More than one in five American adults currently live with some form of mental illness. This epidemic extends to today’s youth, given more than one in five people ages 13-18 have experienced living with a debilitating mental illness. In recent years, the general public and health care professionals are acknowledging the importance of access to prevention and treatment for mental illness. However, there continues to be a gap between individuals who need care and those who have access to care. 

This disparity provides an incredible opportunity for those who are passionate about mental health and nursing. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you will have the chance to work with individuals of all ages who are struggling with mental health issues. You will be an integral part of the health care team, providing diagnoses, treatments and support to patients and their families. You will also have the opportunity to develop close relationships with your patients and make a meaningful impact on their lives.

In addition to being a rewarding and fulfilling career, there is also a growing demand for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in the United States. With the increasing prevalence of mental illness and an expanded awareness of the importance of mental health, the need for mental health care providers is greater than ever before.

In this article, we'll explore how to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), what a PMHNP does, the skills required for the job, where they work and the job demand and outlook.

Exploring the Current State of Psychiatric Mental Health in the United States

There is a high demand for psychiatric mental health professionals in the United States as the need for mental health care continues to rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is currently considered one of the leading causes of disability; suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds and people who live with severe mental health conditions die prematurely, sometimes as significantly as 20 years earlier. All of these statistics underscore the importance of mental health prevention and treatment. However, there is a shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in underserved areas. This has led to a mental health crisis, with many individuals not receiving the care they need. Increasing the number of mental health professionals can help alleviate concerns and provide better access to care.

Can Starting a Career in Mental Health Care Help Address the Mental Health Crisis?

With the current mental health crisis, there is a pressing need for more mental health nurses. According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, there is a shortage of 250,000 mental health professionals in the United States alone. This shortage has led to limited accessibility to mental health services, particularly in rural and low-income areas. By encouraging students to pursue careers as mental health nurses, we can help alleviate this crisis. 

Not only will this increase the number of mental health professionals available, but it will also provide more diverse representation and approaches to care. By addressing the shortage of mental health professionals, we can improve accessibility to mental health services and ultimately provide better care for those in need.

What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or PMHNP, is a licensed nurse practitioner with specialized training in psychiatric and mental health care. They are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, prescribe medication and provide therapy to individuals, families and groups.

Responsibilities of a PMHNP

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are health care professionals specializing in treating patients with mental health disorders. Their responsibilities include conducting assessments, making diagnoses, developing treatment plans, prescribing medication and providing therapy. PMHNPs also collaborate with other health care professionals to ensure their patients receive comprehensive care. This is a rewarding and empowering career for passionate professionals who care about mental health because they have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of their patients and their families. PMHNPs provide compassionate care, advocate for their patients and help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

PMHNPs have an array of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting initial psychiatric evaluations and assessments
• Developing and implementing treatment plans
• Prescribing medication and monitoring patient response
• Providing therapy and counseling to patients
• Collaborating with other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care
• Advocating for patients and promoting mental health awareness

Skills Required To Become A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

PMHNPs must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport and trust with patients. They also need to have strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities to diagnose and treat mental health disorders effectively.

Other essential skills to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner include:

• Knowledge of psychopharmacology and medication management
• Understanding of psychotherapy and counseling techniques
• Ability to work collaboratively with other health care professionals
• Ability to manage complex cases and crises

Earn your MSN-PMHNP Online at Rockhurst University

Where Do PMHNPs Work?

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can work in various settings, such as outpatient clinics, community mental health centers, schools, universities and private practices. A typical day for a PMHNP may involve conducting evaluations, diagnosing mental health conditions, prescribing and managing medications and providing therapy and counseling. 

The stress level can vary depending on the setting and patient population, but PMHNPs often work with individuals experiencing emotional distress, which can be demanding. As a result, PMHNPs may have some flexibility in their schedules but may also work long hours and weekends, depending on the setting. Achieving work-life balance can be challenging, but many PMHNPs find their work incredibly rewarding and meaningful.

PMHNPs work in a variety of settings, including:

• Mental health clinics
• Private practice
• Schools and universities
• Community mental health centers
• Correctional facilities

Job Demand/Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurse practitioners (including PMHNPs) is expected to grow 40 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing need for mental health services and the shortage of mental health professionals drive the demand for PMHNPs.

Salary

Psychiatric mental health nurses have various salary options depending on their level of education, experience and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners is $123,780. However, those with advanced degrees and certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary by location, with nurses in metropolitan areas generally earning more than those in rural areas. Overall, psychiatric mental health nursing offers a range of salary options for those interested in pursuing this career path.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner requires a combination of education, training and experience. Professionals must earn a degree in nursing, obtain a nursing license and gain specialized training in mental health nursing. Additionally, psychiatric mental health nurses must be compassionate, empathetic and able to communicate effectively with patients who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Here are the steps to becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner:

1. Earn a degree in nursing from an accredited program.
2. Obtain a nursing license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
3. Gain experience working as a registered nurse, ideally in a mental health setting.
4. Successfully complete the PMHNP program requirements, including coursework, clinical rotations, and other requirements outlined by your chosen PMHNP program. The curriculum focuses on mental health assessment, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and advanced nursing practice in psychiatric and mental health settings.
5. After graduating from a PMHNP program, you'll need to become certified to practice as a PMHNP. The most recognized certification for PMHNPs in the United States is the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Other certifying bodies include the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) for PMHNPs who specialize in child and adolescent mental health.
6. Once you have obtained national certification, you must apply for a PMHNP license in the state where you plan to practice. Requirements for state licensure may vary, but they typically include submitting an application, providing proof of education and certification, and passing a state-specific licensing exam.
7. Stay up-to-date with continuing education and professional development opportunities to maintain expertise in the field.

Join the Mental Health Movement: Become a PMHNP at Rockhurst University

Becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable. You will have the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, help to reduce the stigma around mental health and be a part of a growing and vital field. So if you are looking for a challenging and meaningful career, consider becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner today.

Online psychiatric mental health NP programs offer a convenient option for busy professionals who want to pursue advanced degrees while working part-time or tending to other responsibilities. The flexibility of an online degree program also provides greater access to education, including for individuals residing in remote or rural areas.

Embarking on the Online Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) program at Rockhurst University is an excellent opportunity to pursue a leadership role as a mental health advocate. By enrolling in this program, you will have the chance to expand your skills and career opportunities in the field of psychiatric mental health nursing while providing invaluable service to those in need.

One of the key advantages of the online MSN-PMHNP program is its flexibility, allowing you to choose between full-time or part-time study options. This ensures that you can balance your academic pursuits with your personal and professional commitments. Additionally, the program is delivered by the highly respected Saint Luke's™ College of Nursing and Health Sciences, ensuring a quality educational experience.

The curriculum of the MSN-PMHNP program covers essential topics in advanced practice nursing, evidence-informed quality improvement, leadership, systems and policy. Through rigorous academics and rich clinical experiences, you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to provide holistic care to individuals, incorporating scientific and theoretical concepts from nursing and related disciplines.

Rockhurst University also offers valuable support services, including full clinical placement assistance. This means that you will receive guidance in securing clinical placements, ensuring a well-rounded and hands-on learning experience. Additionally, the program prepares you for the ANCC PMHNP-BC Certification, enhancing your professional credentials and career prospects.

Rockhurst University's commitment to affordability is another noteworthy aspect of the program, with competitive tuition rates allowing you to pursue your educational goals without undue financial burden. As an accredited program by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the MSN-PMHNP program at Rockhurst University ensures that you receive a high-quality education that aligns with the highest standards of nursing education.

By enrolling in the MSN-PMHNP program at Rockhurst University, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a mental health advocate, expand your career prospects and contribute to improving patient outcomes in the field of psychiatric mental health nursing. The MSN-PMHNP program is a complete master's degree program designed for BSN holders. The program takes 2-3 years to complete and includes both core nursing courses and specialized PMHNP coursework. Students who complete the MSN-PMHNP program will earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree and will be eligible to sit for the national PMHNP certification exam.

For those who hold an MSN in another specialty, we offer a PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate option. This certificate can be completed in as few as 4 semesters and equips you for ANCC PMHNP-BC Certification. Unlock new career paths and contribute to enhancing patient outcomes in psychiatric mental health nursing. Learn more about our PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate.

Learn More about Rockhurst University's Online MSN-PMHNP Program