The field is growing quickly and will continue to do so as more people are diagnosed with mental illnesses and seek treatment.

What is a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

A mental health nurse practitioner (MNHP) is a registered nurse with advanced education and clinical training in psychiatric, psychological, and social aspects of health. 

They are qualified to diagnose and treat mental illnesses and disorders, as well as provide general healthcare services. 

Their roles include assessments, management plans, education & treatment plans for patients. In some cases, they can prescribe medications independently.

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Job Description  

The job description for a mental health nurse practitioner varies depending on the setting in which they work. 

In hospitals and other medical settings, MNPs perform psychiatric assessments on patients admitted for treatment of mental illness or substance abuse problems. 

They also conduct counseling sessions and prescribe medications for their patients' conditions. In private practices and outpatient clinics, MNPs typically see clients in 15-minute increments and provide psychotherapy as well as medication management services.

How Much Does a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Make?

A mental health nurse practitioner makes an average of $123,607 per year, according to ZipRecruiters. This is approximately $60.67 per hour. 

The median annual wage for nurse practitioners is $117,670, according to the BLS. 

The minimum annual salary of a nurse practitioner is usually dependent on the type of job and where they work. 

In some cases, it may even be possible to work as a freelance mental health nurse practitioner if you have enough experience and training.

How to Become an NP in Mental Health?

To become a mental health nurse practitioner, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Graduate from an accredited nursing program

If you want to become an NP in mental health, you should first complete a nursing program. This is typically an associate degree level program, but some schools offer bachelor's degrees in nursing as well.

2. Become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN)

The next step is to become licensed as an RN in the state where you want to practice.
Each state has its own licensing requirements and procedures, so check with your state board for details about how to become licensed as an RN in your area.

3. Gain Experience 

Once you're licensed, there are several ways to gain experience working as an NP. You can work at clinics or hospitals where physicians or other NPs supervise your work. 

You can also volunteer at homeless shelters or nursing homes. This experience will teach you how to deal with different types of patients and situations.

4. Complete an advanced degree, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

After earning your BSN, you can complete your master's degree by completing coursework that focuses on one area of study within the field of nursing. 

For example, if you want to specialize in mental health care, pursue your MSN in Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP). 

You'll study advanced topics such as chronic illness management, crisis intervention, and psychotropic medications.

5. Get Certified 

All states require that NPs must be certified as nurse practitioners before they can practice independently. 

To get certified, you must complete an approved program and pass your National Certification Exam for Nurse Practitioners. 

This test covers everything from basic nursing skills to advanced medical procedures. Once you've passed it, you'll be issued a certificate by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

What Is The Job Outlook For Mental Health Nurse Practitioners?

The job outlook for mental health nurse practitioners is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities should grow by 40% between 2021 and 2031 (much faster than average). 

This growth is expected to be driven by increased demand for services provided by nursing professionals with advanced training in psychiatric or mental health fields.

Types of Medical specialty Nurse Practitioner Programs

There are several types of psychiatric nurse practitioner programs available in the U.S., each with different admission requirements:

1. RN-MSN PMHNP Programs
2. MSN Psychiatric NP Programs
3. Accelerated MSN Psychiatric NP Programs
4. Direct-Entry Psychiatric NP MSN Programs
5. DNP Psychiatric NP Programs
   
   

Top 7 Programs for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Specialty in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Here are the 7 top online programs you should consider:

1. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania has a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a specialty in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. 

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is available online. 

The curriculum includes courses on mental health diagnosis, treatment, and research; substance use disorders; and psychopharmacology. Students must complete a clinical internship to graduate from this program.

Tuition: $53,166 per year

2. Duke University

Currently, Duke University ranks #1 in PMHNP programs. The university is located in Durham, North Carolina, and offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialty in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Duke University's PMHNP program is a full-time cohort model that focuses on evidence-based practice and mental health crisis management. The program provides students with opportunities to gain clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. 

Students are also provided with opportunities to develop leadership skills through participation in several extracurricular activities, such as the Duke University Medical Center Student Advisory Council (DUMC SC).

In addition to tuition costs, students will also incur additional expenses related to books, clinical supplies, and travel costs associated with clinical rotations.

Tuition: $1,910 per credit hour. The fully enrolled tuition per semester is $11,460

3. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is ranked as the #8 graduate school of nursing for its MSN and #7 for its DNP, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Vanderbilt offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a specialty in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. 

The program is designed for nurses who want to further their education in order to provide comprehensive care to patients with mental illnesses. 

In addition to classroom work, students gain clinical experience at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and other facilities around Nashville.

The MSN-PMHNP program has an enrollment of approximately 100 students each year and includes full-time and part-time options. 

Students typically complete the program in two years (60 credit hours) but may take longer if they need more time for coursework or clinical rotations.

Tuition: $1,793 per credit hour

4. University of Washington

The University of Washington School of Nursing offers a three-year certification (DNP) PMHNP program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 

The program, which began in 2008, is taught in a hybrid format, requiring that you be on campus one day per week.

The coursework is divided into five core areas: leadership and management, health care policy; research and evidence-based practice; advanced clinical practice; and professional development. 

Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through externships and clinical placements in settings such as mental health clinics and hospitals.

In addition to providing excellent training for your career path, this program also has an impressive job placement rate upon graduation: 90% percent of its graduates from 2018 were employed within six months after graduation!

Tuition: $9,934 per quarter in-state, $14,150 per quarter non-resident

5. University Of North Carolina

The School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill offers a Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including nursing care and assessment, health promotion, psychopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, and psychiatric diagnosis. 

Students learn how to use evidence-based practice to provide mental health care to patients with a variety of disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. 

Students also learn how to provide support for families and loved ones who are dealing with mental illness.

This UNC program is offered in person only, so students can only complete their coursework if they are willing to attend the classes on-site. Students can choose between two start dates each year: January or May.

Tuition: $34,535 for entire program in-state tuition; $61,124 for complete program out-of-state tuition

6. Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialty in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

Students will complete their coursework online and must complete a final capstone project, which can be done on campus or remotely. 

The program also requires students to complete 675 clinical hours, which can be completed on campus at one of Frontier Nursing University's clinical sites across the country.

Tuition: $31,008 for 48 credit hours only. 

7. Yale University 

The Yale School of Nursing combines theory and practice to prepare students for careers in nursing. 

They offer an online MSN with a concentration in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, which provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide nursing care to individuals with mental illnesses.

Students learn about mental illness, treatment, and prevention, as well as how to work with families and other members of the community who are affected by mental illness. 

This program is designed for students who have already completed their baccalaureate or associate degree in nursing, as well as those who have been practicing as nurses.

The Yale School of Nursing has been training nurses since 1923, making it one of the oldest schools of its kind in the world.

Tuition: $26,162 per term

What are the Career Opportunities for a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

Mental health nurse practitioners work in hospitals, private mental health clinics, and other healthcare settings. 

They diagnose and treat a range of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.  

Mental health nurse practitioners can also provide counseling services to individuals or groups, teach medical students and residents, conduct research, and consult with other healthcare professionals.  

Here's a look at some of the career options available to mental health nurse practitioners:

1. Hospital

Mental health nurse practitioners work in hospitals in a variety of roles. 

Some work as primary care providers for patients with mental illness, while others focus on providing psychotherapy or counseling services to patients who have been admitted to the hospital for treatment of other conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. 

Some mental health nurse practitioners may also specialize in caring for older adults with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

2. Private practice/group practice

Some mental health nurse practitioners choose to start their own private practice or join an existing group practice after completing their education requirements. 

In these types of settings, they may provide therapy sessions and prescribe medications to patients with various types of mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders. 

They also have the opportunity to provide education programs on topics like stress management or addiction treatment options for groups of people at various locations throughout their communities.

3. Correctional facilities

With the number of people coming out of correctional facilities, it's no surprise that there are many opportunities for mental health nurse practitioners.

The inmates who have been released from prison need mental health care and assistance. They have often experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect while incarcerated, which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The mental health nurse practitioner may provide counseling services to these individuals and help them find their way through their trauma or past experiences.

Conclusion

If you've made it this far, we're sure you have many questions. We hope this guide has helped you find the answers you need to become a mental health nurse practitioner and pursue your dream career. 

If you want to get started on your journey, the best thing you can do is start researching!

We recommend starting with our list of 7 top online programs. When you find one that matches up with your interests and goals, it's time to apply! 

If all goes well, you'll be well on your way to becoming a mental health nurse practitioner in no time at all!

FAQs

Can a mental health nurse practitioner prescribe medication?

Yes, a mental health nurse practitioner can prescribe medication.

Mental health nurse practitioners have the same authority as other medical professionals to prescribe medication, including antidepressants and antipsychotics.

They do not need to be supervised by another doctor to prescribe medications.

What does a mental health nurse practitioner do?

A mental health nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed a Master's degree in nursing and specializes in behavioral health.

They can diagnose and treat patients with mental health disorders and co-occurring physical disorders, including substance use disorders and chronic pain management.

Mental health nurse practitioners assess, diagnose and treat mental health disorders, as well as provide psychotherapy to help clients manage their conditions. They also offer psychiatric consultation services to other healthcare providers.

How long does it take to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?

It can take anywhere from 4-6 years to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, depending on whether you are attending school full-time or part-time and whether you are working as a nurse during that time. 

Many students choose to work full-time while they study, which allows them to pay for school faster and earn more money, but it also takes longer to complete their education.