PMHNP vs Psychologist: What’s the Difference?
Mental health needs are rising: more than one in five US adults has a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. As a result, demand is growing for trained professionals like psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) and psychologists.
If you’re comparing PMHNP vs psychologist careers, it’s important to understand how they differ in education, salary, scope of practice, and treatment style. This article explains those differences—as well as key similarities—so you can decide which path aligns with your goals.
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?
A PMHNP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in mental health disorders and treatments. PMHNPs treat patients suffering from mental illnesses, disorders, or substance abuse problems. They assess and diagnose patients, provide them with treatment plans, and prescribe medications.
What is a Psychologist?
Psychologists are mental health professionals who help patients with mental health disorders using talk therapy. They can provide treatment, including therapy, to individuals or groups, and often use cognitive behavioral therapy.
Psychologist vs PMHNP Similarities
Psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychologists are similar in the following ways:
Illnesses and Disorders Treated
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Biopolar, manic-depressive states
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Substance abuse
- Panic disorders
- Dementia
- Autism
- Schizophrenia
- Trauma
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Treatment Options Offered
- Psychotherapy
- Counseling
PMHNP vs Psychologist Differences
Psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychologists differ in the following ways:
PMHNP
- Education: BSN, MSN, NP Certification, DNP
- Treatment approaches: Medication treatment
- Primary focus: Holistic care, medical management, including medication
- Psychological testing: Holistic care, medical management, including medication
Psychologist
- Education: BA/BS, PhD, or Psy.D.
- Treatment approaches: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, or trauma-informed therapy, talk therapy
- Primary focus: Psychotherapy, talk therapy, psychological testing
- Psychological testing: Specializes in administering and interpreting psychological tests
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
PMHNP vs Psychologist Compared
| PMHNP | Psychologist | |
| Salary | $139,486 annually (ZipRecruiter) |
$94,310 annually
(BLS) |
| Demand | 35% (much faster than average) (BLS) | 6% (Faster than average) (BLS) |
| Requirements |
|
|
| Job Responsibilities |
|
|
How Do I Decide Between Becoming a PMHNP vs a Psychologist?
The paths to becoming a PMHNP and a psychologist are incredibly different. PMHNPs must first earn a BSN and become licensed RNs. While you can specialize in any field, it is essential to gain relevant bedside experience if you want to become a PMHNP.
A vital factor to consider when choosing between becoming a PMHNP and a psychologist is “how” you want to treat your patients. PMHNPs generally treat their patients with medication, and psychologists use talk therapy. While PMHNPs may suggest their patients attend talk therapy, they are not as well-versed in it as psychologists and rarely conduct the sessions.
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers MSN-NP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Chamberlain's Commitment to Completion Grant helps RNs earn advanced degrees with savings up to $9,100.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
-
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
-
MSN - Family NP
-
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
-
MSN - Health Informatics
-
MSN - Nursing Education
-
MSN - Public Health Nursing
-
MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
-
MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
-
MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
