Behavioral health needs have climbed in the United States over the past decade—between the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more Americans are dealing with mental health challenges. But many people are not receiving adequate care—in fact, 23% of all U.S. adults had a mental illness in 2023, and about half (46%) of them did not get any treatment. A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (NP), also known as a psych NP or a PMHNP, helps bridge this gap by providing essential mental health services to underserved populations. Read on as we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about psych NPs and how locum tenens psych NPs play a role in reaching marginalized Americans.
What’s the average psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salary?
The average, base psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salary is $157,409 annually, according to information from Indeed.com. Salaries for these crucial NPs range from the low end of $103,199 to $240,094, according to the website.
The average annual wage for a nurse practitioner (NP) across all specialties was $129,210 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There is no official data from the BLS on mental health nurse practitioners, but Indeed figures show that psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can make a higher salary than their general counterparts in some cases.
Locum tenens psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners often have the potential to earn even more. These temporary positions frequently offer higher hourly rates, additional compensation for travel and housing, and opportunities for overtime pay. By taking assignments in high-demand areas or working extra shifts, locum tenens psych NPs can significantly boost their income above the average salary range for their specialty.
What’s the job outlook for a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are actually the third-fastest growing occupation in the United States, with a projected 46% growth rate between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS. What’s more, the BLS projects employment growth in mental health related fields that is faster than the national average for all occupations.
While they don’t specifically call out the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner field, these strong numbers will likely have a positive impact on PMHNP employment.
Is there a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner shortage?
More than one-third of all Americans live in a mental health professional shortage area, but the issue is especially acute for psychiatric NPs.
Currently, 69% of all rural counties are without a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, compared to only 31% of urban counties in the country, according to a 2024 brief by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
And while NP employment numbers are expected to grow, that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be enough people in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner field to meet the rising demand for behavioral health services. That same HRSA brief explores this a little further, projecting that the country will be short nearly 15,000 PMHNPs in 2037 if there’s an elevated need for behavioral health services.
Why is there a behavioral health provider shortage?
An aging population, increased awareness of mental health issues, and the ongoing opioid crisis are all contributing to a rising demand for mental health services. Additionally, many current psychiatric professionals are nearing retirement age, further exacerbating the shortage.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the critical need for mental health professionals, as rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns have surged.
Can a mental health nurse practitioner prescribe medication?
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can prescribe medication in all 50 states, but whether they can do that without physician supervision depends on the state, according to the Cleveland Clinic. In fact, 21 states allow NPs to prescribe medications without a supervising physician!
Interested in learning more about NP scope of practice? Check out our handy guide!
Can locum psych NPs help combat the behavioral health provider shortage?
Locum tenens psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can indeed play a crucial role in addressing the behavioral health provider shortage. These professionals offer a flexible solution to fill critical gaps in understaffed facilities and underserved communities, particularly in rural areas where mental health expertise is often scarce.
Locum psych NPs can be quickly deployed to meet sudden increases in demand or during public health emergencies, providing immediate relief and ensuring continuity of care. Their ability to step in temporarily also helps prevent burnout among permanent staff by allowing for necessary time off. Moreover, locum NPs often bring diverse experiences and specialized skills from various settings, enhancing the overall quality of care and knowledge base within the facilities they serve. This flexible approach not only addresses immediate shortages but also offers a cost-effective solution for healthcare systems facing uncertain staffing needs, ultimately improving access to mental health services across diverse communities.
Find Your Next Locum Psych NP Job with Barton
Want to become a locum tenens psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner? Check out our open positions and apply today!
