How to Become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in California
Are you interested in helping patients identify and work through mental health challenges so they can live happier and more fulfilling lives? If so, then a career as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) may be the right fit for you.
As an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializing in psychiatric care and mental health, you make a difference caring for patients through a range of services — from the delivery of psychotherapy to the ability to prescribe medications for acute and chronic illnesses and more.
With nearly 60 million Americans experiencing mental illness according to 2024 data from Mental Health America, and increased levels of unmet behavioral health needs due to supply-and-demand challenges, PMHNPs play a critical role in helping patients access the mental health services they need.
If you’re planning to become a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in California, it’s important to be aware of the steps involved in this career path. Explore each step in this PHMNP career guide.
Obtain Your RN License and Gain Experience in the Field
To become a PMHNP in California, you must first become licensed as a registered nurse (RN) within the state. You can reach this milestone by earning your Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and obtaining your RN license with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Explore the steps for becoming an RN in California.
Once you’re a licensed RN, you can then gain direct patient care experience, which should ideally include experience in a psychiatric-mental health setting. Many PMHNP programs require applicants to have a certain amount of experience within this specialty area.
Complete an Accredited PMHNP Program
To be included on California’s list of psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners qualified for direct reimbursement by insurance companies, you will need to earn a minimum of a master’s degree in psychiatric/mental health nursing.
You will need to look for an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that offers a specialization in psychiatric-mental health. If you’re an RN who does not have a BSN and you want to leverage your work experience toward an MSN degree, you may be interested in an RN to MSN program with a PMHNP specialization track. Or, if you already have a master’s degree, you may choose to enroll in a Post-Master’s Certificate program that offers a PMHNP specialization.
The time it will take to earn your degree or certificate will depend on the type of program you choose and whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. To give you a general idea of the possible timeframes, West Coast University offers the following programs at the durations listed below.
Online RN to MSN – PMHNP Program:
- 32 months at the Accelerated pace
- 44 months at the Working Professional pace
Online MSN – PHMNP Program:
- 20 months at the Accelerated pace
- 36 months at the Working Professional pace
Online PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate Program:
- 16 months
Pass the National Board Certification Exam
Upon reaching the end of your educational program, the next step is to pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) board certification examination (PMHNP-BC™). This certification, formerly known as the Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification, is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
By passing this exam, you demonstrate that you have the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills required to work as a PMHNP.
Apply to Be Listed as an Approved PHMNP in California
The next step will be to apply to become listed as an approved psychiatric-mental health nurse in California, which allows you to be directly reimbursed by insurance companies. This process includes:
- Maintenance of an active RN license
- Submission of an online application for the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse listing to the California BRN with a nonrefundable application fee
- Verification of the completion of a qualified PMHMP academic program
- Verification of supervision of clinical experience
- Verification of psychiatric/mental health certification by a national association
- Reporting of all disciplinary action and/or voluntary surrender against any of your licenses, certificates, or listings
Get the full instructions and listing requirements for becoming a PMHNP in California.
Get a Job as a PHMNP and Keep Your Licenses and Certificates Up-to-Date
Once you are approved by the state, it’s time to get your first job as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. PHMNPs work in a variety of clinical settings, such as hospitals, primary care offices, private practices, community mental health centers, and government facilities. Wherever you choose to work, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on your patients’ lives.
To ensure continuity of practice, make sure to stay on top of your licensure and certification renewals. In California, psychiatric-mental health nurse certificates are renewed in tandem with RN licenses every two years (no need for additional fees for continuing education), and PMHNP-BC certifications must be renewed every five years.
Get Started on Your PMHNP Education Journey
If you’re ready to start working toward your future career as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, don’t delay in beginning your educational program. West Coast University offers various options for completing your PMHNP education, whether that is through an MSN, RN to MSN, or a Post-Master’s Certificate program with a psychiatric-mental health specialization.
Learn more about these WCU programs and their flexibility through online learning. Request more info to get started!
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