Find a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024
Written by the MiResource team

Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) combine the medical expertise of psychiatry with the holistic, patient-centered approach of nursing. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide brief, supportive therapy—making them a strong option if you need both medication management and counseling. Their services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans, and their cash rates are typically lower than those of psychiatrists, with many offering sliding scale fees.

  • Carla Weismantel, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Carla Weismantel

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    342 N Water St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

    Carla Weismantel is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They treat Substance Use, Alcohol Use, Panic.

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

    View profile
  • Ada Wang, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Ada Wang

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    486 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440

    Ada Wang is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Bolingbrook, Illinois. They treat Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Career.

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

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  • Kelly Huffaker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Kelly Huffaker

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    2460 West Ray Road, Chandler, Arizona 85224

    Kelly Huffaker is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Chandler, Arizona and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Depression, Work/Life Balance, Cognitive Functioning.

    Dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where individuals can find healing, understanding, & empowerment on their journey towards mental wellness.

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  • Benitho Louissaint, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

    Benitho Louissaint

    Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    6197 South Rural Road, Tempe, Arizona 85283

    Benitho Louissaint is a Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Tempe, Arizona. They treat Self-Esteem, Abuse, Dependent Personality.

    We see clients of all genders, ethnicities, and cultures.

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  • Kelly Maurer FNP-PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Kelly Maurer FNP-PMHNP-BC

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    8700 East Vista Bonita Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255

    Kelly Maurer FNP-PMHNP-BC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Scottsdale, Arizona and has been in practice for 6 years. They treat Bipolar Disorder, Drug Use, Postpartum Depression.

    Offering Psychiatric & Substance Use Evaluations as well as Medication Management & MAT. Empathy & Compassion go into evaluating all mental illness.

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  • Mari-Jane Shaffer, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Mari-Jane Shaffer

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    6015 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, North Carolina 27713

    Mari-Jane Shaffer is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Durham, North Carolina. They treat Trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Career.

    The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.

    View profile

What is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner?

A psychiatric nurse practitioner (formally, a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC) is an advanced practice registered nurse who:

  • Holds a graduate degree in psychiatric nursing.
  • Is licensed by a state board of nursing as an APRN.
  • Has passed the national ANCC PMHNP-BC certification exam.

Unlike a general psychiatric nurse (an RN working on an inpatient unit, for example), a PMHNP can evaluate, diagnose, prescribe medication, and deliver psychotherapy—often serving as the sole mental-health prescriber in community clinics, primary-care offices, or virtual platforms.


Education, certification, and ongoing training

Milestone National standard What it means for you
Graduate degree Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a PMHNP focus, accredited by CCNE or ACEN Guarantees coursework in neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and therapy modalities.
National exam ANCC PMHNP-BC (175 questions) Confirms baseline competence in assessment, diagnosis, and management.
License & renewal State APRN license; ANCC credential renews every 5 years with 75 CE hours, 25 in pharmacology Ensures up-to-date practice.

Every state gives NPs prescriptive authority; 28 states and D.C. now grant full practice authority (FPA), meaning PMHNPs can practice independently without physician oversight.


Practice authority & geography: full, reduced, and restricted

  • Full practice (FPA) – e.g., WA, CO, AZ, CT, NM: PMHNPs evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe Schedule II–V drugs under the sole authority of the board of nursing.
  • Reduced practice – e.g., NY, PA, CA: A collaborative agreement with a physician is required for one or more elements of care (often prescribing).
  • Restricted practice – e.g., TX, FL, CA (for controlled substances in certain settings): State law mandates physician supervision for diagnosis or medication management.

Check your state board’s website before booking; the title is the same, but the legal latitude differs.


Prescribing controlled substances & the telehealth landscape

  • Federal baseline: Since 2010, all states allow NPs to prescribe Schedule II–V medications once they obtain a federal DEA registration. telehealth.hhs.gov
  • Tele-prescribing: Temporary COVID flexibilities letting NPs start controlled medications via video were extended through 2025 while the DEA finalizes a special telemedicine registration. axios.com
  • State overlays: A few states (e.g., Missouri) cap Schedule II refills; others (e.g., Alaska) follow federal rules without extra barriers.

If you live in a restricted state but travel to—or physically sit in—an FPA state during a telehealth visit, the NP may treat you under the FPA state’s rules. Always confirm where you must be located for each session.

Find care for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.

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