Difference between psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner

Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners both play similar major roles in mental health care. These days there is a shortage of physicians and nurses, and many roles overlap to fill in the gaps. Mental health is no exception. They each assess, diagnose, and treat patients exhibiting behavioral issues and mental health conditions. There are major differences such as education and salary. 

Psychiatrist 

The psychiatrist is a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy who has completed a bachelor’s degree and then medical school and a four-year psychiatric residency program. The psychiatrist holds a state medical license and can be board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. The education process takes a minimum of 12 years to complete and become licensed to practice. The psychiatrist can choose to specialize in practice options that focus on categories such as child psychiatry, geropsychiatry, forensics and addiction. This is not the case for the psychiatric nurse practitioner. 

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner 

NP programs requires an RN to have 2 years of experience before applying to advanced practice nursing programs. An RN who completes the nurse practitioner master’s degree or doctorate in nursing with a focus on psychiatric mental health becomes a psychiatric nurse practitioner. This typically takes 8-10 years to complete. Upon completion of the NP program, the nurse can take the board exam from the American Nurses Credentialling Center (ANCC) to become a (PMHNP-BC) Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan).  

The cost of education to become a PMHNP is a little over $100,000 and nurses can be eligible for employer-based tuition assistance as well as traditional financial aid. The cost of the educational preparation for the psychiatrist exceeds $200,000 and they are less likely to have the opportunity for tuition assistance from employers but are eligible for traditional financial aid.  

Scope of Practice 

Each state and territory licenses MDs, DOs, RNs, and NPs, and determines the scope of practice. Psychiatrists may practice without restrictions. However, only 22 states and the District of Columbia allow NPs to practice autonomously. Other states restrict practice and often require the NP to be supervised or collaborate with a psychiatrist. The right to prescribe medication is another area where scope of practice can vary widely from state to state. Continuing education for PMHNPs is determined by the state and it is required by all states for PMHNP to keep their RN license up to date.  

Typical Roles 

Both the psychiatrist and PMHNP use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to assess, diagnose and treat behavioral and mental health disorders. They can both prescribe medication as allowed in the NP Practice Act for that state. Treatment involves analysis, psychotherapy, hospitalization, individual as well as group counselling. Because nursing practice involves educating patients and their families, PMHNPs often develop mental health related education and resources for patients and their families. 

They each work in private practice or group practice as well as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, schools, prisons, and jails. Psychiatrists most often work in private practice whereas PHMNPs are most likely to work in mental health clinics and hospitals.   

Salary Differences 

The cost of education seems to correlate to the earning capacity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychiatrists earn a mean annual salary of $217,100 and PMHNPs earn a mean annual salary of $114, 510. That being said, salaries can vary widely from one area of the country to another. The highest pay for psychiatrists is found in Kansas and North Dakota ($288,060 and $281,410 respectively) followed by Minnesota, New Mexico, and Nebraska. The easiest places to find a job as a psychiatrist include New York, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Maryland, and Washington DC. New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania have the largest number of psychiatrists.  

The best opportunities for PMHNPs appear to be found in Mississippi, Alaska, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Maine. The largest number of PMHNPs are found in California, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Florida. The highest paying regions for PMHNPs are California ($145,970) and New Jersey ($130,890). Washington, Massachusetts, and New York are also top paying locations for PMHNPs.  

Difference between psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner

Is a psychiatric nurse the same as a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) that evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with mental disorders. Psychiatry is different from what psychiatric nurse practitioners and therapists and psychologists do because to the status as medical doctors, though many of their job responsibilities are similar.

Can a nurse practitioner diagnose mental illness?

In primary care settings, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are often the first to see patients with mental illnesses. FNPs can diagnose and treat patients with uncomplicated mental illness, such as depression and anxiety, within their scope of practice (SOP).

What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

Students pursuing an FNP specialization take courses focused on family practice and provide primary care to patients of all ages. In contrast, PMHNP students take specialty courses on the signs and symptoms for mental health diagnosis of patients and the effective delivery of psychiatric care.

What is the difference in training between a psychiatrist and an advanced practice psychiatric nurse?

A psychiatrist must have a medical degree, local state certification, and completion of an internship to practice. PMHNPs, on the other hand, generally hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and must pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).