A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in caring for the mental health and well-being of their clients. They provide assessment and management of mental health illness and diseases and implement measures to achieve overall physical and psychological well-being and balance for their patients.

Mental well-being is essential to overall health, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners play a significant role in patient care and mental health management. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner duties include assessing, diagnosing, and treating clients' mental health needs. In some settings, the PMHNP may perform physical and psychosocial assessments and/or emergency psychiatric care.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are trained to provide specialized care to patients across the lifespan. PMHNPs provide an approach to patient care, which is holistic in nature. A holistic approach to patient care is essential because, although psychiatric disorders are their specialty, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners recognize the impact that physical health can have on mental well-being. Therefore, both physical and mental health are addressed. PMHNPs perform functions associated with a general advanced-practice registered nurse. However, they also provide a specific focus on diagnosing and treating common acute and chronic psychiatric issues and crises. Other duties of a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner may include: • Provide psychotherapy for individuals, families, and groups • Coordinate care within multidisciplinary teams • Monitor clients for non-psychiatric health care problems and refer them, as needed for specialized care or treatment • Prescribe medications to manage symptoms associated with psychiatric disorder within their State’s recommended guidelines of practice for PMHNPs

Both psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners and psychiatrists provide mental health care services to individuals and their families. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctoral of Nursing degree Program (DNP) and have taken and passed an examination to become an APRN (Advanced-Practice Registered Nurse). On the other hand, psychiatrists have achieved a degree to practice as a medical doctor as well as specific training to diagnose disorders involving emotional, behavioral, and mental health disturbances. At one time, PMHNPs did not have the authority to prescribe medications. However, many states now allow psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to prescribe and evaluate the effectiveness of medications.