Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialists
PMH-CNSs are psychiatric-mental health advanced practice registered nurses (PMH-APRNs) with a Clinical Nurse Specialist certification. PMH-APRNs, whether CNS or NP, have received specialized graduate level education and are prepared to provide psychiatric and substance use assessments, diagnoses, and treatment, including medication interventions and psychotherapy.
Approximately 4,500 PMH-CNSs work across the US in a variety of settings as providers, educators, researchers, managers, and more. With the prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders, as well as a shortage of workforce prepared to address these disorders, PMH-CNSs play a critical role in ensuring access to needed care.