Therapy plus prescription

[David Natan]

I'm a student. I love the mind and also chemicals and the brain. I'd like to offer therapy and also be able to prescribe meds when necessary. I was told that if I study PMHNP is enough. But I also love Jung and others. So then I was suggested to study Psych and PMHNP. Would you suggest that I study both? Which one first? Would PMHNP be enough? Thank you for your advice!

[mentalhealthRN]

A psych NP would let you prescribe, and counsel, but your counseling may be limited depending on where you live. I am in NY and they just recently changed things. Psychiatrists don't do therapy anymore--just the meds-- and the LCSWs and LMHCs do the therapy. So doing both is tough. I would do some research as it is going to vary by where you live. I hear ya though. I am an RN and love psych. My plan is to go back for my LMHC so I can focus on the counseling more. I have thought of Psych NP but a couple of barriers--one program near me and its at an expensive school. Also hearing that NPs are going to have to get a PhD by 2015--not sure if I would be done by then to get grandfathered in. I know my response wasn't a huge help but I would encourage you to look into the options in your state and what the insurance companies are covering for their members from the different providers.

Good luck to you.

[ktliz]

I'm on a similar path. I have a bachelor's in psychology and will be returning to school in an accelerated BSN program, with the eventual goal of PMHNP. I loved my undergrad studies in psych, but if I had to do it over again, I would go straight to nursing. I learned a lot, but as far as the extra student loan debt, it's not worth it!

From what I understand, you don't receive a whole heck of a lot of training for therapy in PMHNP programs, although this can vary from place to place. Most likely, you would benefit from continuing education following licensure as a PMHNP. You mentioned Jungian analysis, in particular, which is pretty intense; it requires years of study to be qualified to perform psychoanalysis. There are plenty of other methods out there for you (and I) to study, though.

Good luck, and for psych nursing!

[ocean waves]

Hello. You asked "should I study both" (I think you are saying a bachelor degree in psychology and a master's in science of nursing with focus on mental health nurse practitioner). In order to meet requirements to take the state licensure exam to become an RN, the first step is usually to earn either an associate in science of nursing or a bachelor in science of nursing.(the exception is that there are some "bridge programs" for earning a masters in nursing which admit some students who have an undergraduate degree in another field). It would probably be helpful for you to talk with your nursing instructors about the class requirements for a masters in nursing and role of mental health nurse practitioners to help you decide which way to go in your education. Best wishes!

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

It depends on the state. In Massachusetts, Psych NPs can do counseling and meds.

[truffles111]

i have not seen many CNS in psych programs...i would want to focus more on counseling. is that possible as a psych NP in massachusetts?