If you are looking for a psychiatrist in Colorado Springs, you may have noticed that some clinics are staffed with psychiatrists, while others are staffed with PMHNPs. And some clinics, like Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, have both psychiatrists and PMHNPs on staff. Patients often ask, “What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a PMHNP?” And more importantly, “Will I get the same quality of care?”
Let’s answer the last question first: Yes, you absolutely will. Whether you’re working with a psychiatrist or a PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, you’ll receive compassionate, evidence-based mental health care tailored to your needs. Our psychiatrists and PMHNPs collaborate together on patient care – reviewing every case together and working as a team to produce the best possible patient outcomes.
Now let’s take a look at the first question – “What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a PMHNP?” – and look at the differences between the two roles. In this post, we’ll break down the two roles, training required, and scope of practice for both. We’ll also explain why we choose to include both on our team, and how that benefits you as a patient.
What is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. After completing medical school, psychiatrists undergo a four-year residency focused on diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders. They are licensed to:
· Diagnose mental health conditions
· Prescribe and manage medications
· Provide psychotherapy
· Order and interpret lab tests and imaging (such as genetic testing to assist with prescribing antidepressants)
· Treat complex or treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions
· Prescribe advanced mental health treatments, such as TMS, ketamine therapy, or Spravato
Psychiatrists are highly trained in the biological aspects of mental illness and often manage more complex cases, especially those involving patients who require multiple medications or have co-occurring conditions (depression and anxiety together, for example).
What is a PMHNP?
A PMHNP is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, which is an advanced practice nurse with a graduate degree (usually a Master’s or Doctorate) in psychiatric nursing. PMHNPs are trained specifically in mental health assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and medication management.
In Colorado, PMHNPs are licensed independent providers, which means they can:
· Diagnose mental health disorders
· Prescribe and adjust medications
· Provide psychotherapy and supportive counseling
· Monitor and manage medication side effects
· Develop and manage treatment plans
PMHNPs must pass a national certification exam and meet rigorous continuing education requirements. In Colorado, they are allowed to practice independently without physician oversight as long as they meet the requirements to do so. Many PMHNPs work in collaboration with psychiatrists, especially on complex cases, but they are fully qualified to manage most psychiatric conditions on their own.
At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions in Colorado Springs, all PMHNPs on staff work in collaboration with psychiatrists at the practice. Although oversight by a psychiatrist is not required, we believe it is beneficial for our patients.
Is There a Difference in Patient Experience?
From a patient’s perspective, the actual appointment with a psychiatrist or a PMHNP looks very similar. Both types of providers will ask questions, assess your symptoms, prescribe medication, adjust your treatment plan, or provide supportive counseling.
Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions are well-informed and capable at treating mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.
Psychiatrists have deeper training in the medical and pharmacological aspects of psychiatry. This can be especially helpful in complex cases involving co-occurring physical and mental health conditions, multiple medications, or treatment-resistant disorders.
PMHNPs often bring a nursing-based, holistic approach to care. They’re highly skilled in patient education, providing support, and managing ongoing care.
Our PMHNPs and psychiatrists work closely together on patient care, sharing insights and collaborating on treatment planning. We meet daily as a team to discuss patient needs and review patient cases. This team-based approach means that even if you primarily see a PMHNP, you still benefit from the expertise of our full psychiatric team devoted to your care.
Why Do We Employ Both?
The reason we have both psychiatrists and PMHNPs on staff is because we believe in expanding access to mental health care without compromising quality. The demand for psychiatric care in Colorado is high. Waitlists are long, and many people wait weeks or months before they are able to see a provider.
In its 2024 report on mental health care in the United States, Mental Health America ranks Colorado 40 out of 51 states (including Washington DC) on prevalence of mental illness and access to mental health care. There’s clearly a need for more accessible mental health care in Colorado Springs and the state as a whole.
By using both psychiatrists and PMHNPs, we can offer more timely appointments and reduce the wait time to be seen as a new or existing patient. We also ensure high quality standards of care by oversight and review of cases by psychiatrists.
The bottom line is that our patients benefit from having both PHMNPs and psychiatrists available at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions.
Find a Psychiatrist in Colorado Springs
As a patient, the most important concern is the level of care you receive. Whether you’re seeing a psychiatrist or a PMHNP at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, you can rest assured that you are receiving the highest quality of care. All of our providers are highly trained, licensed professionals who can diagnose, treat, and support you through your mental health journey.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or another mental health concern, we invite you to schedule an appointment at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions and receive care from some of the best psychiatrists in Colorado Springs.
With three locations in Colorado Springs and a fourth clinic in Monument, we are conveniently located throughout the Colorado Springs area. If you’re ready to take the next step toward better mental health, please contact us today at 719-622-6522 or request an appointment online. Let’s work together to get you started on a path toward healing.
