Maximizing the Use of Psychotherapy With PMHNP:: A Call to Action for Nurse Leaders

Abstract

Mental illness is a growing issue globally and is expected to cost $16 trillion by 2030 and costs the US health care system over $193 billion annually. People with mental illnesses frequently have comorbid medical diseases that have bidirectional causes often not easily solved with medications alone. Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) need to treat patients both with psychotropic medications and psychotherapy. PMHNPs are fully competent to perform psychotherapy. There is a decade-long trend that PMHNPs have been drifting further away from providing psychotherapy. This article debunks the argument that the services of PMHNPs providing psychotherapy are significantly less profitable from prescribing medications. Nurse leaders also are provided recommendations on how to encourage and create an environment where PMHNPs can increase the use of their psychotherapy skills.