ABCs of Mental Health Care

These provider descriptions are general in nature and are being made available to help you better understand the various types and levels of behavioral health providers that may be available to provide your care. These general descriptions were prepared using national standards. Please note that provider requirements will vary from state to state, thus, you may want to check with the provider's office if you have any specific questions

Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP):

1. Has a Master's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university recognized by the National League for Nursing.
2. Licensed at the highest level in the state where practice is to occur.
3. Certified by the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Clinical Specialist.
4. Qualified to prescribe specific psychoactive medications in certain states when educational and certification requirements are met.
5. May conduct therapy of multiple modalities or theoretical frameworks: individual, group, family, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification, etc. Skilled in providing therapy for co-occurring medical and psychiatric diagnoses and in conducting physical assessments.