What is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)? 

The role of the PMHNP is to assess, diagnose and treat the mental health needs of patients. PMHNPs may be in private practice, work in a group practice or work in an in-patient hospital. Many PMHNPs provide therapy and prescribe medications for patients who have mental health disorders or substance abuse problems. PMHNPs may also provide physical and psychosocial assessments, emergency psychiatric care and treatment evaluations.



PMHNPs meet high standards for licensure and certification. PMHNPs take a board certification examination from American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to validate their expertise. This certification is designated with the initials BC (Board Certified) at the end of the title (e.g., PMHNP-BC). PMHNPs must continually enhance their expertise with continuing education to maintain their professional credentials.

What can PMHNPs do? 

• Evaluate and diagnose mental health disorders.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab-work.
• Provide psychotherapy (psychological counseling) for individuals, groups, and families.
• Prescribe and monitor the effects of psychiatric medications.
• Coordinate patient care and provide case management.
• Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals.
• Provide education and consultation to nurses and other mental health professionals.
• Design and conduct research to improve mental health care.
• Conduct genetic testing (GeneSight) and identify medications that work best for each person’s unique genetic makeup.