Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner vs. Psychiatrist

Mental health is a growing concern. In the U.S., 1 in 5 adults experienced mental illness in 2020, with 1 in 20 experiencing a serious mental illness, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). About 46% of adults received mental health treatment in 2020.

Treatment for mental health can be delivered by a professional such as a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) and psychiatrists help people struggling with a host of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, a comparison of psychiatric nurse practitioners vs. psychiatrists reveals key differences, particularly concerning practice authority, the qualification process, and career paths.

For individuals interested in offering mental health care, it’s helpful to learn what a psychiatric nurse practitioner does and explore how pursuing an advanced education can prepare them for a career as a PMHNP.

While Americans’ mental health has long been a concern, the issue took on even greater urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. From April 23, 2020, to May 5, 2020, 35.9% of surveyed adults reported symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder, according to data from KFF. By mid-July 2020, this number grew to 40.9%. The proportion of respondents experiencing these issues has since decreased to 32.3%, but it’s still almost three times what it was in June 2019, when only 11.0% of adults had symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.

The issue is compounded by a dearth of mental health providers. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), approximately 160 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of mental health providers, with an additional 8,000 practitioners needed to meet demand. Additionally, HRSA projects a 20% decrease in the supply of adult psychiatrists by 2030.

Boosting the number of psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists in the mental health workforce can help address this challenge. Although their role is different from that of psychiatrists, PMHNPs are equipped with the necessary skills to improve the lives of people struggling with mental health, which can help close the gap between the need for and access to mental health services.

In providing mental health care to patients, psychiatrists and PMHNPs share many similarities. Professionals in both roles can assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health conditions. Treatments from both can include prescribing medication and offering psychotherapy. Educating patients and their families about mental health issues is also a fundamental responsibility of both roles.

Psychiatrists and PMHNPs often work in similar practice settings. These can include behavioral health/addiction clinics and psychiatric mental health facilities. Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs in some states can have their own private practice.

Another similarity includes specialties. Both roles can serve specific populations, such as children and adolescents or older adults. They can also specialize in treating certain conditions, such as PTSD, substance abuse disorders, or eating disorders.

Both professions work collaboratively with other health care providers to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. They also use evidence-based practices and stay up to date with the latest research to provide the most effective treatment for their patients.

While psychiatrists and PMHNPs have similarities, they also have key differences — primarily in terms of autonomy of practice. As of October 2022, PMHNPs, like other NPs, can practice with autonomy in only 27 states, as well as Washington D.C., Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). In contrast, psychiatrists can practice without restrictions.

A deeper dive into contrasting psychiatric nurse practitioners vs. psychiatrists reveals another key difference: the qualification process.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in psychiatry, a medical branch focused on the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. They complete medical school, which typically takes four years. Then they complete a residency program, which lasts another four years. After residency, psychiatrists must complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Passing this exam allows them to become licensed to practice medicine. Additionally, becoming a board-certified psychiatrist requires passing the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) certification exam.

PMHNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in treating mental health. The typical path to becoming a PMHNP includes obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then gaining experience as a registered nurse. Nurses can go on to earn a master’s degree in advanced nursing practice, with PMHNP candidates specializing in mental health. Full-time students typically complete their master’s in two years. Upon earning their degree, they must take a certification exam, such as those administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the AANP. Candidates who pass the exam can become licensed and treat patients.

The roles also differ in terms of salary. Psychiatrists earned a median annual wage of $249,760, while nurse practitioners earned a median annual wage of $120,680, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

More than 27 million Americans with mental illnesses are not receiving treatment, according to Mental Health America. The report indicates that individuals without insurance coverage are less likely to receive treatment. But 54% of those with health insurance coverage did not receive treatment either. This data highlights that having health insurance does not necessarily equal access to mental health care.

Amid the mental health provider shortage, PMHNPs can help address the rising tide of mental health issues in the U.S. They have advanced training in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including psychotherapy and medication management. They are also trained to provide counseling and support to individuals and families dealing with mental illness.

For individuals looking to provide comprehensive mental health care, Regis College’s online Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing can prepare them with the necessary skills to improve the lives of people struggling with mental illness. Students in the program learn about contemporary psychotherapy modalities and psychopharmacology and are prepared to sit for exams from certification boards such as ANCC and AANP.

Learn more about how Regis College can prepare you for a rewarding career in mental health care.