Locum tenens psychiatry is a legitimate way to cover a gap week. The comparison is durability: a 4:1 PSR, per-encounter economics, and a California CPOM structure after the week ends.
Legara is not a staffing agency that places a clinician and walks away. Independent clinicians stay inside the platform. When a panel needs continuity, the California network already uses PMHNP capacity with MD supervision, as described on Our Impact.
| Locum tenens pattern | This platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit | Shift or hour | Completed encounter |
| After the week | Temporary; walk-away is normal | Ongoing panel |
| Scheduling | Your front desk | Dedicated PSR |
| Cost before work starts | Varies by contract | $0 until encounters |
Nine active FQHC partners across California. 50,000+ encounters/year (about 950/week). 82% utilization. Under 3% provider turnover. Dedicated Patient Service Representatives at 4:1. Psychiatry wait baseline 15-20 weeks. 14% no-show rate.
The assessment is a short operational benchmark. A conversation is available if you want peers and finance in the room.