What is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a registered nurse with graduate-level training, a master’s (MSN) or doctoral (DNP) degree, focused on mental health care across the lifespan. “PMHNP-BC” means the provider is board-certified in this specialty.
In Washington State, psychiatric nurse practitioners can independently evaluate patients, diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication and manage ongoing treatment.
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who completed medical school followed by residency training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists also evaluate, diagnose and prescribe, and some focus on especially complex cases or hospital-based care.
How they compare
| Psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) | Psychiatrist | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Nursing degree, then a master’s or doctorate in psychiatric mental health nursing | Medical school, then a psychiatry residency |
| Evaluates and diagnoses | Yes | Yes |
| Prescribes medication | Yes | Yes |
| Ongoing medication management | Yes | Yes |
| Care approach | Nursing training emphasizes the whole person: health, daily life, family and goals | Medical training emphasizes the biological and medical side of illness |
For most people seeking help with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD and similar conditions, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner provides the same core outpatient care: a thorough evaluation, a diagnosis, a treatment plan and medication management with regular follow-up.
Where does a therapist fit in?
Therapists, such as a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), provide talk therapy, for example CBT, DBT or EMDR. They do not prescribe medication. Many people do best with both: medication management with a nurse practitioner or psychiatrist, plus regular therapy.
How care works at CloverHope
CloverHope is a doctorally led practice. Our providers are board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, led by Dr. Agnes Maramba, DNP, PMHNP-BC. Our therapist, Jasmine Girgenti, LICSW, offers therapy that can be coordinated with your medication management, all under one roof in Federal Way.
Quick answers
Can a psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe medication?
Yes. In Washington State, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can evaluate, diagnose and prescribe medication, including ongoing medication management.
What does PMHNP-BC mean?
PMHNP stands for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. BC means board-certified in that specialty.
Do I need a psychiatrist or a therapist?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist evaluates you and can prescribe medication. A therapist provides talk therapy and does not prescribe. Many people benefit from both.
Ready to talk with someone?
CloverHope is accepting new patients in Federal Way and by telehealth. We accept Medicare, Medicaid (Apple Health) and most major insurance.
Need help right now? If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time. For a medical emergency, call 911.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with a qualified provider about your own care.