What is a psychiatric mental health practitioner-board certified (PMHNP-BC), and what can they do?

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A PMHNP-BC is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), also known as a nurse practitioner with specialized training in mental health disorders and identifying risk factors for mental health disorders.   Their educational background requires at least a Master's of Science in Nursing.  Some nurse practitioners choose to further their education by completing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Ph.D., or EdD program.  Nurse practitioners must also pass a national certification before they are licensed to practice and re-certify every five years. 

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PMHNPs treat patients who have psychiatric disorders, substance abuse problems, and organic brain disorders.  The PMHNPs focus on psychiatric diagnosis, including the differential diagnosis of medical conditions with psychiatric symptoms, and medication treatment for psychiatric disorders.