What the work is
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
On a typical day
- Participate in activities aimed at professional growth and development, including conferences or continuing education activities.
- Develop practice protocols for mental health problems, based on review and evaluation of published research.
- Develop, implement, or evaluate programs such as outreach activities, community mental health programs, and crisis situation response activities.
- Write prescriptions for psychotropic medications as allowed by state regulations and collaborative practice agreements.
- Refer patients requiring more specialized or complex treatment to psychiatrists, primary care physicians, or other medical specialists.
- Provide routine physical health screenings to detect or monitor problems such as heart disease and diabetes.