The University of California’s four nursing schools are joining forces to tackle the state’s mental health care crisis through a unique initiative aimed at expanding the workforce of psychiatric and behavioral health providers.
On July 1, a new cohort of nurse practitioners will begin their journey in the UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program. This one-year, post-master’s, online/hybrid program is designed to enhance the credentials of practicing nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in psychiatric care.
This pioneering initiative, administered by the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis in collaboration with all UC nursing schools, addresses the critical shortage of mental health providers in California. Graduates of the program will be qualified to join integrated care teams, prescribe psychotropic medications, and treat severe mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.
Addressing the Mental Health Care Gap
A survey by the California Health Care Foundation reveals that over half of Californians with mental illness are not receiving the necessary psychiatric or behavioral health care, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The shortage is especially pronounced in rural and inland areas, which have fewer psychiatrists compared to other parts of the state.
A UCSF Healthforce Center study underscores the vital role nurse practitioners can play in meeting the increasing demand for psychiatric and behavioral health care, particularly as the existing psychiatric workforce ages. Nationally, nurse practitioners are more likely to practice in rural and underserved areas, making them well-suited to help bridge the gap in mental health care access.
A Collaborative Solution
In response to this urgent need, the UC nursing schools launched the PMHNP certificate program in 2021, welcoming an initial cohort of 38 students. This effort was supported by the California Health Care Foundation and the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI).
The 48-unit graduate certificate program provides both coursework and clinical experiences, preparing licensed nurse practitioners for the national board certification examination to become board-certified PMHNPs. The program is tailored for NPs and APRNs seeking to advance their education and serve psychiatric patients in their communities.
Despite initial delays due to the pandemic, 112 PMHNPs have graduated from the program. With the completion of the 2024 cohort, the total number of graduates will rise to 150.
Expanding Impact Across California
“Expanding the behavioral health workforce through the UC PMHNP program means California is better equipped to respond to the growing mental health crisis,” says Deena Shin McRae, M.D., UC Health associate vice president for academic health sciences and clinical professor of psychiatry at UC Irvine School of Medicine. She highlights the program’s role in preparing graduates to become leaders in interdisciplinary care teams, enhancing patient access to critical services.
Stephen Cavanagh, Ph.D., Dean of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, expresses optimism about the collaborative effort. “Our nursing schools and students are part of a statewide solution to meet the needs of our growing population,” he says, emphasizing the program’s broad impact across Southern California, the Bay Area, and regions served by UC Davis.
Students in the program participate in over 500 hours of clinical experiences in their communities, complemented by case-based immersion courses at UC Davis. Faculty from UCI, UCLA, and UCSF contribute by recruiting clinical placements, mentoring students, and teaching.
The program’s hybrid model allows students to engage in coursework from their homes or workplaces across California, with simulation labs providing synchronous practice and feedback. This setup equips students for the realities of telehealth in psychiatric care.
A New Chapter for UC PMHNP
This year marks the first time the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis will oversee admissions for the UC PMHNP program, a role previously held by UCSF School of Nursing.
“This partnership across the UC Schools of Nursing serves as a testament to the power of collaboration,” says Dean Cavanagh. “Together, we can expand the impact we have for those in desperate need of mental health services.”
The fourth cohort of the UC PMHNP program will commence classes on July 1. For more information, visit the UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program.
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