Can my Nurse Practitioner also provide therapy?
Can My Nurse Practitioner Also Provide Therapy? Absolutely!
If you’re looking for therapy and medication management in one place, you might be wondering: Can I see my Nurse Practitioner for therapy as well? The answer is yes! In fact, when the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role was first introduced, we were actually called nurse psychotherapists—and therapy was all we did.
The History of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Therapy
Psychiatric nurse practitioners have always been trained in holistic, patient-centered care, and psychotherapy was the foundation of our work. Over time, as the field evolved, our training programs added psychopharmacology (medication management) to our skillset. However, many of us never stopped valuing therapy—and some, like me, pursued additional training beyond our graduate education to continue offering high-quality psychotherapy to our patients.
Unfortunately, with the rise of managed care, many NP programs now emphasize medication management over therapy. But that doesn’t mean all PMHNPs stopped practicing therapy—it just means that those of us who love therapeutic work make it a priority to continue our education and refine our skills in psychotherapy.
The Benefits of Seeing a Nurse Practitioner Who Provides Therapy
When you see a psychiatric nurse practitioner for both medication and therapy, you get the best of both worlds:
A deeper understanding of your mental health – Instead of a quick check-in for medications, we have time to explore the full picture.
A true mind-body approach – I don’t just prescribe; I listen, guide, and support your mental health holistically.
More continuity, fewer appointments – No need to juggle multiple providers or repeat your story over and over again.
A therapeutic alliance built on trust – Therapy works best when you feel safe, supported, and truly understood.
Therapy and Medication in One Place
If you’re someone who values a strong therapeutic relationship, but also wants the option of medication when needed, working with a psychiatric nurse practitioner who provides therapy is like one-stop shopping for your mental health. Instead of seeing a separate psychiatrist and therapist, you get both in one appointment, allowing for seamless, personalized care that meets your needs.
Ready to Start?
If you’re looking for a provider who offers therapy and medication management in one—and who takes a holistic, compassionate approach to mental health—we might be a great fit.
Schedule a consultation today to see if an integrative approach might be right for you.
