What Is a PMHNP? How We're Different From a Psychiatrist or Therapist
If you have been searching for psychiatric care in Leesburg, FL, you may have come across the term PMHNP and wondered what it means, and whether it is the right fit for you. This is one of the most common questions we hear from new patients, and it deserves a clear answer.
What is a PMHNP?
PMHNP stands for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. A PMHNP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed graduate-level training specifically in psychiatric and mental health care. In Florida, a PMHNP is fully licensed to:
Evaluate and diagnose the full range of psychiatric conditions
Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications
Provide psychoeducation and supportive counseling
Order and interpret diagnostic tests, including pharmacogenetic testing like GeneSight
Coordinate care with therapists, primary care providers, and specialists
In short, a PMHNP does everything you would expect from a psychiatric provider, with the same clinical scope as a psychiatrist.
How is a PMHNP different from a psychiatrist?
The core difference is educational pathway, not clinical capability. A psychiatrist completes medical school and a psychiatric residency, earning an MD or DO degree. A PMHNP completes a nursing degree followed by graduate-level advanced practice training with a specialization in psychiatry.
Both are qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions. Both can prescribe medication. Both provide the kind of comprehensive psychiatric care that therapists and counselors are not licensed to provide.
At Seasons of Wellness, June Craft holds both a Family Nurse Practitioner certification from Frontier Nursing University (2016) and her PMHNP-BC from Frontier Nursing University (2024), bringing an integrated physical-and-mental-health lens to every patient she serves.
How is a PMHNP different from a therapist?
This is where the distinction matters most for patients trying to understand their options.
A therapist, counselor, or psychologist provides talk therapy. They help you process experiences, develop coping strategies, and work through patterns of thought and behavior. Most therapists are not licensed to prescribe medication.
A PMHNP focuses on psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management. We assess your symptoms clinically, determine the most accurate diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan that may include medication. We also provide psychoeducation and work closely with your therapist when therapy is part of your care.
Many patients benefit most from both: a therapist for ongoing talk therapy and a PMHNP for psychiatric evaluation and medication management. At Seasons of Wellness, we actively coordinate with therapists in the community to ensure you get integrated, comprehensive care.
Do I need a referral to see a PMHNP?
No. You can book directly with Seasons of Wellness without a referral from your primary care provider. If you have been struggling with your mental health and want a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, you can contact us directly.
Is a PMHNP right for me?
If you are looking for psychiatric evaluation, an accurate diagnosis, and medication management for a mental health condition, a PMHNP is absolutely the right provider. If you are looking for weekly talk therapy, a therapist or counselor is the right fit, and we are happy to refer you to trusted providers in our area.
If you are not sure what kind of care you need, start with us. We will help you understand your options and connect you with the right resources.
Seasons of Wellness is currently accepting new patients of all ages in Leesburg, FL and throughout Lake County. Call (352) 763-3877 or book online at seasonsofwellness.intakeq.com