Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) bring life-changing care to their patients every day. These advanced mental health professionals provide comprehensive psychiatric support across medical settings, blending leadership and managerial skills with the therapeutic expertise of an exemplary nurse practitioner.
But what are the daily duties of a PMHNP? Can PMHNPs prescribe medication and do therapy? Learn all about the career paths, salary potential and professional responsibilities of a PMHNP, and how earning a Master of Science in Nursing – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online degree from Northern Kentucky University can prepare you for this rewarding career.
What Is a PMHNP?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is an advanced nurse specially trained in mental health conditions and treatments. They use their knowledge of mental health to improve patient care, and to assess, treat and educate patients struggling with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders and other mental health disorders and conditions.
PMHNPs are licensed to deliver care across the human lifespan, enabling them to support children, teens, young adults and older adults. They often work in mental health facilities and hospitals, and career options are plentiful, leading them to practice in private clinics, colleges or universities, rehabilitation centers and correctional facilities.
Can PMHNPs Prescribe Medication?
PMHNP state licensure and certification allow them to prescribe psychiatric and psychotropic medications in all 50 states. They can include medication plans in patient treatment pathways and incorporate them into their crisis management plans.
In 21 states, they can prescribe medication without a physician’s signature. This professional autonomy allows PMHNPs to work quickly and continuously from assessment to diagnosis to treatment without needing to reach out.
Can PMHNPs Provide Therapy?
In addition to prescribing medication, PMHNPs can also do therapy with their patients. They are well-trained throughout their nursing graduate programs in state-of-the-art counseling and therapy techniques, allowing them to meet patient needs based on their individualized conditions and care plans.
Therapy with a PMHNP may include psychotherapy or counseling and often integrates therapy with medication management and behavior intervention. Settings in which PMHNPs provide therapy include individual counseling, group therapy and family therapy.
Diagnoses and Specialized Care
PMHNPs are qualified to assess and diagnose a wide range of conditions in various patient populations, including ADHD, autism and other neurodivergent conditions. They can quickly determine whether a patient’s condition requires immediate intervention or inpatient care and they use their professional expertise and extensive education to make the best decisions for each patient.
Training for PMHNPs includes differential diagnosis and treatment planning, allowing them to make clinical decisions autonomously. However, PMHNPs typically use honed managerial skills to collaborate and consult with medical teams, including physicians, nurses and patient families. This teamwork keeps everyone on the same page in a patient’s care plan, ensuring that their treatment and recovery are as successful and supported as possible.
Career Opportunities With a PMHNP Degree
You’ll find many rewarding career opportunities available to trained PMHNPs with a passion for helping people in crisis. These roles are in high demand in hospitals, community clinics, private practice, telehealth and primary care settings. As for salary potential, PMHNPs make a median salary of $139,486.
There is a growing need for PMHNPs in schools and correctional facilities as society’s understanding of mental and behavioral health evolves. PMHNPs often transition to nurse educator, nursing research or other roles, applying their specialized skills to the critical field of mental healthcare. They can also hold nurse leadership positions, such as nurse managers and department heads, in mental health programs and facilities.
Why Earn Your PMHNP Degree at NKU?
Nurse practitioners who earn their MSN in PMHNP from NKU often find that their nursing careers advance soon after graduation. With a rigorous curriculum that covers the full scope of practice for a PMHNP, flexible start dates, online learning for working nurses and clinical experiences designed for real-world application, this exceptional MSN program prepares graduates for certification and licensure from boards like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
NKU’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that MSN graduates receive a high-quality education that will serve them well throughout their careers. Additionally, these degree programs are led by expert faculty members and support staff who guide students through the admissions, coursework and graduation process.
Support Your Future Patients With an MSN in PMHNP
When you enroll in an MSN program like NKU’s Master of Science in Nursing – Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, you’re taking the first steps toward advanced career opportunities and benefits. Increased salary potential and specialized skills allow you to be flexible in your professional role and setting, while a high-quality education equips you to make a positive impact on patients’ lives, their families’ lives and your entire community.
NKU’s flexible and affordable PMHNP program may be the perfect fit for the next part of your nursing career. To learn more about becoming a PMHNP, contact the admissions office and apply for the next program start date.
