Every May, we take a moment to recognize the powerful impact nurses have on health care. But this National Nurses Week, let’s shine the spotlight on a group of mental health providers who are often under-celebrated: psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). These highly trained professionals are changing lives across the country, and at Relief Mental Health, with a broad spectrum of evidence-based care.
What Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) Do?
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who diagnose, treat, and manage mental health diagnoses. They hold a Bachelor of Science in nursing, followed by a master’s or doctorate in psychiatric mental health nursing, and are board certified to treat patients across the lifespan.
Their day-to-day work includes:
- Conducting mental health diagnoses
- Prescribing medications and adjusting psychiatric medications
- Providing supportive behavioral therapy
- Creating treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs
- Monitoring outcomes and making data-informed changes
- Offering innovative treatments like TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), SPRAVATO® (esketamine), and ketamine infusions, particularly for those with treatment-resistant conditions.
Unlike general practitioners, PMHNPs specialize in mental health. That means their entire training and clinical focus is centered on supporting people with anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more.
How are PMHNPs Different from Psychiatrists or Therapists?
With so many mental health providers available, it’s normal to feel unsure about who to see. Understanding the difference can help you make the right choice for your needs.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in mental health. They:
- Diagnose mental health conditions.
- Prescribe and manage medications.
- May provide supportive psychotherapy, though their primary focus is on medication management.
Their extensive medical training equips them to handle complex psychiatric diagnoses, often in hospital or specialized settings.
Therapists
Therapists, including counselors, social workers and psychologists, typically hold a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. They:
- Provide talk therapy to help clients navigate emotional and psychological challenges.
- Do not prescribe medications.
- Focus on developing coping strategies and behavioral interventions.
A therapist will be a great option if you’re looking to explore personal issues, develop coping mechanisms, and improve mental well-being through conversation and behavioral techniques.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
PMHNPs are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in psychiatric mental health. They:
- Assess and diagnose mental health conditions.
- Prescribe and manage medications.
- Provide supportive psychotherapy.
- Develop and oversee comprehensive treatment plans.
PMHNPs bridge the gap between psychiatry and therapy, offering a holistic approach to mental health care. They’re versatile and can handle a broad spectrum of services. In many outpatient settings, PMHNPs are the primary point of contact for patients. They take time to understand the diagnosis and complete picture of a person’s life, goals, and treatment history. They’re deeply involved in every step of the care process.
When to See a PMHNP
Knowing when to seek help can change everything. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) support people at every stage of their mental health journey, whether you’re struggling for the first time or looking for better results after years of treatment.
You may want to see a PMHNP if:
- Therapy or medications aren’t working, and your symptoms continue to disrupt your life
- You feel stuck in anxious depression or overwhelmed by symptoms that overlap and don’t make sense
- You have a mental health diagnosis, but your treatment plan no longer feels right
- Your mood, sleep, or focus are off and it’s affecting your daily routine
- You’re dealing with a substance use or eating disorder and need medication that addresses the whole picture and underlying issues, such as depression, OCD, anxiety or trauma
- You want to explore innovative options like TMS therapy, SPRAVATO®, or ketamine infusions
PMHNPs provide direct access to advanced, evidence-based mental health care. They manage symptoms and help you move forward with clear strategies, clinical insight, and personalized support.
And the need is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners continues to rise because more people are looking for care that’s flexible, effective, and designed around real-life needs.
A Broader Role in Mental Health Services
Today’s mental health services landscape is evolving fast and PMHNPs are helping lead that evolution.
At Relief Mental Health, psychiatric nurse practitioners along with psychiatrists, physician assistants, and therapists, are central to the delivery of personalized care. Their work goes beyond symptom management. It’s about building strong clinical relationships, tracking outcomes, adjusting therapies, and embracing innovation.
For patients with treatment-resistant depression, PMHNPs at Relief may recommend SPRAVATO® (esketamine) or IV ketamine—both of which have shown promise in clinical studies. They also guide patients through TMS, a noninvasive option that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. These approaches are rooted in science, tailored to the individual, and delivered with professionalism and integrity.
And unlike some larger systems where patients cycle through providers, Relief PMHNPs stay connected with patients throughout their journey — adjusting medications, supporting lifestyle changes, and monitoring progress closely.
Honoring Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners During National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week is a time to recognize the people who make real progress possible in mental health care. At Relief Mental Health, psychiatric nurse practitioners lead that progress every day.
They evaluate symptoms, provide diagnoses, and create personalized treatment plans. They prescribe and manage medications, guide patients through advanced options like TMS, SPRAVATO®, and ketamine infusions, and continuously adapt care to align with each individual’s needs and goals.
Their work extends beyond the clinical. It’s focused, intentional, and rooted in outcomes. This week, we celebrate their dedication and the steady, expert support they bring to every patient they serve.
Looking for Help That Works? Relief Mental Health Is Here
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to explore new treatment options, Relief Mental Health offers a full range of mental health services led by highly skilled psychiatric nurse practitioners and other clinical team members. Our team provides thorough evaluations, medication management, and access to advanced treatments like TMS therapy, SPRAVATO®, and ketamine infusions — all backed by the latest clinical research and delivered with precision.
You don’t have to keep waiting for things to get better. We’re ready to build a plan that fits your needs, supports your progress, and helps you confidently move forward. Reach out today to connect with a provider and take the first step toward feeling better.
