What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed a specialization in psychiatry. Psychiatric nurse practitioners can write prescriptions for medications that can help you better manage anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other emotional health challenges.
- Psychiatric
What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed a residency in psychiatry. They are trained in either an allopathic or osteopathic method of disease treatment depending on which medical schools they attended.
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioners train in a nursing model of care that is focused on treating the individual in a holistic way. The theory of care most commonly taught to Nurse Practitioners is the theory of interpersonal relationships which was developed by Hildegard Peplau. According to Peplau, the person is a developing self-system composed of biochemical, physiological, and interpersonal characteristics and needs.
What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychologist or psychotherapist?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed a graduate degree with a specialization in psychiatry and has been certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). A psychiatric nurse practitioner can diagnose, interpret mental health assessments, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy.
A psychologist or clinical social worker can provide psychotherapy but, typically, cannot prescribe medication.
What is medication management?
Many people who have a mental health diagnosis need therapy, medication, or a mix of medication and therapy. In helping you to get the medication you need and manage your medication, a psychiatric nurse practitioner can prescribe medication, follow up to ensure that the medication is helping, and can tweak your medication. Over time, your needs may change and you may be able to reduce or stop medication or switch your prescription. If you are seeing a psychotherapist in parallel, your psychiatric nurse practitioner can work with your therapist as part of your care team.
Can a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner prescribe medication?
Yes, though some states including Georgia do place limits on what Nurse Practitioners can prescribe. At New Beginning Mental Health, we prescribe most medications that are used in the treatment of mental health disorders. However, we do not prescribe any controlled substances, and as a result do not treat primary ADD/ADHD, we also do not prescribe benzodiazepines at New Beginning Mental Health such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Valium (diazepam).
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- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Optum, Cigna, and Aetna insurance.
I also provide documentation that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network coverage. Before beginning our work together, I advise you to contact your insurance company and inquire regarding their policies regarding reimbursement.
Privacy: We don’t share your medical information or mental health status with anyone else unless requested by you or required by law.
Call to inquire about cash pay rates.
Yes, though some states including Georgia do place limits on what Nurse Practitioners can prescribe. At New Beginning Mental Health, we prescribe most medications that are used in the treatment of mental health disorders. However, we do not prescribe any controlled substances, and as a result do not treat primary ADD/ADHD, we also do not prescribe benzodiazepines at New Beginning Mental Health such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Valium (diazepam).
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Yes, online treatment is available in Georgia.
Yes. Please let us know about your needs for evening, early morning, or lunchtime appointments. Online appointments allow you to make an appointment while on the road, at home, or while at the office (in a quiet, private spot).