What is an Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?
A. A psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed a graduate education program (Master of Arts or Master of Science) in nursing. Like other nurse practitioners who specialize in Family Health, Adult Health, Geriatric Health, Womens Health, Pediatric Health or Acute Care, the PMHNP has followed a specialty track in Mental Health and is certified by a professional nursing organization to exercise advanced nursing competencies including (a) mental health promotion and (b) the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic psychiatric conditions. In their capacity as direct primary mental health care providers, psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners collaborate with physicians, seeking consultation when necessary and referring patients to other providers (physicians or nurse practitioners in other specialties) when the patients physical or mental health condition requires it. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (A
