Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are educated at the master’s (MSN) or clinical doctorate (DNP) level in a holistic biopsychosocial model of psychiatric & mental health nursing. PMHNPs learn through the nursing modalities, and they are responsible for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of mental illnesses. These conditions include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. PMHNPs may conduct physical exams, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, provide individual therapy and write prescriptions. PMHNPs are not physicians. PMHNPs are similar to psychiatrists in that both may provide psychiatric medication management. They are certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). PMHNPs obtain their license, are regulated and subject to laws governing their practice/scope of practice through the state board of nursing.

PMHNPs are trained to expand your access to healthcare. Hoping that you are able to access care for your health concerns as quickly and more conveniently as it can be by growing numbers of qualified providers through Nurse Practitioners.

Psychologists are professionals who are trained in psychological testing with individuals that have mild to severe psychological issues. Unlike PMHNPs, Psychologists cannot prescribe psychotropic medications.

Therapists provide psychotherapy services and are educated as Master of Social Work (MSW) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). If you are seen at The Chadwick Clinic for medications management and brief therapy, we will strongly recommend or may require that you also see an LPC or LCSW for continuous once/twice weekly individual or family therapy. Many social workers focus on solving social problems and connecting clients with appropriate resources.

Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners have similar roles and responsibilities. They both assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They both can prescribe medication. At the end of the day, see the provider that makes you feel safe and comfortable.

Our mental health services are designed to address the individual as a whole and to consider all possible variables that impact well-being. Our Providers work diligently to proactively address any concerns to get you back on track. These mental health services include:

Lab work to evaluate general medical conditions that may cause or worsen symptoms.

Services to address sleep hygiene, physical fitness efforts, and dietary choices.

Services to address the situational stressors that may or may not be within our control.