should I see a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A quick guide for potential clients and Mental Health Professionals
Overview: What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an individual who has a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in mental health. Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide psychiatric evaluations and prescribe medication. They may practice independently in some states. Other states might require by law that the practitioner has a collaborative physician to consult with regarding patient cases.
What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an individual who has a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in mental health. Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide psychiatric evaluations and prescribe medication. They may practice independently in some states. Other states might require by law that the practitioner has a collaborative physician to consult with regarding patient cases.
What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a therapist?
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can provide medication management and therapy. Therapists cannot prescribe medication.
Do I have to take medication to see a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Although it is common to be
prescribed medication when you see a psychiatric nurse practitioner, that is not always the case. You do not have
to take medication to see a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
When should I see a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
There is no “right time” to see a psychiatric nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, it is never too soon to seek help. Below are some signs that it might be beneficial to reach out to a psychiatric nurse practitioner:
You are in therapy, have implemented tools, and are still feeling depressed or anxious.
Your mood or behavior is interfering with your ability to function in your daily life (e.g. negatively impacting relationships, work,
sleep, and overall health).
You are not receiving adequate sleep and the tools you have implemented are not working. You want to explore whether medication might help alleviate your mental health symptoms. You are currently taking medication and your mental health symptoms have not improved.
Written by Brianna Dawson, MSN, PMHNP-BC
www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com
BEHAVIORAL WELLNESS FOR WOMEN
Looking for a compassionate, effective psychiatry provider to send your patients to?
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
Behavioral Wellness for Women services adult women across the lifespan with depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. We specialize in perinatal mental health treating women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
IN A NUTSHELL:
We are 100% virtual.
We serve patients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey (not in network with New Jersey insurance).
We guarantee that your patient will be seen within 1-2 weeks.
30 minute follow up visits to support our personalized care model.
Patients have direct access to their provider Monday through Friday.
CONNECT PATIENTS:
Please send prospective patients to: www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com.
They can submit an inquiry on the contact page.
If you have any questions, would like to
connect, or refer a patient, you can email us at brianna@behavioralwellnessforwomen.com or call (610) 551-0550.
WE ARE IN NETWORK WITH:
AETNA CIGNA UNITED OPTUM OSCAR OXFORD
We are able to see clients out-of-network and provide superbills for reimbursement from their insurance.
BRIANNA C. DAWSON, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Behavioral Wellness for Women
www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com (610) 551-0550
We look forward to supporting you by providing your clients with quality mental health care.
baby blues
Lasts about 7-10 days
Characterized by periods of sadness, tearfulness, anxiety, mood changes, and feelings of overwhelm
Typically resolves on its own without medical treatment
Postpartum Depression
Lasts up to one year after delivery
Characterized by feelings of sadness or hopelessness, guilt, anger or irritability; not feeling connected to baby, withdrawing from others, and scary, unwanted thoughts about something bad happening to the baby
Typically requires medical treatment which consists of psychotherapy, support groups, and/or medication management
*If you begin to experience suicidal thoughts or believe
you are a danger to yourself or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Resources:
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Hotline: 1-800-944-4773 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC- MAMA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
Written by Brianna Dawson, MSN, PMHNP-BC
www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com
Signs & Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Sadness, hopelessness, and/or helplessness
Frequent crying spells
Feelings of guilt or regret
Lack of interest in activities you typically would enjoy
Doubting your ability to care for your baby
Feeling like you are unable to control your emotions
Increased irritability or short temper
Anger or rage
More frequent conflicts with significant other(s)
Low motivation
Feel disconnected from your baby
Becoming isolated or withdrawn
Inability to care for yourself or your baby
Difficulty completing activities of daily living
(e.g. bathing, eating)
Resources:
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Hotline: 1-800-944-4773
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:
Call or text 1-833-TLC- MAMA
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
*If you begin to experience suicidal thoughts or believe you are a danger to yourself or others, please call 911
or go to the nearest emergency room.
Written by Brianna Dawson, MSN, PMHNP-BC
www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com
Signs & Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
Constant worry or feelings of dread
Irritability
Racing thoughts
Unwanted intrusive thoughts (e.g. you might drop the baby walking down the stairs; repetitive thoughts of harm coming to the baby) Difficulty sleeping when the baby is sleeping
Poor focus
Constant or repetitive checking to make sure the baby is safe (e.g. going physically into the room and/or checking the baby monitor) Inability to focus on anything other than your baby’s wellbeing Difficulty letting other trusted family members take care of the baby Inability to complete tasks when the baby is under the care of another trusted individual
*If you begin to experience suicidal thoughts or believe you are a danger to yourself or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Resources:
Postpartum Support International (PSI) Hotline: 1-800-944-4773
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:
Call or text 1-833-TLC- MAMA
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
Call or text 988
Written by Brianna Dawson, MSN, PMHNP-BC
www.behavioralwellnessforwomen.com