Your provider
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Iman Yunis, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Last reviewed October 26, 2026
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide ongoing psychiatric care. Here is what that means for you, and how it compares to seeing a psychiatrist.
New patients typically seen within 2–3 days
- ✓ Board certified
- ✓ Full prescribing authority in Washington
- ✓ Insurance accepted
The basics
What a psychiatric NP does
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in mental health. PMHNPs complete graduate-level education focused on psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and therapy, then pass a national board certification exam.
- Complete psychiatric evaluations and make diagnoses
- Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications
- Order and interpret lab work when needed
- Provide supportive therapy and coordinate with therapists, primary care providers, and specialists
- Care for teens and adults over the long term
In Washington, nurse practitioners are licensed as ARNPs (advanced registered nurse practitioners). Washington is a full-practice state: ARNPs practice independently, without physician supervision, and have full prescriptive authority.
Side by side
Psychiatric NP vs. psychiatrist
| Psychiatric NP | Psychiatrist | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Nursing degree, then a master’s or doctoral NP program in psychiatric mental health | Medical school, then a 4-year psychiatry residency |
| Certification | National board certification (PMHNP-BC) | Board certification in psychiatry |
| Diagnose conditions | Yes | Yes |
| Prescribe medication | Yes (full authority in Washington) | Yes |
| Approach | Nursing model: whole-person, prevention, and education | Medical model |
| Typical wait for a new patient | Often shorter | Often longer |
For most people seeking outpatient care for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or OCD, a board-certified psychiatric NP provides the same core services: a thorough evaluation, a diagnosis, and a treatment plan that may include medication.
Your provider
About Dr. Iman Yunis, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Yunis holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice, the highest clinical degree in nursing, and is board certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She provides evaluations and medication management for teens 13 and up and adults across Washington, with a special focus on women’s mental health, ADHD evaluation, and treatment-resistant depression.
Why patients choose an NP
What you can expect
- Time to talkThorough evaluations and visits where you have room to ask questions.
- Faster accessNew patients are typically seen within 2–3 days.
- Whole-person careSleep, stress, hormones, and life stage are part of the conversation.
- Insurance acceptedIn network with most major Washington plans. See plans
FAQ
Questions about psychiatric nurse practitioners
Can a psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe medication in Washington?
Yes. Washington ARNPs practice independently, without physician supervision, and have full prescriptive authority. Dr. Yunis prescribes and manages psychiatric medications as part of a treatment plan built on a thorough evaluation.
Is a psychiatric NP the same as a psychiatrist?
No. A psychiatrist is a physician (MD or DO) who completed medical school and a psychiatry residency. A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse with graduate training and national board certification in psychiatric care. Both diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
What does DNP mean?
DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice, the highest clinical degree in nursing. It adds advanced training in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership on top of nurse practitioner education.
What does PMHNP-BC mean?
It means Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified. The certification is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center after a national exam and must be renewed regularly.
Does insurance cover visits with a psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Yes. Medicare, Apple Health, and commercial plans cover psychiatric care from nurse practitioners. We accept Premera, Regence, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Medicare, Molina, Apple Health, First Choice Health, TriWest/VA Community Care, and Kaiser Permanente.
When would I need a psychiatrist instead?
Most outpatient care, including evaluations and medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD, is well within a psychiatric NP’s scope. If you need hospital-level care, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or a specialized consultation, we help coordinate that care.