In 1949, May was established as National Mental Health Awareness Month to increase awareness of the gravity of mental health and wellness in the lives of Americans and to honor recovery from mental illness. According to the NAMI, the National Association on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 Americans is living with a mental health condition. And 1 in every 20 Americans lives with a serious mental health condition like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or long-term recurring major depression.
During the pandemic of the last two years, mental illness has significantly increased. As a result, the lack of the availability of sufficient health care providers to diagnose and treat patients has been highlighted even more.
1 in 5 Americans is living with a mental health condition.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners take seriously the effort to bring awareness to this impactful topic. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), as of March 2021, more than 122 million U.S. residents lived in a mental health professional shortage area where only 27% of the need is met. AANP encourages Americans to prioritize their mental health and seek screening and treatment.
Psychiatric NPs play a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of patients who have mental health illnesses. “NPs screen and treat patients for physical and mental health needs and understand the important role mental health plays in overall well-being,” said AANP Former President Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP.
In light of the immediate need for mental health care and the limited number of mental health specialists nationwide, now is the time for you to launch your Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner practice. Doing so will make your services available to a group of individuals who urgently need your expertise.
Silver Leaf PMS can provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to get started. We are your one-stop-shop for turning your dream of private practice into a reality. From credentialing to medical billing to your website to your EHR, we can do it all. Let us help you launch your private practice. Schedule a free consultation today.
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