Mental Health/Psych Nurse Practitioner

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I currently work as an RN on the Adolescent Unit of a Psychiatric Hospital. I am thinking about getting an advanced degree (NP) but I am unsure of which track to take. I LOVE working with adolescents, so I thought it would be nice to apply for a program that specializes in Child/Adol Psych. However, I have never really seen a NP in the Mental Health Field that specializes in that area. Is there a need for Child Psych NP? Would I be able to find a job? Could I work with children and adolescents as an adult psych NP? Any other suggestions?

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"Family" PMHNP programs tack on some child/adolescent content (in addition to other age ranges), and that and Family PMHNP certification is what you want to get to see kids. For decades, there were adult psych CNSs and child/adolescent psych CNSs and that worked fine and was clear to everyone (I've been a child psych CNS for a long time). Then, the psych NP programs were developed and originally were just for (treating) adults. Now, the "family" psych NP designation has been added to include kids.

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You cannot work with children as an adult PMHNP. I think the family PMHNP is a better choice and depending on your area/state, you should have no problem finding a job. There a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, so in my opinion most employers are happy to find NPs who treat children. You probably have never met an NP specializing in child/adolescent mental health because there just aren't that many of them. Working for a community mental health center, especially in underserved or rural areas is a good place to train. If you are working in an underserved area, you may be able to get loan forgiveness in return for working there a certain number of years.

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Thanks for the reply! At one of the universities that I will apply, they have a track for NPs and one for CNS. Could you help me to differentiate bw the 2? How would the jobs of a person with those degrees be different? I know that I like to work with patients directly, I prefer to be responsible for my own work, and I prefer to not supervise others. Considering this, wh track would you recommend?

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My school, USAlb offers the PMHFNP degree. Once I graduate and pass board exam, I will be allowed to provide psychiatric services to all ages, children, adolescents, adults and elderly. Good luck on your decision making regarding school. If you ever have any questions about the PMHFNP degree, USAlb (online school), PM me anytime.

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Peaceful,

I would love to have more info on your school and this program. Any info would be greatly appreciated as I am just starting to explore different options.

Thank you!

Amy

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Hi Amy,

Start with exploring the University of South Alabama website, visit the nursing department, graduate admission site. There is tons of information including degrees available, course description, program tracks (length of time, class schedule for full/part time). The program is demanding/difficult. But the program seems doable with hard work. I am only in my 2nd week so check back with me later! Good luck on your exploring. You have so many exciting options ahead of you.

Peaceful

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I went to OHSU in Portland Oregon and thought that the program was really good. Specifically - the community partners are very dynamic and offer really interesting and specialized internships

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