Psychiatric Mental Health Concentration in Nursing
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) concentration prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual wages for nurse practitioners were $129,210 in May 2024, with 40.1% projected job growth through 2034. PMHNPs are in particularly high demand due to nationwide mental health provider shortages.
Quick Answers
What is a psychiatric mental health concentration in nursing?
A PMHNP concentration is a focused set of courses within an MSN or post-master’s program that prepares nurses to provide psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment including medication management and psychotherapy.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework covers psychopharmacology, psychiatric assessment, therapeutic modalities, crisis intervention, and clinical practicum hours in mental health settings.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer PMHNP concentrations online for didactic coursework, but clinical practicum hours must be completed in person at approved mental health facilities.
Back to Nursing Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across the lifespan
- Degree level: Master’s (MSN) or post-master’s certificate
- Career alignment: Nurse Practitioner ($129,210 median, BLS May 2024)
- Growth outlook: 40.1% projected growth 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Certification: ANCC PMHNP-BC board certification
- Clinical hours: Typically 600-1000+ supervised hours in psychiatric settings
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Nursing Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Psychopharmacology | Psychiatric medications, mechanisms of action, prescribing principles |
| Psychiatric Assessment | Mental status exams, diagnostic interviews, screening tools |
| Therapeutic Modalities | CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care |
| Crisis Intervention | Suicide risk assessment, de-escalation, emergency psychiatric care |
| Lifespan Psychiatry | Child/adolescent, adult, and geriatric mental health disorders |
| Substance Use Disorders | Assessment, treatment modalities, medication-assisted treatment |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many clinical practicum hours are in psychiatric/mental health settings specifically?
- Does the program prepare you for the ANCC PMHNP-BC certification exam?
- What is the program’s first-time board certification pass rate?
- Does the program include training in both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology?
- Is the program accredited by CCNE or ACEN?
How nursing concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner | Primary care across lifespan | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Adult-Gerontology | Acute/primary care for adults and elderly | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health | Mental health assessment and treatment | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Nurse Educator | Teaching in academic and clinical settings | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Informatics | Health IT, data management, EHR systems | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Leadership | Healthcare administration and management | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.