Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Position Summary

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) provides comprehensive psychiatric care to clients across the lifespan in a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). The PMHNP is responsible for psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and coordination of care with interdisciplinary teams. This role emphasizes recovery-oriented, culturally competent, and community-based care in alignment with CMHC standards, state, and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments, including mental status examinations, risk assessments, and diagnostic evaluations.
• Diagnose psychiatric disorders using DSM-5 criteria and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Prescribe, manage, and monitor psychotropic medications, ensuring safety, efficacy, and adherence.
• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy using evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT, trauma-informed, supportive therapy, etc.).
• Deliver crisis intervention and stabilization for clients experiencing psychiatric emergencies, including suicide and violence risk management.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, therapists, case managers, and external agencies (schools, probation, housing, hospitals) to ensure coordinated care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings and case conferences.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Promote recovery-oriented care, mental wellness, and integration of behavioral and primary healthcare.
• Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory standards, including HIPAA, CMS, and state practice acts.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, staff training, and program development.

Skills & Competencies

Clinical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of psychiatric disorders, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based psychotherapies.
• Proficiency in conducting psychiatric evaluations, risk assessments, and crisis interventions.
• Competence in prescribing, adjusting, and monitoring psychotropic medications.
• Skilled in providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and recovery-focused care.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and telehealth platforms.
• Ability to use standardized screening/assessment tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, C-SSRS, ASAM, etc.).
• Understanding of billing, documentation, and compliance requirements for CMHCs.

Professional Competencies

• Communication: Clear, compassionate communication with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Collaboration: Strong teamwork and consultation skills with diverse healthcare professionals.
• Ethics & Confidentiality: Adherence to HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and professional codes of ethics.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to serve diverse populations, including underserved and high-risk communities.
• Crisis Management: Calm and effective intervention in psychiatric emergencies.
• Leadership & Advocacy: Promotes mental health equity, access, and stigma reduction within the community.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing (MSN, DNP) from an accredited PMHNP program.
• Current PMHNP certification (ANCC).
• Current RN and APRN license in [State].
• DEA registration and state prescriptive authority.
• Prior experience in community mental health, crisis services, or integrated care preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in outpatient CMHC setting, with possible outreach to schools, community agencies, and crisis locations.
• May involve exposure to high-stress situations and clients in acute psychiatric distress.
• Requires flexibility for evening or weekend shifts, as assigned.

Pay: $60.00 - $100.00 per hour

Work Location: In person