Where is the psychotherapy content in PMHNP programs?

Abstract

Purpose: Psychotherapy is the essence of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role. Yet much debate exists within programs as to the best way to include psychotherapy in an already loaded curriculum.

Conclusion: Two large midwestern universities review their approaches to psychotherapy education; student evaluations measure the quality and effectiveness. Data revealed a high level of student satisfaction.

Practice implications: Programs will vary on how to teach psychotherapy skills, but the use of psychotherapy within the PMHNP role is crucial and informs the entire practice. Examples of how others teach psychotherapy can inform educators of innovative ways to prepare PMHNP students to practice psychotherapy.