What Is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health conditions and substance use disorders. PMHNPs care for children, adolescents, adults and older adults. They can provide therapy, prescribe medications, coordinate care and support whole-person mental wellness. As demand for mental health services grows, PMHNPs are helping close access gaps and give a voice to patients whose needs are too often overlooked.

If you're a nurse considering this path — or a nursing student curious about advanced practice specialties — this article offers an overview of what the PMHNP role looks like, along with information about the latest career outlook data and how you can train to become a PMHNP at Herzing University.

What Does a PMHNP Do?

PMHNPs deliver a full spectrum of psychiatric and mental health care. According to the Cleveland Clinic, PMHNPs may:

• Perform screenings
• Diagnose and treat common mental health issues and manage mental health crises
• Apply psychotherapeutic principles and brief therapeutic interventions within the context of psychiatric care
• Offer talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals, groups, and families
• Prescribe medications and other mental health treatments (note that prescribing authority varies by state)
• Coordinate care for clients with complex psychiatric needs
• Refer patients to other practitioners when necessary
• Provide education about diagnoses, treatment, and self-care practices to patients and family members
• Advocate for patients and families navigating mental health systems

The exact mix of duties a PMHNP performs will vary somewhat depending on their practice setting and the population they serve, but the core responsibilities are consistent. PMHNPs care for people with a wide range of mental health conditions, ranging from anxiety and depression to dementia, eating disorders and PTSD. Many also work with patients who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders — a population often described as having a dual diagnosis.

The role extends beyond patient care into advocacy and policy, too. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) describes PMHNPs as professionals who have the capability to shape the field through “public health policy, program development and administration, practice, research and education.” 

Experienced PMHNPs often take on leadership roles in clinics and hospitals, serve as faculty in nursing programs and contribute to policy work that expands access to mental health care.

What Is the PMHNP Scope of Practice?

A PMHNP's scope of practice — what they can do independently and what requires physician oversight — varies by state. State boards of nursing set the rules for prescribing authority, supervision requirements and the conditions under which PMHNPs can operate their own practices.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, PMHNPs have at least some prescribing privileges in all 50 states. In 21 states, PMHNPs can prescribe medications independently — without the oversight of a physician or psychiatrist. 

Before choosing where to practice, prospective PMHNPs should review their state's specific APRN regulations through their state board of nursing.

Career Outlook for PMHNPs

Mental health is one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare, and the broader nurse practitioner field is projected to grow with it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow by 40 percent from 2024 to 2034 — more than 10 times faster than the 3 percent average growth rate for all occupations.*

Several factors are driving demand: an aging population, rising recognition of mental health needs and a national shortage of mental and behavioral health workers. In fact, the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis reports that, as of December 2025, 40 percent of Americans live in a mental health professional shortage area. 

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners describes PMHNPs as an increasingly important part of the team-based care model — a role that combines clinical expertise with the patient-centered, holistic approach that defines advanced practice nursing.

How to Become a PMHNP with Herzing

You'll need at least a master's degree to practice as a PMHNP. Herzing University offers five online PMHNP pathways designed for nurses at different stages of their careers — whether you hold an associate degree, a BSN or already have your MSN. These include two MSN pathways, two Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathways, and a post master’s certificate option. If you just want to focus on mental health practice, choose the MSN or post master’s certificate. If you’re interested in developing advanced leadership or quality improvement skills that have the potential to make a system-wide impact, choose the DNP.

Herzing PMHNP Program Options Compared

Time to complete is based on average program lengths for students attending full-time. View the curriculum, credit requirements and admissions criteria for each program on Herzing's PMHNP program page.

All of Herzing’s PMHNP programs are delivered online with multiple start dates, and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).¹ In 2025, Herzing PMHNP graduates achieved a 99 percent pass rate on their board certification exams.² Herzing also pledges clinical placement for every PMHNP student.

Note that DNP students complete clinicals and a DNP project designed to help you show you’ve developed advanced leadership competencies for improving clinical practice. The 900-hour requirement includes both clinical and project residency hours.

After completing your program, you can pursue board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) through either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

PMHNP FAQs

What's the difference between a PMHNP and a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a physician who attends medical school and completes a residency in psychiatry. A PMHNP is a nurse practitioner who completes graduate-level nursing education with a specialty in psychiatric mental health. Both can prescribe medications, provide therapy and manage treatment plans, but the educational paths and underlying clinical models differ.

Where do PMHNPs work?

PMHNPs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities, community mental health centers, private psychiatric practices, primary healthcare clinics, correctional facilities, colleges and universities, home health agencies and public health agencies, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Do I need to be a registered nurse before becoming a PMHNP?

Yes. PMHNPs are advanced practice registered nurses, so you'll need to first become an RN by earning a nursing degree and passing the NCLEX-RN exam before pursuing your MSN, DNP or post master's PMHNP credential.

Is certification required to practice as a PMHNP?

Licensure and certification are different. State boards of nursing handle licensing rules, and some employers require board certification before hiring a PMHNP — even when state law allows practice without it. Most graduates pursue PMHNP-BC certification through the ANCC or AANP after finishing their program.

Can a PMHNP prescribe medication?

Yes. PMHNPs can prescribe medication in all 50 states, but will need approval from a collaborating physician in all but 21 states. 

No, PMHNPs are not universally allowed to prescribe medications. This can vary depending on your state of practice. Over the course of the program, we'll help you understand the scope of practice for PMHNPs in your state so you'll know what to expect.

How long does it take to become a PMHNP at Herzing?

It depends on where you're starting. The Post Master’s Certificate path is the shortest at 20 months, but it’s for nurses who already hold an MSN. BSN-prepared nurses can complete the MSN-PMHNP in 24 months or the DNP in 32 months. ASN-prepared RNs can earn an MSN-PMHNP through the Accelerated RN to MSN pathway in 28 months. MSN-prepared nurses can complete the DNP program in 24 months.

Take the Next Step Toward a PMHNP Career

Mental health needs aren't slowing down — and patients deserve providers who are equipped to provide evidence-based, holistic care. If you're ready to learn more about Herzing University's PMHNP program options, we're here to help you find the path that fits your background and your career goals.