Psychiatrist vs. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: What’s the Difference?
Making the decision to prioritize your mental health is a huge step toward building a healthy, joyful life — and for many people, this means finding the right provider to prescribe or manage medication for a mental illness. But knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming, especially as you navigate a sea of unfamiliar terminology.
It’s normal to have a lot of questions about medication for your mental health, and these questions can be answered by a psychiatric care professional. Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can provide you with care, but there are a few key differences between the two providers to keep in mind. Understanding these considerations will help you forge a clear path forward in your mental health journey.
Keep reading to learn the distinctions between a psychiatrist vs. psychiatric nurse practitioners and discover your next steps in seeking mental health care.
What Is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is specifically trained to treat mental health conditions. Psychiatrists undergo 12 years of school and are fully licensed doctors, just like the healthcare providers you turn to when you’re feeling physically unwell. The difference is simply that instead of treating injuries or physical illness, a psychiatrist specializes in mental illnesses.
What Is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, often referred to as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with graduate-level mental health training. Their nursing background uniquely equips PMHNPs to provide holistic, patient-centered care that takes into account physiological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
What Is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist vs. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners?
While there are many overlapping skills and services both psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can provide, there are a few differences in their backgrounds, levels of training, and scope of practice. See below to better understand what is similar and what sets the two providers apart.
| Training | |
| Psychiatrists | PMHNPs |
| MD (Medical Doctor) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) | MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) or DSN (Doctor of Science in Nursing) |
| What They Both Do | |
|---|---|
| Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
Diagnose mental health disorders Prescribe psychiatric medications Adjust dosages, monitor effects, and manage side effects of medications Provide supportive counseling Collaborate with therapists and other providers Offer long-term psychiatric care Support relapse prevention and wellness planning |
|
| Unique to Each Profession | |
| Psychiatrists | PMHNPs | Provide full medical diagnostic evaluations Diagnose and treat medical conditions that interact with psychiatric disorders More likely to work in inpatient or acute care settings May be called on to evaluate a patient for an involuntary admission to receive intensive mental health care. |
More commonly combine psychotherapy with medication management (though either profession can) Often spend more time on lifestyle interventions, coping skills, and health coaching More likely to work in outpatient settings |
Should I See a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
You’re ready to begin mental health treatment, but you’re sick of scouring the internet without really knowing what, or who, you’re looking for. So, what’s the best choice for you — a psychiatrist, or a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs can prescribe medication and provide supportive psychotherapy. However, a psychiatrist may be better equipped to treat complicated mental health issues that require acute psychiatric care such as in an inpatient setting. Psychiatrists, as MDs or DOs, also have more advanced training in treating mental health conditions that c0-occur and interact with medical conditions. Otherwise, you will be in good hands with either professional to support your mental health needs.
How Can a PMHNP Help Me?
When facing mental health challenges, you need a compassionate, patient-centered expert in your corner who prioritizes treating the whole person. That’s where a psychiatric nurse practitioner comes in — guiding you with empathetic, collaborative treatment that makes you feel seen, understood, and supported.
Your PMHNP will work both with you and other healthcare providers to ensure you’re able to move toward healing with intention, strategy, and care. Not only will they be able to diagnose any mental health conditions, but they’ll be able to work with you to find a medication plan that works, in addition to providing supportive talk therapy and helping you build a tool kit of coping strategies unique to your needs.
Many PMHNPs offer more accessible, cost-effective care than traditional psychiatric practices. Plus, when you connect with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Aspire Psychology, you’ll have flexible scheduling options, including telehealth — so you’re never too busy to make your mental health a priority.
Discover the Best Psychiatric Care in Portland, Oregon
Seeking psychiatric care does not have to feel daunting. It takes courage to ask for help, and you deserve care that comes alongside you as you journey toward healing.
At Aspire Psychology, our psychiatric nurse practitioners are passionate about providing compassionate, personalized care that honors your story. With trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment, our team is ready to partner with you to discover how we can best support your wellbeing.
Whether you’re looking for help managing anxiety or OCD, are wondering if it’s time to add medication to your treatment plan, or are ready to say yes to therapy, Aspire is here to be a trusted source of care, understanding, and hope every step of the way.
