Contract Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Job Summary
Assessing Alternatives Counseling (AAC) is seeking an experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with training and clinical experience in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to join our multidisciplinary team as an independent contractor. This role involves providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and medical oversight of KAP services in collaboration with licensed therapists across three Colorado locations.

The ideal candidate demonstrates clinical competence in trauma-informed care, comfort working within an interdisciplinary model, and familiarity with best practices, safety protocols, and regulatory considerations related to ketamine treatment.

Responsibilities
Clinical Services

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnostic assessments
• Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, including ketamine where clinically appropriate
• Determine medical appropriateness for KAP and provide ongoing monitoring
• Provide medical clearance and risk assessment for patients participating in KAP
• Monitor patient response, side effects, and safety throughout treatment

KAP-Specific Responsibilities

• Collaborate with therapists providing KAP to coordinate care and treatment planning
• Provide medical oversight for ketamine administration (e.g., lozenge/oral protocols or other approved routes)
• Participate in development and adherence to KAP protocols, informed consent processes, and safety procedures
• Be available for consultation during KAP sessions as clinically indicated
• Ensure compliance with Colorado regulations and DEA requirements related to Schedule III substances

Collaboration & Documentation

• Work collaboratively with therapists, leadership, and administrative staff
• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record (SimplePractice)
• Participate in case consultation as needed
• Support continuity of care through appropriate communication and coordination
• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Administer ketamine infusions and monitor patient responses during and after sessions, ensuring safety and comfort throughout the process.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate psychotherapy techniques with pharmacological interventions for optimal outcomes.
• Educate patients on the benefits, risks, and expectations of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, fostering informed consent and engagement.
• Maintain detailed medical documentation using electronic health record (EHR) systems such as Epic or Athenahealth, adhering to HIPAA regulations.
• Monitor patient progress through ongoing assessments and adjust treatment protocols accordingly to maximize therapeutic benefits.
• Participate in clinical research initiatives related to psychedelic therapies, contributing data and insights to advance the field of mental health treatment.

Qualifications

Required

• Active and unrestricted Colorado license as a Nurse Practitioner
• Board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• DEA license with Schedule III prescriptive authority
• Demonstrated experience prescribing and managing psychiatric medications
• Prior training and/or clinical experience with Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
• Professional liability insurance (or willingness to obtain prior to start)

Preferred

• Experience in trauma-informed and integrative mental health care (e.g., EMDR, IFS-informed collaboration)
• Experience working in private practice or group practice settings
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary treatment models
• Experience developing or implementing clinical protocols
• Current licensure as a Nurse Practitioner with certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
• Proven experience in psychiatric care settings, including hospital or outpatient clinics, with a strong foundation in mental health assessment and medication management.
• Knowledge of psychopharmacology, including ketamine therapy protocols and related medications.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR systems) such as Epic, Cerner, or Athenahealth for accurate documentation.
• Experience working with diverse populations across age groups, including adults and adolescents; experience with children or geriatric populations is a plus.
• Strong understanding of safety protocols related to IV infusion administration and acute care procedures.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to educate patients effectively about complex treatment options.
• Additional skills that enhance your candidacy include experience in clinical research, behavioral health integration, trauma-informed care, telehealth delivery methods, and familiarity with medical coding such as CPT or ICD systems. Join us in pioneering innovative mental health solutions by providing compassionate KAP services that transform lives! We value energetic professionals dedicated to advancing psychiatric care through evidence-based practices and holistic approaches. This paid position offers an enriching environment where your expertise will directly impact patient well-being while fostering your professional growth in a forward-thinking organization committed to excellence.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Flexible, self-managed schedule
• Combination of in-person services across three Colorado locations and telehealth
• Administrative and billing support provided

Additional Considerations

• Contractor will operate as an independent provider and is responsible for maintaining licensure, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws
• AAC provides administrative infrastructure, referral stream, and collaborative clinical environment
• Opportunity to contribute to the development and growth of a KAP program within an established practice

Pay: From $100.00 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Arvada, CO 80002