Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Job Description and Responsibilities

January 4, 2022

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Psychiatric nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients with psychiatric disorders.

Psychiatric mental health nursing is an advanced specialty in which nurses work to assess the mental health needs of individuals, families, or groups. Several studies indicate that the role of a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is much in demand to diagnose and treat patients with psychiatric disorders. This is especially true, given the rise in demand for mental health services and the growing shortage of psychiatric health professionals.

According to HealthyPeople.gov — a site run by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion — approximately 53.4 million Americans experience mental illness. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics also reports 8.1 million Americans to struggle with illegal drug use, and 14.8 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder.

Unfortunately, treatment of these conditions is severely lacking. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that just 44.8% of American adults struggling with their mental health received treatment in 2019. A strong APRN workforce can help meet the increasing demand for mental health services and work to increase the number of people who receive the help they need.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) outlines several steps to pursuing a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) role. These steps include earning an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and obtaining the appropriate state licensure and credentialing. This training helps equip individuals with the tools to provide quality care that can help patients overcome mental health conditions and lead happier healthier lives.

What Is a PMHNP?

PMHNPs are a specialization within the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) field. They focus their practice on treating patients’ mental health conditions, including psychiatric disorders, anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and mood disorders.

Because a PMHNP’s work involves mental care, their work can involve creating a holistic plan of care that focuses on keeping both the body and the mind healthy. They provide therapy and, in some states, can prescribe medication. They also conduct psychological assessments and treatment evaluations, educate patients about their diagnoses, and manage treatment plans.

The Demand for PMHNPs

The demand for psychiatric services is rising at the same time that access to care is shrinking. The mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have only served to heighten this divide. According to a September 2020 poll released by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 52% of behavioral health organizations have seen an increased demand for services. At the same time, 54% of organizations have had to close their programs, and 39% of those polled feared their organization could only survive six months or less. While organizations push for funding to help bridge this service gap, the current conditions underscore a pressing need for advanced nursing professionals to enter the field.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners to experience 45% job growth between 2020 and 2030, which is significantly higher than the 8% projected for the labor market as a whole. The BLS further predicts 52% growth for APRNs, including PMHNPs.

PMHNP Job Description

The role of the psychiatric nurse practitioner includes screening, diagnosing, and providing care for people facing mental health and substance use disorders, and working with primary care physicians and other health care professionals to coordinate care.

The PMH nurse makes a diagnosis and collaborates with the patient and the health care team to develop a plan of care and evaluates it for effectiveness through follow-up. PHMNPs may also determine whether hospitalization or outpatient care is needed, or they may recommend individual or group psychotherapy. PMHNPs are also trained in crisis management, psychotherapy, and prescribing medications. Additionally, they are a resource in providing education to patients, families, caregivers, and communities.

PMHNPs treat a variety of patients, including teenagers and adults experiencing a mental health crisis, or children who have been exposed to traumatic events. They may also treat older adults struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as soldiers returning from combat who may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People confronting anxiety, depression, or suicide; or those struggling with opioid, alcohol, or other substance abuse, can also be diagnosed and treated by a PMHNP.

Where Do PHMNPs Work?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner may work in all areas of medicine. According to the APNA, workplaces may include a private practice in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. PMHNPs are valuable not only in acute care settings such as hospitals, but also in prisons, schools, home health care facilities, and outpatient treatment centers.

The PMHNP role has evolved in the past decades to fit a widening niche in mental health care. As advanced nurse practitioners, PMHNPs can see patients, devise and perform treatment plans, prescribe medications, and play a crucial role in helping mitigate the mental health provider shortage.

Play a Critical Role in Patient Care

PMNHPs are essential to meeting the country’s pressing health challenges. By providing their specialized form of care, they are in a unique position to help others overcome their mental health and substance abuse issues.

Ohio University’s online MSN program prepares registered nurses and other Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates for advanced careers as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) or PMHNPs, many of whom go on to open their own practices. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to administer care confidently and compassionately, enabling them to help transform lives and become the nurse leaders of tomorrow.

Learn how Ohio University can help prepare you for a fulfilling career.