MindfulMSWRN

I applied for the PMHNP program at Stony Brook, for similar start date. I went down to interview just after Thanksgiving, but now not expecting to hear until Feb/March. Any word for you yet?

Any chance you've heard yet? I interviewed right before the Holidays and really anxious to hear something, just for planning purposes really.

I applied for PMHNP for Summer 2017. Best of luck to you!

I think volunteering is so important. There are so many options and ways to get involved. Personally, my passion is for perinatal and maternal-child mental health/wellness. I serve on the Board of Directors for a local NPO, facilitate groups for the organization, and co-chair a postpartum wellness committee in our community. It's a great way to give back to my community, but also to raise awareness and get conversations going among colleagues and community stakeholders as well.

Interesting read, and very relevant for me at the moment. Thanks!

I think there are ways to communicate you care for patients, but "I love you" just isn't one of them for me. Authentic connection and patient-centered care are so important, but telling people you love them seems inappropriate and honestly- IMO it's more about the person saying it and their needs, not about the patient and what they need. That's a problematic path to wander down.

Curious if you can share another update? I'm an LMSW and RN in NYS and for many reasons, looking into PMHNP programs- Also, looking into programs with a family focus so that I can continue with my current clinical specialty (perinatal and early childhood MH). Seems like you had many of the same questions that I have as I consider this next step, and I'd be interested in how things are going in your program. Best wishes!

Curious, if you're willing to share, what career are you moving on from?

Nursing was my 2nd career, and when I went back to school my program was almost all late 20's through mid 40's students. It seems like career switches are fairly common in your 30s, and if you're feeling the need for a change- now seems like as good a time as any :)

It's also a shame that it doesn't have to be this way, and it wasn't always. This tiered pathway to full clinical licensure didn't always exist, and the push to legitimize social work as a profession has made it that much more difficult to actually help people. I'm not in favor of direct entry to private practice, but I think a lot of good clinicians are putting in their time in hospitals/clinics working as "therapists" and still not getting the supervision hours (not that they aren't receiving some supervision, but that it just isn't meeting requirements to be counted for licensure i.e. being supervised by someone with non-SW licensure or similar scenarios). In all honest, I don't really want prescribing privileges... just to keep the scope I've been working in and be able to be insurance reimbursable in this lifetime (Medicaid is one of the hardest to panel with in NY). I know the $$$ is in private pay and people will pay, but I'm more concerned with those who can't. Perinatal MH is my passion and I think a PMHNP is the best way for me to be of service to mothers/families in my community (hopefully, more providers/clinicians will want to join me in expanding services locally too). Thanks for your comment Jules A, really reminds me why I love my work.

It seems that I haven't been a member long enough to PM. Thanks for offering though! ETA: This was the reply I tried to send you... Mostly wondering how you feel about the general climate for PMHNPs in NY? Anything you wish you had considered about scope of practice or role? Or things you would recommend others consider before choosing this specialty? I only have two options for programs- one being distance and affordable (Stonybrook), and the other much more appealing and $$$ (University of Rochester). My main hesitation is the cost at this point. Ultimately, I think a PMHNP is the most sustainable way for me to continue my work. I had tabled the idea a few months back, but I'm now reconsidering it. Thanks again and congrats on completing your program!

This probably goes without saying, but I do. Being a social worker in NYS is extremely difficult, and completing supervision is becoming increasingly difficult for many because many employers treat it as an after-thought. 3-6 years of post-LMSW supervision to be eligible for LCSW, then another 3yrs to be eligible for an R number (which many insurance companies still require in NYS for credentialing). I am grateful to already have a BSN and have the NP option available to me.

I would really appreciate the opportunity to pick your brain a little, if you're still open to chatting. I had tabled the idea for awhile, but recently decided that it's an option I really need to consider now.

Thanks. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Fortunately, the group practice that I currently work with does have two psychiatrists and it's likely that one would be more than willing to collaborate with me so that requirement isn't a huge barrier. I know that a lot of programs don't provide much in the way of psychotherapy training even though the role qualifies you to practice so already having that experience feels like a little advantage for remaining in private practice. That being said, I really do need to look more into the regs and SOP in NY. As for the money, everyone in the field makes more than social workers. I mean technically, I think I made more as an LDRP nurse than I ever did in an agency clinic as a therapist. Private practice is a little different, but I'm not expecting to make the big bucks. I'm really looking to expand my SOP a little and ultimately, have an easier path to credentialing with insurance. I know lots of clinicians want to move towards private pay once they're in private practice, but the population I work with often needs to use insurance and have very few options to do so with clinicians who specialize in perinatal mental health-- at least in the area that i'm located.

Greetings! I'm not currently working as a nurse; however, I have a BSN and hold a current RN license in my state. I currently work as a therapist in a group private practice. I am an LMSW completing my LCSW; however, the process to complete my remaining supervision hours would be as long as it would take to complete an NP. Plus in NY most major insurance companies require LCSW to have R privileges to panel in-network. Completing an R number is another 3yrs of supervision after I take my final stage licensing exam. NY is a tough state to practice social work. My area has a huge shortage of Psychiatrists and PMHNP. For all of the above-stated reasons, plus a few lifestyle factors, I am seriously considering a PMHNP program. I would likely continue to provide psychotherapy in addition to med-management and more psychiatric services, and remaining in a private practice setting is appealing to me. I would love to work PT in a clinic setting or elsewhere, but I really enjoy the private setting. I should also add that I currently specialize in perinatal mental health, parent-child therapy, and couples work. The program closest to me currently has 50% scholarship opportunities for the PMHNP program and they are affiliated with a university/hospital system that has wonderful psychiatric services. Still I am a little hesitant about the idea of returning to school and taking on more student loan debt. Looking for input from practicing PMHNPs or current students. Open to any and all feedback, suggestions, or insights. Thanks.