article on APA.org: Temporary work for psychologists is gaining traction.
