FNP vs PsyNP

There is a very strong demand for psych NPs. My PMHNP program of 25 had 6 FNPs who were re-specializing in psych. In some markets, FNPs are a dime-a-dozen while the PMHNPs continue to be in demand.

However, the demand in psych is for prescriptive authority, not psychotherapy/counseling. If psychotherapy is what you want to do, you'll probably not find it as a PMHNP - most employers hire you only to Rx. Psych is a good field but you have to know what you're getting into and it has to be a good fit for you. Also, more and more state BONs are cracking down on FNPs, ANPs, PNPs, etc working in a primarily psych capacity. If you want to do psych you'll need to be certified as a PMHNP at some point in the future, and probably sooner rather than later.

Thanks that is so helpful to know! Do you know if there is a different between CNS in Psy vs PysNP? Two schools i am interested in offer those two respective programs! Also.. are the salaries higher than Fnp's in the same area. Salary and lifestyle IS impt to me:) THanks!

In some states, psych CNS's cannot Rx and are limited to psychotherapy. I would suggest you pursue PMHNP, not psych CNS. In my area, PMHNPs are in greater demand than FNPs and make more money.

At my University, we recommend that individuals pursue both the PMH CNS and PMHNP certifications. In Virginia you can be reimbursed for psychotherapy with a CNS certification (but not for a NP). But here only NPs have the prescriptive authority. The curriculum is constructed such that students would be eligible for dual certification by taking just 1 extra class.

I think demand for everything is uncertain and can fluctuate. I think you should follow your desire. Considering how easy it is to get post-master in psych after FNP and new online PMHNP popping up, psych NP supply will increase to keep up with the demand in the future....

Look at pharmacy a few years ago, there were more jobs than now... market is getting competitive..

Hi ya! Agree with al dente above that there is typically a stronger market for PMHNP, and that could be more variable with FNP nation-wide, but that is only my impression from what I read here. It is true here in my state of CT. Here we can do psychotherapy and med. managment and so can CNS - both are APRNs here in CT, but this varies by state. FNP is great too, I dually certified but it was a lot of clinical placement time (6 placements). Mostly I really like psych but I'm glad I got the exposure to more extensive medical and you will see back and forth co-morbidities no matter which you choose! Best of luck!