Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet millions of U.S. citizens face challenges in accessing the care they need. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce Analysis, over half of U.S. residents live in areas where there is a shortage of mental health professionals. In 2022, 22.8% of U.S. citizens aged 18 years and older suffered from a mental health condition, and half did not receive proper mental health care.
This shortage of mental health professionals is due to the rising demand for behavioral health services, which stresses the urgent need to address the nation’s behavioral health crisis. The Arkansas State University (A-State) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) online program equips nurses with the skills to address the demand for mental health care.
Behavioral Health Defined
Behavioral health is the promotion of mental health, the prevention of mental illness and substance abuse, and the treatment of conditions caused by these issues. Behavioral health and mental health are closely related but not the same. Mental health refers to the state of an individual’s social, emotional and psychological well-being.
Behavioral health is a broader term that includes mental health but also addresses how behaviors impact overall health. This includes substance use disorders, eating habits and lifestyle choices that can affect physical and psychological well-being. Behavioral health care covers a wider range of services that aim to improve overall well-being by addressing both mental health conditions and behavior-related issues.
The Impact of Behavioral and Mental Health Disorders
Behavioral and mental health disorders affect individuals and families adversely. Substance abuse disorders contribute to a range of societal problems, including crime, homelessness, social isolation and family disintegration. With mental health conditions, depression and anxiety are leading causes of disability worldwide. They can lead to difficulties in maintaining employment and relationships or significant impairments in daily functioning and overall quality of life.
Another mental health illness, Schizophrenia, can be severe and require long-term care and support, which can be difficult for individuals and their families. The marked increase in behavioral health and mental health issues also affects public health and healthcare disparities. Individuals with mental health or substance abuse disorders often face stigma or discrimination, and many individuals fear judgment if they disclose their mental health struggles. This can lead to delayed or lack of access to care, which can worsen their mental and physical conditions and lead to a domino effect of poor health outcomes.
Mental Health Advocacy Efforts
To combat stigma and other factors that contribute to the growing behavioral health crisis, there are strategies to improve mental health policy and advocacy. The Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed a roadmap to integrate behavioral health into the broader healthcare system. This guidance aims to enhance care access and promote mental wellness. It recognizes that mental health directly affects overall health and seeks to ensure that behavioral health services are accessible to all individuals, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
Advocacy efforts also focus on enhancing workforce capacity, increasing the use of telehealth and fostering collaboration between primary care and behavioral health providers. By raising awareness, promoting understanding of mental health issues, and supporting behavioral and mental health providers, nursing professionals can build environments where individuals feel empowered to seek help.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses trained to provide psychiatric assessments, evidence-based interventions and treatment plans unique to each patient. PMHNPs play a major role in addressing the behavioral health needs of individuals and communities and work in a variety of settings. These include hospitals, outpatient clinics and community health centers, where they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to promote mental wellness and recovery.
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) emphasizes the importance of PMHNPs practicing integrated care, where they collaborate with primary care providers to deliver coordinated behavioral health services. This ensures that patients receive comprehensive and appropriate care, reducing the risk of untreated mental health conditions and improving both mental and physical health outcomes.
Promote Access to Care Through Arkansas State University
A-State’s MSN-PMHNP online program equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality mental healthcare. The program includes courses such as Health Care Issues and Policy, which explores behavioral health advocacy in the United States. By enrolling in this program, graduates understand the challenges in behavioral health. They are prepared to promote equity in healthcare and advocate for policies that improve access to care and reduce healthcare disparities.
Learn more about A-State’s online MSN-PMHNP online program.