Psych/Mental Health NP

Hi there, I also would be interested to hear from and PMHNP's about their roles, responsibilities, types of facilities, parts of the job that are most liked and disliked... I am an RN considering going this route. If anyone out there would be so kind as to provide some basic info, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Hi, I hope there are some PMHNPs out there that can answer these questions. I too am considering returning to school in the fall to obtain my PMHNP. I would also like to know if anyone has advice on the job outlook of PMHNP's. I live in Michigan and would like to stay here, but while researching this speciality, I haven't found many Michigan opportunities for PMHNP's.

There are many opportunities as a psych NP. You can work in a variety of settings and generally have quite a bit of control over your hours. Your level of independence depends on the state where you practice. My state allows for independent practice and I can do everything a psychiatrist can do on an outpatient basis; I have a thriving private practice with more referrals than I can handle. However, I am also a clinical psychologist and I work with children and adolescents as well as adults. This is a rather rare combination and puts me at an advantage in many ways with regard to my attractiveness to employers. Nonetheless, all the psych NPs in my area are as busy as they want to be and the salaries are good - approximately $85 for hourly work, $100,000-$150,000 salaried with benefits.

This information is very helpful - I am too either going to school next year and the program I go to will determine my specialty (either psych or family practice). My interests and heart have always been with psych but I am starting to have second thoughts just because psych can be a draining field..