Mental health nurse practitioners (MHNPs) provide essential care to those affected by mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. The need for these professionals is greater than ever, with more than one in five U.S. adults living with a mental illness and many lacking access to quality care.
This guide outlines everything you need to know about becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, including their key responsibilities, educational pathway and potential career opportunities. With an understanding of the career path and completion of a degree like Northern Kentucky University’s Master of Science in Nursing – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online program, you’ll be on your way to becoming a skilled practitioner who makes a lasting impact in the communities that need it most.
What Does a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Do?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) assesses, diagnoses and treats individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. They provide care for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Dementia
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners develop treatment plans, prescribe and monitor medications, provide therapeutic intervention and advocate for patients with mental health concerns. They practice in diverse settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices, schools, correctional facilities and government agencies. In these settings, they collaborate with individuals, families, groups and communities to implement evidence-based interventions, educate patients and caregivers and support long-term well-being.
Why Should You Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?
With more than 23% of the U.S. adult population living with a mental illness, skilled mental health providers are more in demand than ever. Over 169 million people live in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas (MHPAs), creating an urgent need for qualified nurse practitioners who can provide accessible, comprehensive mental health care.
Choosing this career path allows you to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll have the opportunity to build long-term relationships, reduce stigma and advocate for increased awareness of mental health conditions.
PMHNPs also often work autonomously, offering added flexibility and the opportunity to tailor their clinical approach to individual needs. In almost all states, they diagnose, prescribe medication and treat conditions independently, allowing for more control over their careers and the ability to tailor care to their own style.
Steps to Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
To become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll first need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This undergraduate program provides a core understanding of nursing practices and prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is required for state licensure as a registered nurse (RN).
After receiving licensure, you can choose to gain nursing experience in a mental health or psychiatric setting or go directly into a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Focused programs, like NKU’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, provide specialized education in the diagnosis, treatment and management of mental health disorders, while allowing working nurses to complete clinical experience hours.
After graduating from an MSN program and completing the required clinical experience hours, you can take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner exam to become board-certified. This certification allows you to prescribe medications, provide therapy and work independently in clinical settings. To practice legally, you must also obtain state licensure and renew your certification every five years through the ANCC.
Career Outlook
The need for PMHNPs continues to grow throughout the nation, with the employment of nurse practitioners expected to increase 35% over the next decade. The high demand is driven by the rising awareness and prevalence of mental health conditions, combined with a critical shortage of qualified care providers.
Nurse practitioners earn competitive salaries, with a median annual income of $132,050. With experience, they can progress into leadership roles, such as clinical manager or director or open their own private practices, specializing in areas like child psychiatry or substance use treatment. Pursuing this career path provides a rewarding opportunity to provide essential care and make a meaningful impact in areas that need it most.
Inside NKU’s Online MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
NKU’s online MSN – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program allows working nurses to advance their careers while completing essential clinical experience hours. This nationally accredited program is delivered online, with supervised clinical residencies embedded throughout to provide hands-on training. In as few as 22 months, students can complete the program and become eligible to take the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health NP certification exam.
Throughout the program, students complete core and concentration courses that cover the full scope of mental health nursing practice. They’ll learn how to diagnose, manage and treat mental health disorders in a wide range of settings and provide essential care to patients across their lifespan. The program includes five clinicals, offering real-world experience in settings such as hospitals, mental health centers and telehealth environments, to ensure graduates are fully prepared to practice as PMHNPs.
Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a PMHNP
The need for mental health nurse practitioners is more prevalent than ever, with an immediate demand for skilled professionals who can provide accessible, comprehensive care across diverse settings. By advancing your education, you can gain the skills and expertise to diagnose, treat and manage mental health conditions, providing vital care to those who need it most.
NKU’s online MSN in Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program allows working nurses to advance into the mental health field without sacrificing their personal and professional commitments. With a degree from NKU, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and certification to advance your career and make a difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. For more information or to apply today, contact the admissions office.
