Please help

Only because I've heard doctors in my family talk bad about nurse practitioners

Are you a nurse now?

Only because I've heard doctors in my family talk bad about nurse practitioners

Doctors will always talk bad about NPs because they don't want NPs to gain independent practice and NP education model is different (i.e., not the same as theirs = bad & inferior). Always take others' opinions with a grain of salt especially when it sounds extreme.

I'm not sure how much research you have done on your own, but start with looking into all the courses you will need to complete to become a Psych NP, and look at the job responsibilities of a psych NP vs LSCW, then decide.

At the end of the day, if you are not willing to commit the time to become a MD and you want a job as a psychiatric provider that pays very well, you don't have a lot of other options. The only other option is Physician Assistant.

Keep in mind that psychiatric NP field will become saturated (fewer jobs, lower pay). Many jobless or underpaid Family NPs are switching into psych to make a quick buck. The career prospect might not be as bright as you think by the time you graduate.

Be aware that being a psych NP has v. little to do with "psychology" and is primarily about prescribing medications.

This is very true.

Either you put the hard work in to do what you want or you take the easier route and settle for something. You need more hands on experience to make a full judgement. Get started on something first and then see. You need some support to go to school. Who will watch the kids etc?. I am working on becoming a MD and I have experience working in a institution so I know it is something I want to do. It will be hard work but I have support physically and financially. If I didn't I would not do it.

So what are you actually saying then? You said I either work hard to do what I want like you are but then you said if you didn't have the support from your family you wouldn't do it which I mentioned earlier I have absolutely no help. I was in the foster system so I don't have a mom or dad to help and I live very very far from my brother and sister thank god so if you could clarify what you are trying to say that would be great

I'm not trying to speak for Workitinurfava, but what I think she's saying is that becoming a psychiatric NP is a challenging road that requires a good support system - for your kids, your finances, your own mental health, etc.

Are you a nurse currently? Do you know what is required to become an NP? What are the job prospects in your area? Could you become an RN first and work on a psychiatric unit and see if it appeals to you? Who will watch your kids while you're in school and studying? All of these things require serious consideration.

Once you go through an NP program and pass your boards, presumably you will know enough to safely treat patients within your scope of practice, so perhaps you won't be as concerned about what some hypothetical doctors might think about you in the future. :)

I wish you the best. If you truly feel passionate about this area and have the aptitude for it, then take the next step on your journey.

I agree with Elkpark- PMHNPs do a TON of med management, not much 'therapy' work at all. their role is not the same as a therapist.