The demand for skilled mental health practitioners who reflect their diverse patients has never been more acute. Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows that among adults with mental illness, Hispanic (40%), Black (38%), and Asian (36%) adults are less likely to receive mental health services compared to their White counterparts (56%). At the same time, Black individuals represent only 4% of psychologists and 2% of psychiatrists, and are underrepresented in other mental health professions as well, while just 5% of psychologists in the U.S. are Hispanic.
Duke University’s School of Nursing is responding to this inequity by training nurses to meet complex mental health needs through its highly ranked psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) master of science in nursing (MSN) program.
The program views both mental and physical health as essential to true wellness. Their educational approach goes beyond academics to include hands-on, context-rich training that equips students to provide holistic, family-centered care that considers the social and environmental factors affecting mental health. Graduates gain clinical expertise and relational skills that prepare them to deliver compassionate, integrative care to patients from all backgrounds and experiences.
Duke’s website describes the program’s unique qualities. “Through our innovative hybrid education model, we leverage both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities galvanized by high-quality practicum experiences to ensure [students] are ready for independent clinical practice on day one. Our program is distinguished by high access to seasoned clinicians and educators who are intrinsically motivated in [student] success. Each year, we establish a trauma-informed academic environment where learning is active, bidirectional and experiential.”
For nurses who have already earned an MSN and seek this additional specialization, Duke offers a PMHNP post-graduate certificate that is ideal for health care providers transitioning to mental health or expanding their expertise.
Those who further wish to specialize in pediatric mental health may opt for Duke’s pediatric behavioral and mental health (PBMH) certificate, which provides focused training to care for young patients facing today’s mental health challenges.
As demand for psychiatric and mental health professionals increases, Duke’s programs are fostering a new generation of nurse practitioners ready to provide support across a multitude of settings.
Sean P. Convoy, DNP, PMHNPBC, associate professor in the PMHNP program, said in a statement, “We are not merely interested in what our students know. Actually, we are more interested in what our students can do. We train our students to the standard of doing under the premise that they might one day care for someone that we love.”
