PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER (PMHNP)

I. Position Title  

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 

II. Department  

Ambulatory Clinic Services  

III. Reports To  

Executive Director of Physician Services  

Overview 

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with a master's (MSN) or doctoral (DNP) degree specializing in mental health care. PMHNPs provide comprehensive psychiatric services, including evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, and psychotherapy for patients with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and substance use disorders. They serve patients across the lifespan, from young adults to older adults, and often work with individuals with co-occurring medical or behavioral conditions.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct psychiatric evaluations and mental health assessments for new and existing patients.  

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, including prescribing and managing psychotropic medications.  

• Provide psychotherapy and counseling, either individually or in group settings.  

• Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care.  

• Maintain patient records, documentation, and insurance pre-authorizations in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.  

• Participate in clinical supervision, continuing education, and professional development to maintain licensure and credentials.  

• Support telehealth services and remote patient care as needed.  

• Serve as a resource for crisis intervention and provide consultation to other clinicians.  

Skills and Competencies 

• Strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills.  

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for patient interaction and team collaboration.  

• Ability to manage caseloads, coordinate care, and maintain organizational efficiency.  

• Emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to build therapeutic relationships with patients.  

• Knowledge of evidence-based psychiatric treatments and psychopharmacology.  

Qualifications 

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing with PMHNP specialization.  

• Active RN license and APRN certification in psychiatric mental health. 

• Prescriptive authority and ability to maintain credentials with insurance providers and licensing boards.  

• Experience in mental health assessment, psychotherapy, and medication management is preferred.  

Working Conditions 

• Works primarily in a clinic, hospital, or telehealth setting with frequent interaction with patients experiencing a wide range of mental health, behavioral health, and substance use conditions, as well as regular collaboration with office staff, providers, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.  

• Requires prolonged sitting, frequent computer and electronic health record (EHR) use, and occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching throughout the workday.  

• May be exposed to emotionally distressed, agitated, or potentially aggressive individuals and must safely apply crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and organizational safety protocols.  

• Must maintain strict confidentiality, comply with infection prevention and safety standards, and may be required to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call rotations based on operational needs.