Are you looking for a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist in Concord, NH?
What is the difference between a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist?
The first difference is that psychiatrists are medical doctors, having completed medical school and a psychiatric residency. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who have completed a graduate program such as a master’s or doctorate degree and clinical internship training. Both can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, prescribe medication, order lab tests, and can provide therapy.
Both psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists have in-depth knowledge of mental health conditions that they call upon to help patients manage symptoms. Both use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose their clients. In addition, both follow evidence-based treatment protocols and develop treatment plans.
One difference is that psychiatric nurse practitioners provide services with a more holistic approach. This means that they provide support that looks at the whole person, not just their mental health needs. This support fully considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of their clients. Compared to a psychiatrist, the psychiatric nurse practitioner provides more individualized care and a greater emphasis on the patient’s overall well-being. Their care also emphasizes the importance of patient education and self-care and encourages patients to take an active role in their own health care.
