Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) have extensive education and training in psychiatry to provide in-depth assessments of patients’ mental health disorders. With over 50 million Americans living with mental illness, the need for PMHNPs continues to grow dramatically.
Nurses who are interested in specializing in mental health should understand the full extent of what a PMHNP does as well as how PMHNPs act as advocates for people with mental health and addiction issues. Earning an advanced degree, such as an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), can prepare students to become PMHNPs and provide the right care to patients.
FNP vs. PMHNP
FNPs, who have graduate-level education and state certification, are crucial to primary medical care in the United States. They can work independently or under a doctor’s supervision, depending on the state, providing care to people of all ages. They may perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, order tests, and counsel their patients on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention.
As part of their interaction with patients, they may also diagnose and treat mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. But while they may develop care plans and even prescribe medication, they do not specialize in the mental health field.
When making the FNP vs. PMHNP comparison, a key difference is that FNPs can only do so much to help patients who are dealing with mental health issues or disorders. In the event that an FNP determines a patient needs psychotherapy, they will collaborate with psychiatric professionals to get the appropriate help for that patient.
Treating the psychiatric or mental aspects of a patient in a psychiatric inpatient or outpatient facility does not fall within the family nurse practitioner’s scope of practice. That is the job of a PMHNP.
Scope of Practice of a PMHNP
When considering what a PMHNP does, it’s important to have a deep understanding of their scope of practice.
What Areas Do PMHNPs Practice In?
According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, PMHNPs can practice in essentially all areas of health care, including:
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Prisons
- Home health care hospitals
- Outpatient care
- Other subspecialties treating mental health disorders
Whether the PMHNP works in private practice, in primary care, or in an acute-care setting, the scope of practice may include psychotherapy, psycho-pharmacotherapy, case management, consultation services, education, and administration. In some states, PMHNPs have full practice authority.
How Do PMHNPs Assess and Treat Patients?
One of the most critical parts of what a PMHNP does is the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients who have psychiatric and/or mental health disorders. The role of a PMHNP may include:
- Providing a holistic assessment of the patient and family history
- Initiating and interpreting diagnostic tests pertinent to the patient
- Developing a psychiatric diagnosis based on the comprehensive assessment, interview, and findings of tests
- Developing an evidence-based plan of care
- Determining the level of care required (hospitalization, intensive or outpatient, or outpatient)
- Determining the type of psychotherapy required (individual or group)
- Determining pharmacotherapy
PMHNPs as Mental Health Advocates
PMHNPs also advocate for people with mental health issues. Working in the specialty helps them develop a real understanding of the everyday challenges and experiences faced by people living with mental health disorders.
Although all nurses have the skills to care for patients with mental illnesses, a PMHNP is uniquely qualified to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. PMHNPs are well-versed in communicating with their patients and can accurately communicate methodologies and changes in policy that will most benefit them.
PMHNPs have support in this facet of their work. The Council for Mental Health Advocacy (CMHA), for example, serves as a direct conduit for monitoring legislative, regulatory, and policy matters affecting mental health and those challenged with mental health issues. The CMHA works to inform PMHNPs and other medical professionals about these issues so that an appropriate response may be coordinated. The CMHA is composed of several members of the medical field, including PMHNPs who collaborate with their fellow nurses to advocate for those with mental health issues.
Ohio University’s PMHNP Specialization</h2>
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration in Ohio University’s online MSN program aims to equip RNs with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to those who are struggling with mental illnesses and addictions.
PMHNP students can benefit from three on-campus intensives that will help them build on previous advanced practice nursing knowledge. The first on-campus intensive is intended to set students up for success at the beginning of the program. The second focuses on health appraisal for NPs, and the final culminates in a capstone experience.
The PMHNP specialty offers the opportunity to:
- Understand how to provide mental health patient care for individuals, groups, and families
- Develop skills for mental health assessment, psychotherapeutic treatment, and psychopharmacology
- Prepare to work with vulnerable populations and promote mental health throughout the different stages of life
PMHNP students can also take courses relevant to their medical careers upon graduation. Examples include:
- Neurobiological and Theoretical Bases for Psychiatric Mental Health in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Assessment and Management of Mental Health Disorders for Advanced Nursing Practice I
- PHM Practicum for APN I
Become a PMHNP with an MSN
Those who understand what a PMHNP does know that these advanced nursing professionals have helped countless individuals cope with mental illness and addiction issues. Ohio University’s online MSN program can prepare registered nurses (RNs) and other Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates for advanced careers as PMHNPs.
This master’s in nursing program features a robust core curriculum that integrates advanced nursing theory and evidence-based nursing practice through case-driven studies. With 100% online coursework and multiple specializations to choose from, students can obtain an education that is both convenient and specific to their interests.
Take the first step toward pursuing your professional goal as a PMHNP today with Ohio University.
Recommended Readings
The Role of a PMHNP and Why It’s Important
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Nursing?
What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?
Sources:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, State Practice Environment
American Psychiatric Nurses Association, About Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
American Psychiatric Nurses Association, APNA Council For Mental Health Advocacy