Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness each year. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, almost 1 in 4 adults age 18 or older had a mental illness in 2022 — that’s 59.3 million people or 23.1% of the population. A 2022 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and published in JAMA Pediatrics found significant increases in children diagnosed with mental health conditions from 2016 to 2020 (the most recent years for which data is available).
The need for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) is high. If you’re interested in this field, learn how to become a PMHNP and the challenges and rewards of treating those with mental health needs.
What Does the Future of Mental Health Care Look Like?
The need for mental health care providers has grown due to two factors: the shortage of psychiatric care providers in general and an increasing national conversation about mental health.
Continuing Growth
The need for psychiatric mental health nurses in general is reflected in overall labor statistics. Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to a 2022 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), there's a critical shortage of psychiatrists, and that shortage will only continue to grow. According to one study, psychiatric mental health nurses may be able to help fill the gap in mental health services.
Greater Need
In 2022, the World Health Organization reported that in the first year of the pandemic, anxiety and depression increased by 25% around the world. In 2023, a KFF/CNN survey found that concerns about mental health and substance use remained high 3 years after the pandemic’s onset, with 90% of U.S. adults believing that the country is facing a mental health crisis.
Providers everywhere have reported an increase in people seeking psychiatric services since the pandemic began. A growing national conversation about mental health has also made it more acceptable to seek mental health care services.
According to the Business Group on Health’s 2024 Large Employer Health Care Strategy Survey, which included responses from 152 employers representing 19 million people, 77% of employers plan to focus on increasing mental health access in 2024.
“Coming off the most difficult times this country has faced in a generation, there is growing acceptance that seeking mental health care support and treatment is okay and not the same as it was decades ago,” says Jennifer Sam, DNP, Purdue Global faculty member. “As more and more people share their experiences and normalize that we all need support from time to time, I expect that our services will only become more needed.”
What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do?
In states where nurse practitioners have full practice authority, a psychiatric nurse practitioner can do many of the same things a medical psychiatrist can do, including managing patient care, prescribing medication, and guiding patients as they seek therapy and group services.
According to O*Net OnLine, additional duties of a psychiatric nurse include:
- Administer basic health care or medical treatments
- Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals
- Collaborate with health care professionals to plan or provide treatment
- Design health programs
- Develop medical treatment plans
- Establish nursing policies or standards
- Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health
- Maintain medical or professional knowledge
- Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments
- Record patient medical histories
- Teach health management classes
- Treat patients using psychological therapies
What Is the Job Outlook for Nurse Practitioners?
The BLS states that the employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.
Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
The time needed to become a licensed nurse practitioner can vary, but in general, it takes 5–6 years of schooling. This includes earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, obtaining the registered nurse designation, completing a Master of Science in Nursing, passing the national exam for psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners, and applying for state licensure.
Who Would Make a Good Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?
To be a successful PMHNP, you should want to help people, recognize their unique experiences, validate them, respect them as individuals, and help guide them to make choices to improve their lives.
Without that commitment, the job can be difficult. You will deal with trauma and distress in people's lives, and without that desire to help others, the job could be quite taxing.
What Are Some of the Rewards of Being a Psychiatric Nurse?
Being a psychiatric nurse practitioner is challenging but rewarding.
“Having taken a [non-linear] journey to mental health care, the common thread was the desire to help. When my family struggled to find the support we needed, the lack of access resonated [with me], and I wanted to become part of the solution,” Sam says. “There are daily challenges, but the relationships I build with my patients are some of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my health care career.”
Build Your Career at Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers both an online RN-to-BSN program and an online Master of Science in Nursing with a degree pathway as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. As a working nurse, you need flexibility in your schooling, and Purdue Global provides that flexibility so you can work and go to school at the same time.
You can also obtain a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate.
Contact us today to find out more about your options.
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