Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses assess and treat mental health and substance use disorders in individuals and families. They diagnose conditions, prescribe medications within state regulations, and provide psychotherapy. These nurses work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community mental health centers.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against advanced practice psychiatric nurses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses typically conduct patient assessments, review psychiatric histories, and manage medication regimens. They facilitate individual and family therapy sessions, adjust treatment plans based on patient progress, and collaborate with other healthcare providers. Documentation and case management occupy significant time, along with staying current on mental health research and treatment guidelines.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to this role if you enjoy understanding people's underlying motivations and solving complex behavioral problems. You combine strong investigative skills to diagnose disorders with genuine social commitment to helping individuals and families navigate mental health challenges.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a master’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Pract-Clinical/Psychiatric) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Carson, Colorado · $120429–$156561
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,440 | $140,270 | $173,170 | 338,940 |
| Hawaii | $101,200 | $136,320 | $144,140 | 12,940 |
| Oregon | $107,220 | $129,010 | $134,420 | 39,730 |
| Washington | $103,100 | $124,200 | $134,240 | 69,260 |
| Alaska | $97,700 | $109,480 | $129,100 | 7,510 |
| New York | $94,840 | $109,440 | $129,660 | 205,810 |
| New Jersey | $99,710 | $106,500 | $127,730 | 92,680 |
| Massachusetts | $87,460 | $104,550 | $136,110 | 88,200 |
| Nevada | $86,850 | $103,670 | $120,270 | 27,070 |
| Connecticut | $86,120 | $102,740 | $121,840 | 40,110 |
| District of Columbia | $85,850 | $102,540 | $127,800 | 11,440 |
| Minnesota | $88,940 | $101,510 | $114,760 | 70,110 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Addictions Registered Nurse - Advanced Practice (CARN-AP) — Addiction Nursing Certification Board
- Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC) — ANA Enterprise
- Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) — Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) — ANA Enterprise
- Advanced Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (ACHRN) — National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) — Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against advanced practice psychiatric nurses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1141.02 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.