salaries for psych/mental health NP

[sammie1]

:paw: Hello! I am enrolld to start a MSN-DNP program for the psychiatry specialty. Howver, I recently talked to a co-workers daughter who is going to be graduating with this degree in May and she says theres NO money out there in this position!! Does any one know if this is true?? I'm worried about my investment of time, energy, and money!! Thanks!!

[bookwormom]

When you graduate, will you be able to set up a private practice? If not, would you be able to be licensed as a professional counselor (or what ever they call it in your state). Seems to me, there would be a reasonable income in private practice if you can bill insurance.

[ruralnurs]

Why choose MSN-DNP rather than MSN as a psych NP or Psych CNS? From what I understand getting your doctorate allows you to teach at a higher level and gets people to cal you "Dr." but not much else.

Just like at the lower level, most ADNs make pretty much the same as BSNs.

I am getting my post-masters as psych NP, it is less schooling than a doctorate, costs less and I will be able to practice just as indepnedantly (atleast in my state) as a DNP in psych.

I would explore what options you have before you decide.