Job Description
Our client is seeking a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to provide psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and medication management to patients in an outpatient, private practice setting. The provider will work with a multidisciplinary team (therapists, case managers, medical staff) to deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based, patient-centered care, helping clients manage mental health conditions across the lifespan (children, adolescents, adults). The PMHNP may also provide brief psychotherapy or counseling as needed/desired.
Position Type
· Full-time or part-time
· W-2 salaried or split of receipts generated by clinician
· Daytime work hours (M-F, between 0800–1800) set within that parameter by clinician and employer
· Evening/weekend appointments available if desired by clinician
· No inpatient call (unless specified)
Key Responsibilities / Duties
· Conduct psychiatric evaluations, including history, mental status exam, risk assessment (suicidality, violence, self-harm), medical/psychiatric review, psychosocial factors.
· Diagnose mental health / psychiatric disorders using DSM-V-TR criteria.
· Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
· Prescribe, adjust, monitor, and manage psychotropic medications and other interventions.
· Monitor for medication side effects, interactions, adherence, labs, and perform appropriate follow-up.
· Order, interpret, and follow up on laboratory tests, EKGs, imaging (as needed).
· Provide psychoeducation to patients and families about diagnoses, treatments, medications, side effects, behavioral management.
· Offer brief psychotherapy or counseling (e.g. supportive therapy, CBT elements, motivational interviewing) as appropriate.
· Collaborate with therapists, psychologists, social workers, primary care providers, and other professionals to coordinate care.
· Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant medical records in line with legal, regulatory, and clinical policies.
· Participate in case review, chart review, quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives.
· Engage in peer consultation and supervision (or mentorship).
· Possibly supervise or provide training to other nursing or clinical staff.
· Stay up to date with advances in psychiatric care, standard of care, clinical guidelines.
· Participate in staff meetings, clinical meetings, and continuing education.
· May assist with patient intake, triage, or crisis evaluation as needed.
Requirements
Qualifications & Requirements
Education / Licensure / Certification
· Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing with specialization as a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
· Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in Virginia.
· Current national board certification as a PMHNP (e.g., via ANCC).
· Authorized to prescribe in Virginia (furnishing license, DEA registration as needed).
· Preferably 3 years of full-time PMHNP work experience and eligible for autonomous practice in Virginia.
· Excellent candidates with less than three years’ experience may be considered for a fellowship-type role.
Skills & Competencies
· Strong clinical judgment, diagnostic skills, and psychopharmacology knowledge.
· Ability to manage complex cases, comorbid medical/psychiatric conditions.
· Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to build rapport with diverse patients and families.
· Time management and ability to manage a moderate caseload.
· Competency in electronic medical records (EMR), charting, documentation.
· Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
· Sensitivity to cultural, socioeconomic, and diversity issues.
· Ability to handle stressful situations, crisis stabilization.
Preferred / Desirable
· Experience with child/adolescent populations, geriatric, or dual diagnosis/substance use.
· Experience in outpatient community psychiatry settings.
· Experience in psychotherapy modalities.
· Experience with telepsychiatry or hybrid practice.
· Familiarity with behavioral health billing, insurance, managed care.
· Experience in quality improvement or program development.
Working Conditions
· Clinic-based, outpatient setting.
· Typical business hours (e.g., Monday to Friday), with possible evening/weekend slots.
· Patient-facing, office-based environment with option for intermittent remote work.
· One-hour initial consultations, 20- or 30-minute follow-ups for established patients.
· Occasional requirement to rotate or cover for other providers.
· Use of computer, phone, record systems, EMR with remote access.
· Possible minimal travel between clinic sites.
· May need to handle crisis calls or emergency consults (depending on practice).
Performance Metrics / Goals
· Patient volume / productivity targets.
· Patient satisfaction / retention bonuses based on productivity and RVUs.
· Quality metrics (chart compliance, follow-up, adherence to guidelines).
· Participation in clinical audits, peer review.
· Contribution to clinical goals (e.g., access, outcomes, growth).
Benefits
Compensation & Benefits
· W-2 salaried or split of receipts generated by clinician.
· Malpractice insurance coverage (Virginia limits).
· Health, dental, and vision insurance after 90 days of employment.
· Retirement / 401(k) plan with match after 90 days of employment.
· Paid time off and paid sick leave earned monthly.
· Professional development stipend after 1 year of employment.
· Support services (scheduling, billing, administrative back-end).
· Potential sign-on bonus.
· Opportunities for telehealth or hybrid scheduling (after the first six months and with employer approval).