[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You are thinking about seeing a mental health professional — great! Then you are likely to come across a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP) in your search.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric NPs are fully trained to care for your mental health needs. Their scope of practice and work setting is similar to a psychiatrist. Psychiatric NPs counsel, assist with crisis management, create treatment plans, and prescribe medication when necessary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explains the role of a psychiatric NP, their education, and training. We will discuss the work setting, scope of practice, and when to seek a psychiatric NP. This guide will also cover the different types of mental health professionals, the current mental health provider shortage, and how psych NPs are filling the gap.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]Psychiatric NPs[/hen-ui-link] are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRN[/hen-ui-link] is the umbrella term for board-certified nurses who have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. APRNs specializing in psychiatric nursing are also called psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs’ main goal is to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health disorders while maintaining a safe and confidential environment for their patients. PMHNPs can provide counseling and psychotherapy as well. With a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/17/well/mind/therapy-appointments-shortages-pandemic.html” target=”_blank”]national shortage of mental health professionals[/hen-ui-link], PMHNPs are in a position to fill this gap and increase access to patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs’ scope of practice can vary among states. They can have full practice, reduced practice, or restricted practice. The type of practice dictates their level of prescriptive authority. Some PMHNPs can work autonomously after working under a collaborating physician for a certain amount of time, depending on the state. PMHNPs can also prescribe medication based on state regulations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Education and Training[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several steps to [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/psychiatric-nurse/how-to-become/”]becoming a PMHNP[/hen-ui-link]. A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]two-year associate degree[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]four-year bachelor of science in nursing program[/hen-ui-link] must be completed at an accredited nursing program. Nurses must pass a board certification exam called the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to practice as a licensed registered nurse in the United States.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses typically work for several years before earning their master’s degree or doctorate in psychiatric nursing. After completion, they must pass the national Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification exam offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to practice as PMHNPs. PMHNPs’ license and practicing privileges depend on the state they live in.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Work Settings[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs work in a variety of settings. They can work in the private or public sector providing mental healthcare to the most [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nps-vulnerable-populations/”]vulnerable populations[/hen-ui-link]. PMHNPs work in:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Group homes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Correctional facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public health settings[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family medicine[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Telehealth[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs choose their work setting, some working in more than one. Roles and responsibilities may vary depending on the setting. PMHNPs working in hospitals or public health settings have a diverse group of patients. They work directly with interdisciplinary healthcare teams that include doctors, nurses, and social workers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs manage their own patients, and some states allow PMHNPs to have their own private practice. In certain states, it is required to work with a collaborating physician or psychiatrist. They may work under a collaborating physician or psychiatrist for the entire course of their career or a certain amount of years until they can work independently. This is based on state laws and regulations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs might provide [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09515070.2020.1779031″ target=”_blank”]telepsychotherapy to patients[/hen-ui-link] either from home or in a private office. They provide this service through secure video conferencing or telephone. Telepsychotherapy is another way to increase access to mental healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs are highly skilled to offer psychiatric care and treatment. They see their patients regularly just as a psychiatrist or [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mhanational.org/types-mental-health-professionals” target=”_blank”]other mental health professionals[/hen-ui-link] would. In all 50 states, PMHNPs have [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.apna.org/files/public/Resources/Expanding_Mental_Health_Care_Services_in_America-The_Pivotal_Role_of_Psychiatric-Mental_Health_Nurses_04_19.pdf” target=”_blank”]some level of prescribing privileges[/hen-ui-link]. Twenty-eight states, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/california-expands-nurse-practitioner-practice-authority/” target=”_blank”]including California[/hen-ui-link], allow PMHNPs to practice to their full capacity without a collaborating physician.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs’ services include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing patient and family education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing preventative care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychotherapy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling and treatment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prescribing medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ordering and interpreting labs, x-rays, and EKGs when necessary[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coordinating care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical procedures such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://cdn.mdedge.com/files/s3fs-public/CP01803010.PDF” target=”_blank”]transcranial magnetic stimulation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs also work with specific populations. They include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric and adolescent populations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals with exposure to trauma, such as domestic violence[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals with substance use challenges, such as harmful use of alcohol or substances not used as prescribed[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Military and veterans[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Homeless[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Geriatric population[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs have been trained to treat mental health patients with a variety of psychiatric, emotional, and behavioral health conditions. These conditions include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mood disorders, such as depression[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bipolar disorder with psychosis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Stress-related disorders, such as anxiety[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Feeding and eating disorders[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Differences Between a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatrist[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PMHNPs and psychiatrists have similar roles and responsibilities. The main difference is their educational path. PMHNPs complete four years of nursing school, while psychiatrists complete four years of medical school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]When to See a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Now that you know a little bit about PMHNPs, when should you seek one out? If it is your first time, do some research. You want to make sure they are the right fit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have a specific condition, your psychiatrist is out, or you need a medication refill, a [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric-np-programs-online/”]PMHNP[/hen-ui-link] can provide these services for you. In some cases, seeing a PMHNP may be faster than seeing a psychiatrist because their schedules may vary. Lastly, nurses have been labeled the [hen-ui-link href=”https://news.gallup.com/poll/328136/ethics-ratings-rise-medical-workers-teachers.aspx” target=”_blank”]most trusted professionals[/hen-ui-link]. A PMHNP may add that extra emotional connection you are looking for.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Alleviating the Mental Health Provider Shortage[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is a severe shortage of mental health providers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/behavioral-health-2013-2025.pdf” target=”_blank”]there will be 250,000 fewer[/hen-ui-link] mental health providers by the year 2025. Factors contributing to this shortage include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lack of federal funding[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time it takes to complete a program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Retiring psychiatrists and nurses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lack of skilled, advance educated providers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To meet the demand, PMHNPs are perfectly positioned to fill the need. Due to the shortage, treatment is often delayed and vulnerable communities lack adequate access to mental health services. PMHNPs can improve access to care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nam.edu/publications/the-future-of-nursing-2020-2030/?gclid=CjwKCAjwn6GGBhADEiwAruUcKrTph-ZsAMTiyYZIL0XC0LBc17-qS75trRbqcGJQQeuEASMLyTFT7hoCNeMQAvD_BwE” target=”_blank”]The National Academy of Medicine[/hen-ui-link] and the ANCC recognize that in order to improve access to mental health services, PMHNPs should practice to the fullest extent. This means lifting all barriers PMHNPs face when caring for mental health patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Future of Mental Healthcare[/hen-ui-heading] Approximately 56 million Americans experience some form of mental illness and/or substance use challenges. President [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/budget_fy22.pdf” target=”_blank”]Biden’s budget plan[/hen-ui-link] allocates the largest-ever amount of funding for gender-based violence and the opioid crisis. PMHNPs, more than ever, are in the best position to shape the future of mental healthcare in America.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can a psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe medication?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, a psych NP can prescribe medication in 21 states and the District of Columbia without a collaborating physician. Fifty states allow some level of prescription privileges. Laws on prescription privileges are reviewed yearly.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/psychiatric-nurse/”]psychiatric nurse[/hen-ui-link] practitioner you must first become a registered nurse which can take 2-4 years. You must then pass the national state boards called the NCLEX-RN. Afterward, you must earn a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing which can take another 2-3 years. After your master’s, you must [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//how-to-prepare-for-np-certification-exam/”]pass the nurse practitioner board certification exam[/hen-ui-link] for psychiatry. Some psychiatric nurse practitioners complete a doctorate which can take another two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A psychiatric nurse practitioner completes a four-year nursing program and receives a master’s and/or doctorate in psychiatric nursing. A psychiatrist completes four years of medical school and 4-5 years of psychiatric residency.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Should I see a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/psychiatric-nurse/psychiatric-np-vs-psychiatrist/”]Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] have similar roles and responsibilities. They both assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They both can prescribe medication. At the end of the day, see the provider that makes you feel safe and comfortable.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Karen Luu, MSN, PMHNP-BC” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale/v1598986610/experts/Karen_Luu.jpg” img-alt=”Karen Luu, MSN, PMHNP-BC” layout=”horizontal” background=”none” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Karen Luu, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Luu holds an MSN from Azusa Pacific University as well as an undergraduate degree in public health science. She currently works at a private practice which specializes in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Luu is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare-review-partners//”]Learn more about our review partners[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ style=”font-size:small; font-style:italic;”]Feature Image: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images[/hen-ui-text]