Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Careers

Give patients the specialized treatment and guidance they need throughout their journey to mental wellness.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners play a significant role in the modern health care system. A 2019 study by the American Association of Psychiatric Nurses reported that only 20% of children and adolescents, and 44% of adults, are able to receive the care they need to address their mental health and substance abuse issues. With statistics such as these, the role that psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) play in helping people improve their mental health has never been more critical.

As a PMHNP, you’ll intersect with the roles of psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists, providing patient care to those with mental and psychiatric health issues, as well as substance abuse issues. PMHNPs also work with the families of their patients and educate communities to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health.

PMHNPs are in demand

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that as of May 2021, there were 325,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the U.S., however only an estimated 4.7% of NPs are educated and certified as PMHNPs. With a rising need for mental health services throughout the pandemic due to loneliness and isolation,  the number of licensed psychiatrists declining over the years, and more citizens enrolling for universal health care services, professionals who specialize in mental health needs — such as psychiatric nurse practitioners — will continue to be in high demand.