Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Job Details
Job Location:    Salinas , CA
Position Type:    Full Time
Salary Range:    $ $ Salary/year
Job Shift:    Day

Description

Under the direction of the Director of Psychiatric Services, Medical Director, and in collaboration with a supervising or consulting psychiatrist (as required), the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to a diverse patient population. This includes psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, brief therapeutic interventions, and patient education. The PMHNP works collaboratively with therapists, medical providers, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure holistic care that addresses medical, mental health, and social needs. Care is delivered with attention to age, culture, trauma history, and individual circumstances.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct psychiatric evaluations, assessments, and diagnoses based on diagnostic and statistical criteria.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, including medication management and psychotherapy when appropriate.
• Collaborate with therapists, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care.
• Document patient interactions and treatment plans accurately and timely in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Complete all required documentation accurately, timely, and thoroughly in accordance with company/contract and legal standards/requirements as well as comply with EHR requirements, including medication refills, responding to patient requests, finalizing notes.
• Educate patients and families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and medication adherence.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and Medi-Cal requirements.
• Participate in clinical meetings, case conferences, and continuing education activities to maintain licensure and stay updated on best practices.
• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnostic assessments.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans focused on psychiatric care.
• Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with therapists, medical providers, and consulting psychiatrists to ensure continuity and coordination of care.
• Educate patients and families about diagnoses, treatment options, medication use, and potential side effects.
• Maintain thorough, timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with company policies, legal standards, and contractual requirements.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and Medi-Cal requirements.
• Respond promptly to patient messages, medication refill requests, and provider communications.
• Participate in clinical case conferences, team meetings, supervision, and continuing education required for licensure and practice development.
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and support during psychiatric emergencies.
• Offer consultation to other clinics or providers as appropriate.
• Utilize standardized procedures and/or protocols per organizational policy and applicable state laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program with a Master's or Doctorate degree in Nursing.
• Completion of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program (MSN or DNP).

Licensure & Certification:

• Active, unrestricted California license as a PMHNP.
• Board certification as a PMHNP (ANCC or equivalent).
• DEA registration and ability to prescribe controlled substances.
• Valid BLS/CPR certification.

Experience:

• A minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience in mental health, psychiatry, or behavioral health settings is preferred but not required for in-office positions.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.
• A minimum of one year of experience is required for consideration of remote or hybrid work arrangements.
• New graduates with strong psychiatric clinical rotations or background may be considered for in-office roles.
• Experience working with underserved populations, including Medi-Cal recipients, at-risk individuals, and those with severe mental illness, is preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and clinical documentation.
• Strong knowledge of California mental health laws, Medi-Cal billing requirements (e.g., DSM, ICD), and psychopharmacology.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and build therapeutic relationships with culturally and clinically diverse populations.
• Strong clinical judgment, reliability, and flexibility in prioritizing work in dynamic environments.
• Commitment to cultural humility, inclusion, and trauma-informed care.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural competence, social justice, and advocacy for underserved communities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Dedication to ethical, professional, and evidence-based psychiatric practice.

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