buddhasmash

Thanks so much for the reply. It was very thorough. :-) Just to clarify: A PMHNP has the training necessary to perform psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, though they rarely perform the service due to financial and time constraints. In a pinch, however, they are capable of it. Correct?

I'm currently a freshman in college and I'm trying to decide which educational/career path to pursue. I want to provide primary mental health care to under-served rural communities. I have no problem with working under the supervision of a physician, but I want to be trained to provide at least some psychotherapy on top of having psycho-pharmacology training. Are NPs and/or PAs allowed/trained to administer psychotherapy? Or will I have to purse medical school in order to provide this service?

I'm most interested in delivering cost-effective primary care to under-served rural communities. I think getting a DNP is the most effective and sensible route to that career.