Private PMHNP Practice in Massachusetts

[luckylady5]

I am planning and hoping to become a Psychiatric NP and just thinking ahead...is it both possible and profitable to open a small private practice? I know the costs are relatively low for this type of practice, and I am curious as to what kind of income could be expected from such a business. Thank you for any information!

[Euphrosyne7, MSN, RN]

Hi there:

It can be profitable to open your own practice in MA. I know several CNS'/NP's who have. You must have a supervising physician and learn about reimbursement or initially use a billing company so you will get paid. There is quite a bit involved in it so the best thing to do is get your license first then look into it more.

Carla

[aet111]

Hi Carla,

Is it possible to pm you? I have a few questions that I would REALLY appreciate if you could answer...

Thanks,

Anne

[Euphrosyne7, MSN, RN]

Hi Anne:

Sure PM me. That's fine.

Carla

[Nelly, FNP]

Hello Carla

I am an FNP looking to apply to a PMHNP program. Just wanted to ask you a few questions if you don't mind:

How long have you been a PMHNP?

What ages do you see and what conditions do you commonly treat?

Do you do therapy?

Have you started your own private practice?

Any thoughts on the PMHNP-DNP dual programs out there?

Thanks

Nelly

[Euphrosyne7, MSN, RN]

Hi Nelly:

I just passed the boards the end of July so not even licensed by my state yet.......still waiting for them to process the paperwork! I am certified to see ages 13+, however, in RI, many of the CNS's see all ages (it seems that if your collaborating physician does and precepts you, it is ok according to RI but I don't think that according to the ANA you are supposed to) I can do therapy but will probably not due to billing/insurance reimbursement which is much lower for therapy vs med management.

I have been hired by a group and will see all of my own patients at their facility. At some point, I may decide to be in private practice but as I am just starting out, I will likely benefit from being in a group.

Initially, I was pretty nervous about seeing children, but during clinicals I got to experience seeing pedi/adolescents and decided that I enjoyed that population so my plan is to go on for a DNP with a specific Family PMHNP track. After that, I will be eligible to sit for the Family PMHNP ANCC certification.

Hope this helps,

Carla

[Nelly, FNP]

Wow thats great, congrats on passing your exam. I wish you much success. Hey, what program did you complete for Adult psych. I dont think I would be interested in seeing kids less than 13 y.o. but it seems like most programs are family oriented. Do you think that the Family PMHNP is more marketable than just the Adult cert?

[Euphrosyne7, MSN, RN]

Hi Nelly:

I attended Drexel. I do think that Family PMHNP is more marketable (but PMHNP seems to be pretty marketable too) because then you can see children so depending on where you want to work, it may make a difference. Also to consider is the fact that psychiatric illness has a strong familial connections. Many of the patients that my preceptor saw had children/adolescents who also needed to be seen. In many cases, he was treating entire families.

Kind of like ANP vs FNP.

If you are considering doing an online DNP for family psych, I would suggest also checking out University of Missouri, Sinclair school of nursing.........they also have an online option for FamilyPMHNP, DNP and it is where I am considering applying.

Carla

[Nelly, FNP]

Thanks for the insight Carla!!!