Nurse Practitioners

Who are Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners?
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are professionals who work in the mental health field. During their training, they learn to work with patients who have psychiatric disorders. They consult and provide high-quality care with:
- Families
- Individuals
- Communities
- Groups
- Corporations
- Educators
- Legislators
PMHNPs provide services for mental health and psychiatric care, such as:
- Prescribing Medication
- Administration of Psychotherapy
Along with the categories discussed above, psychiatric nurse practitioners can contribute to larger fields of healthcare reform and policy development in one or a combination of ways which include:
- Advising
- Legislators
- Law Enforcement Personnel
- Administrators
Coach Coaching nurses as well as other healthcare professionals
- Working as researchers
- Teaching as professors
How are Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Trained?
Mental Health Nurses are required to complete at least 6-10 years of post-secondary education. After they complete their first degree, they earn their license as a PMHNP. They must complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree and then earn a masters’ or doctorate. The master’s program is required to include 600-hours of clinical work. The last step for the new nurse to complete is to sit before the board and pass a comprehensive exam to complete their certification process as a PMHNP.


What Are the Disorders Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Treat?
When psychiatric nurse practitioners work with patients, they both diagnose and treat a variety of psychiatric difficulties such as:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Substance Addiction or Abuse
- Problems of Aging, Adolescence, and Childhood
- Eating Disorders
- Memory Disorders
- Phobias
- Paranoia
- Schizophrenia
