How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Introduction

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are advanced practice nurses who diagnose and treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. So, if you are wondering how to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you are choosing a rewarding career at the forefront of mental healthcare. Unlike other mental health professionals, PMHNPs combine nursing expertise with advanced psychiatric training to provide care that covers both mental and physical health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurse practitioners, including PMHNPs, is projected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for other jobs. If you are passionate about improving lives through mental health advocacy and care, this guide will walk you through the steps to start your career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Read More: Scope of Practice: Nurse Practitioner vs. Registered Nurse

Who is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

PMHNPs are advanced practice nurses who first complete a nursing degree and then specialize in mental health. They provide care holistically, addressing mental, emotional, and physical health issues. 

PMHNPs are qualified to prescribe medications, develop treatment plans, and provide therapy, such as one-on-one counseling or group therapy sessions. They also work with psychiatrists and primary care doctors to ensure their patients receive comprehensive support. 

PMHNPs are different from psychiatrists and psychologists. PMHNPs focus on both mental and physical health, while psychiatrists just diagnose and treat psychiatric conditions. Psychologists primarily provide therapy but don’t prescribe medications.

Now that we know what PMHNP means, let us see how to become one.

Read More: Can A Nurse Practitioner Prescribe Medication?

How to Become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

To become a PMHNP, dedication, education, and hands-on training are required. You can specialize in mental health care by following this career path. The steps to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner are outlined below:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)

The first step to becoming a PMHNP is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This course covers nursing, including patient care, medical terminology, and clinical skills basics. BSN programs typically take four years to complete, but if you already have a degree, you can opt for an accelerated BSN program that takes less time. During this phase, you may also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in hospitals or healthcare settings.

2. Get a License as a Registered Nurse (RN)

After earning your BSN, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN. This test assesses your patient care, safety, infection control, and health promotion knowledge to ensure you're ready to practice as a nurse. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most include submitting an application, passing the exam, and paying a fee. 

3. Pursue a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing (MSN or DNP)

To become a PMHNP, you will need an advanced nursing degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Advanced psychiatric-mental health topics are covered in the coursework, including therapy techniques, psychopharmacology, and patient management. Depending on the program, this can take 2–4 years to complete.

4. Complete Clinical Training

During your MSN or DNP program, you’ll complete at least 500 hours of supervised clinical practice. These hours focus on treating patients with mental health conditions. Moreover, they prepare you for real-world scenarios.

5. Obtain Certification

After graduation, you must take the PMHNP-BC certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Passing this exam officially certifies you as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

6. Secure State Licensure

Once certified, you must apply for advanced practice licensure in your state. This process often requires submitting proof of your certification, education, and clinical hours and paying any state licensing fees.

7. Begin Practicing as a PMHNP

After getting the license, you’re ready to start your career. PMHNPs can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, and telehealth services. You get several opportunities to impact patients’ mental health and well-being.

Read More: How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

What Does a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Do?

Now that we know how to become a PMHNP, let us see what they do. A PMHNP can diagnose mental disorders, provide therapy, and create personalized treatment plans. They offer compassionate care for people of all ages. The important responsibilities of a PMHNP are:

Read More: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Roles and Responsibilities

1. Diagnosing Mental Health Disorders

PMHNPs are trained to identify mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and more. They conduct detailed interviews, review medical histories, and use diagnostic tools to understand a patient’s symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis.

2. Prescribing Medication

One of the roles of a PMHNP is prescribing medications to treat mental health conditions. They develop personalized medication plans personalized to each patient’s needs, monitor the effectiveness of the medications, and make adjustments as needed.

3. Providing Therapy

PMHNPs often provide therapy sessions to their patients. Depending on the patient’s situation, these can include individual, group, or family therapy. To improve a patient's emotional well-being and cope with their challenges, they use therapeutic techniques.

4. Conducting Assessments

Assessing a patient’s mental health is a core responsibility. PMHNPs evaluate mental health by performing interviews, diagnostic tests, and behavior observations. These assessments guide the development of treatment plans.

5. Creating Treatment Plans

PMHNPs design customized treatment plans that address medical and emotional needs. To promote recovery and overall mental health, a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes is often included.

6. Collaboration

PMHNPs work closely with psychiatrists, therapists, primary care providers, and other healthcare professionals. They work together to assess, diagnose, and treat patients. They share information, create care plans, and adjust treatments as needed. This teamwork ensures that patients receive comprehensive and effective care.

Scope of Becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

PMHNPs have the flexibility to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. They can work in schools to support students' mental health. They may also work in correctional facilities to assist inmates. They can also work in telehealth platforms to provide virtual care to patients who may not have easy access to in-person services. Some other fields where PMNHNPs are in great demand include the following:

• Academia

• Community Mental Health Centers (urban and rural)

• Consulting with businesses and communities

• Correctional Facilities

• Domestic Violence Shelters

• Government Agency

• Home Health Agencies

• Primary Healthcare Clinics

• Private Psychiatric Practices

• Psychopharmacology Clinic

• Psychiatric Consult Services

• Veterans Administration Psychiatric Facilities

• Public health agencies

• Residential Substance Abuse Facilities

• State Psychiatric Facilities

• Student Health Clinics

• Urban Nurse-Managed Clinic

This demand for PMHNPs is also increasing due to the growing awareness and prevalence of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. PMHNPs also have many career growth opportunities. Substance abuse, trauma, or pediatric mental health are a few areas they can specialize in. Beyond clinical practice, PMHNPs can also explore roles in research, education, or healthcare administration. 

How Much Does a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Make?

Once you know how to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you may be curious to know about the money they make while working in this field. PMHNPs earn competitive salaries due to their specialized skills and growing demand. The table below covers annual salaries for PMHNPs based on their experience and expertise:

Several factors influence how much a PMHNP earns. Salaries often vary by region, with urban areas and states with higher demand for mental health professionals usually offering higher pay. The highest-paying cities are:

PMHNPs working in private practices or specialized clinics often earn more compared to those in public hospitals or community health centers. The more experience you gain, the higher your earning potential. To improve your salary, you can get additional certifications in addiction or trauma care.

PMHNPs enjoy benefits like flexible schedules, bonuses, and opportunities for career advancement, in addition to a high salary. They also enjoy job benefits like holiday pay, child care, relocation assistance, etc. Thus, it is a rewarding career choice both financially and professionally.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) Certification 

The PMHNP-BC certification is a key credential for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) who want to practice professionally. The ANCC awards this certification and confirms your expertise in mental health care.

Read More: Nurse practitioner vs Doctor: Key differences covered

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree in nursing with a psychiatric-mental health focus.

• Have a valid and active Registered Nurse (RN) license.

• Complete at least 500 supervised clinical hours during your PMHNP program.

• Your studies must include advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and psychiatric-mental health care.

Certification Exam

The test assesses your patient assessments, treatment planning, and pharmacological intervention knowledge skills. The test contains a mix of multiple-choice questions. You can use study materials provided by the ANCC or attend review courses to prepare for the exam.

Fees and Renewal

The exam costs around $395 for non-members of the ANCC. Members of nursing organizations often receive discounts.

The certification is valid for 5 years. To renew, you must complete 75 continuing education hours (CEUs), with at least 25 hours in pharmacology. You also need to show proof of 1,000 clinical practice hours in psychiatric-mental health during the certification period. At the end, just submit a renewal application and pay the renewal fee. 

Read More: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certification: Degree Options & Requirements.

Choose a Rewarding Career of a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner!

The PMHNP role is a fulfilling and impactful career choice. PMHNPs address the growing need for mental health care. But you may be stuck at the question, how to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner? You must first complete a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and obtain RN licensure. Then, you must pursue advanced education (MSN or DNP) and gain hands-on clinical training. Afterward, passing the PMHNP-BC certification exam and securing state licensure allow you to practice in various healthcare settings. If you’re ready to start your journey toward becoming a PMHNP, enroll in our Nurse Practitioner course today. Gain the skills and credentials needed to advance your career and make a difference in mental health care!

FAQs

1. Do psychiatric nurse practitioners provide counseling?

Yes, PMHNPs can provide counseling. While some focus on prescribing medications, others may include counseling as part of their care. This depends on their training, workplace, and the patient’s needs. They can work in hospitals, community health centers, schools, colleges, etc.

2. What is a PMHNP?

A PMHNP is an advanced nurse specialization who diagnoses and provides therapy for mental health care. PMHNPs work with patients of all ages. They use holistic and evidence-based practices to improve mental wellness.

3. What is the difference between a PMHNP vs. Psychiatrist?

A PMHNP is a nurse practitioner with advanced mental health training, while a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Psychiatrists complete both medical school and residency. Hence, they can handle complex cases. Both can prescribe medication and provide care, but their training paths differ.

4. Can psychiatric nurses prescribe medication?

Yes, PMHNPs can prescribe medication. Their advanced education and certification allow them to do so. Prescription authority depends on state laws, but in most states, PMHNPs can prescribe medications like antidepressants or mood stabilizers.

5. What is the difference between a PMHNP vs. FNP?

A PMHNP focuses on mental health care, diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. An FNP (family nurse practitioner) provides general healthcare for all ages, treating physical conditions and minor illnesses. While both are nurse practitioners, their training and specialties determine the type of care they provide.

References:

• https://nursejournal.org/careers/psychiatric-nurse/how-to-become/

• https://blogs.docthub.com/what-is-a-psychiatric-nurse-practitioner-how-to-become-one-BLG223

• https://www.husson.edu/online/blog/2022/02/become-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner