A Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who has received advanced education and training to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health and substance use disorders. NPs in this specialty provide psychiatric care to people across the lifespan, from children to older adults.
PMHNPs are among the highest-paid NP specialties in the United States, earning about $144,400 per year, compared to the median annual salary of all NPs, which is $132,050. Research shows that about 35,000 PMHNPs are practicing in the US, with the role becoming more and more critical due to an ongoing shortage of providers and a growing demand for mental health care.
PMHNP vs NP
PMHNPs are nurse practitioners who have advanced, specialized training in providing psychiatric and mental health care.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are APRNs who are trained to provide advanced care to a specific group of patients or in a particular clinical specialty. Generally, NPs are qualified to evaluate and assess patients, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and interpret lab and test results.
Other NP specialties include Family Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. What sets a PMHNP apart from these roles is that they concentrate exclusively on mental health treatment.
What Does a PMHNP Do?
PMHNPs use a holistic, patient-centered approach to providing comprehensive mental health care. They assess, treat, and provide talk therapy for patients experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder.
PMHNPs complete evaluations, develop diagnoses, and create individual treatment plans. They can also provide crisis intervention, prescribe medication, and educate patients and their families.
PMHNP Responsibilities
PMHNPs deliver comprehensive mental health services, including:
- Conducting psychiatric evaluations and mental status exams
- Diagnosing mental health and substance use disorders
- Prescribing and managing psychiatric medications
- Providing individual, group, or family therapy
- Monitoring treatment and adjusting care plans
- Managing people in times of crisis
- Coordinating referrals for various services
- Educating patients and families about mental health conditions
Scope of Practice
NP scope of practice varies by state, regardless of specialty. In full practice authority states, PMHNPs can practice independently, diagnose and treat patients, and prescribe medications, including some controlled substances, without physician supervision. In reduced- or restricted-practice states, PMHNPs must practice with or under the supervision of a doctor.
Where Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Work?
PMHNPs can work in a wide range of healthcare and community settings where mental health services are provided, including:
- Hospitals – PMHPs can provide inpatient psychiatric care, emergency mental health services, and inpatient consultations.
- Physician or Psychiatric Offices – In outpatient offices, PMHNPs deliver psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy.
- Mental Health Clinics – In community-based clinics, PMHNPs treat patients with chronic or acute mental health conditions.
- Private Practice – In states with full practice authority, PMHNPs offer independent psychiatric services and often focus on talk therapy and medication management.
- Substance Use Treatment Centers – PMHNPs can also work in treatment centers, helping to address addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Correctional Facilities – PMHNPs can also provide psychiatric care to incarcerated people.
- Telehealth Platforms – Through online platforms, PMHNPs can deliver remote psychiatric services, expanding access to care to people in rural areas or other regions where access to mental health care is limited.
PMHNP Salary & Career Outlook
PMHNPs are one of the highest-paid NP specialities. While the median NP salary is $132,000 a year, PMHNPs earn about $144,400 a year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners is projected to grow by 35% by 2034, which is much faster than the average. While this data focuses on the overall NP and APRN field rather than individual specialties, some sources predict 118,600 job openings for PMHNPs specifically over the next decade. This positive career outlook stems from increasing awareness of mental health needs, the growth of teletherapy, and an ongoing shortage of qualified providers.
How To Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Becoming a PMHNP requires completing an advanced degree, gaining appropriate clinical experience, completing a national certification exam, and securing a state licensure. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process.
Become an RN
Completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the most straightforward way for nurses planning to pursue an advanced degree to become an RN. A BSN allows nurses to enter directly into a graduate program, though there are accelerated options available for nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma.
Gain experience as an RN
Many PMHNP programs require experience in psychiatric nursing or behavioral health. Though this is not always needed, getting this type of experience can be exceptionally valuable for honing clinical skills and improving graduate school prospects.
Complete an accredited PMHNP graduate program
Nurses wanting to practice as PMHNPs must complete an MSN or DNP program focused on this specialty. Courses focus on psychotherapy, advanced pharmacology, psychiatric assessment, and mental health diagnosis. Students also complete supervised clinical hours throughout this process.
Pass a national certification exam
After graduating from an accredited program, the next step is to pass a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Exams are available from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
Obtain a state licensure
After passing the certification exam, PMHNPs must apply for licensure in the state where they plan to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state.
Maintain licensure
After securing a licence, PMHNPs must complete ongoing educational requirements and recertify their license to continue practicing. Continuing education requirements help make sure that providers stay current with evolving research, treatments, and best practices.
FAQs about PMHNPs
Yes, becoming a PMHNP is a good career choice for nurses interested in providing mental health care. PMHNP is one of the highest-paying and most in-demand NP specialties. It offers job security, opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
PMHNP is one of the various NP specialities. They are not higher than an NP, but are one of many specialties under the NP umbrella.
NPs and PAs are similar, but there are many significant differences between them. Physician assistants (PAs) are trained using a medical model,
PMHNPs provide high-quality psychiatric care within their state’s scope of practice, but they do not have the same training or authority as psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and are more suited for treating complex, severe, or treatment-resistant conditions, or if multiple interacting medical issues are impacting mental health. Psychiatrists can also offer treatments that PMHNPs cannot, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).