What does a psychiatric nurse practitioner do?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. They can prescribe medication and often provide therapy. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Last updated November 11, 2026
Find psychiatric nurse practitioners near you
When people see one
- You want to start or adjust medication for a mental health condition.
- You want one person for both medication and counseling.
- A psychiatrist has a long wait and you need care sooner.
How it differs
Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. Both can prescribe, and both can treat most common mental health conditions.
Nurse practitioner (primary care): A primary care nurse practitioner treats everyday health problems across the board. A psychiatric nurse practitioner focuses on mental health.
On 2027 Colorado plans
Do you need a referral? Not on most plans. Kaiser Permanente plans need a referral for some specialists, so ask the insurance company before you book. The other plans don't require one for outpatient mental health care, according to each plan's 2027 summary of benefits.
What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Office Visit - Mental/Behavioral Health" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):
- Bronze: $0 to $80 a visit on 25 of 56 plans; on the other 31, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Silver: $0 to $85 a visit on 35 of 58 plans; on the other 23, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
- Gold: $0 to $90 a visit on 26 of 30 plans; on the other 4, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.
In Colorado
Public records list 1,407 psychiatric nurse practitioners at 767 Colorado locations.
- El Paso County: 138 locations
- Denver County: 110 locations
- Arapahoe County: 92 locations
- Larimer County: 66 locations
- Jefferson County: 62 locations
- Douglas County: 43 locations
Counties with the fewest: Teller (1), Prowers (1), Park (1), Otero (1), Lake (1). 22 counties have none.
Questions to ask the office
- Are you taking new patients?
- Do you bill my 2027 plan? Which plan and network name do you use?
- Do you offer telehealth visits?
- How long is the wait for a first appointment, and do you bill insurance or take self-pay only?