Psychiatric nurse

A psychiatric or behavioral health nurse cares for patients with psychiatric disorders such as mental illness, eating disorders, addiction, and substance abuse.

Required education

ADN or BSN

Average annual salary

$81,0000

Payscale.com (Jan. 2026)

Varied

Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.

Patient-facing

Work hands-on, directly with patients.

Structured

Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.

Independent

Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.

What is the role of a psychiatric nurse?

You’ll be patient and kind, but also strong to support people and be firm when the line needs to be drawn.

What you’ll do as a psychiatric nurse

Assessment

You’ll evaluate people with mental illnesses.

Collaboration

You’ll work as part of a team of psychiatrists, various other doctors and other mental health specialists.

Connection

You’ll recommend services and programs to patients.

Education

You’ll teach patients and families how to deal with the challenges of psychiatric disorders.

Treatment

You’ll diagnose and treat patients, assist them with medication, and help them achieve long and short-term goals.

Male nurse in scrubs talking to a male patient

Where you’ll work as a psychiatric nurse

Psychiatric nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

Community clinics
Correctional facilities
Hospitals
Long-term care centers
Mental Health facilities
Private practices
Rehabilitation centers
Schools

How to become a psychiatric nurse

Get an Associate’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.

Pass the NCLEX-RN.

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.

Work as a Registered Nurse for two years, gaining 2,000 hours experience and 30 hours continuing education in psychiatric nursing.

Get your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

You’re ready to work as a psychiatric nurse!