""

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Use your expertise to diagnose and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan with a dual focus on medication management and psychotherapy.

At Ohio State, you’ll be part of one of the nation’s most comprehensive health sciences centers — where innovation, research and collaboration thrive. Guided by world-class faculty and dedicated mentors, you’ll gain clinically rigorous, evidence-based training that prepares you to lead in today’s healthcare environment. You will build skills across diverse settings — from community-based primary care agencies to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s renowned teaching hospitals. Along the way, you’ll benefit from hands-on experiences, interdisciplinary collaboration with healthcare professionals and the support of expert preceptors committed to your growth.

U.S. News & World Report rankings

  • #3 (tied) through our DNP program
  • #5 through our master's program

Apply through one of our programs

Visit the program page to learn more about admission requirements, curriculum and how to apply.

Online

  • BSN to DNP

    Nurses who want advanced leadership training and the highest level of clinical education.

  • BSN to PhD

    Nurses who want to lead research and shape the future of healthcare.

On campus

What is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of mental health conditions across the lifespan. PMHNPs play a critical role in expanding access to mental healthcare, combining advanced clinical expertise with nursing’s holistic, person-centered approach to support emotional wellbeing, recovery and resilience. PMHNPs provide comprehensive care for individuals with psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health needs.

Take the next step

Attend an information session to learn more.

Sign up

Our graduates enter the workforce with the skills and competencies to:

  • Provide primary mental health promotion and psychiatric care across the lifespan.
  • Integrate theory and evidence to care for individuals, families, groups and communities.
  • Design, implement and evaluate patient-centered care plans that promote optimal developmental, behavioral and mental health outcomes.
  • Use leadership skills to promote system and policy improvements in mental health.
  • Adapt professionally to evolving behavioral health environments.
  • Contribute to the advancement of the psychiatric mental health nursing profession.