Why Is There a Growing Need for Behavioral Health RNs?
Nurses are in high demand across the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of registered nurses will grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. The demand for healthcare services is also on the rise due to an aging population with increasing medical needs and chronic health conditions. Patients seeking treatment for mental health illness is increasing as well and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors combined increases the need for healthcare providers, particularly behavioral health registered nurses.
Why Are We Seeing This Expanding Trend?
One area of nursing that is seeing a significant increase in demand is behavioral health. According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the U.S.—that's 43.8 million people—experience some form of mental illness in a given year. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have struggled to cope with anxiety and depression. With such a large percentage of the population affected by mental illness, it's no surprise that there is a growing need for behavioral health RNs.
In addition to increases seen in depression, anxiety, grief, and substance abuse, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded access to mental health services. Under the ACA, all insurance plans must cover mental health and substance abuse services at parity with other medical services. Behavioral health RNs are in higher demand with the increases in access to mental health care.
Behavioral health registered nurses are also needed because there is a shortage of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals. With only 15.6 psychiatrists and 30 psychologists per 100,000 people in the United States, there aren't enough providers to meet the demand for mental health services, especially in rural areas. This shortage is only expected to grow as the number of people with mental illness continues to surge, further expanding the need for behavioral health RNs. .
What Does a Behavioral Health RN Do?
Behavioral health is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating mental illness, substance abuse, and other addictive behaviors. Behavioral health RNs work with patients who have these diagnoses. They provide care and support to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall health. Behavioral health RNs may work in inpatient or outpatient settings, or they may provide home health care services. According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Psychiatric–mental health (PMH) nurses provide care to individuals, families, and communities who have current or potential mental health needs. Necessary elements of PMH nursing practice include health and wellness promotion through:
Identification of mental health issues
Prevention of mental health problems
Care of mental health problems
Treatment of persons with the full range of psychiatric-mental health disorders, including substance use disorders
Inpatient behavioral health care is provided in a hospital setting, where patients stay overnight for treatment and therapy if needed. Outpatient care is provided at clinics or other medical facilities, and patients typically do not stay overnight. Home health care services are provided in patients' homes. Behavioral health RNs who provide home health care services may visit patients on a regular basis or they may provide one-time services after a patient is discharged from the hospital.
Behavioral health RNs either have a bachelor's or associate’s degree in nursing. In addition to their educational requirements, behavioral health RNs must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Obtaining certification as a psychiatric-mental health nurse from the American Nurses Credentialing Center is also an option for nurses to show entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of registered nurses in the psychiatric–mental health specialty.
If you're a nurse who enjoys working with people and helping them improve their overall mental health, consider pursuing a career as a behavioral health RN. With the rising prevalence of mental illness in the United States, there is a growing need for nurses who specialize in behavioral health care. If you're interested in working in this field, research the educational requirements and licensing requirements for behavioral health RNs in your state so you can get started on your career path today.
References:
Registered Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6
Mental Health Facts in America
https://www.nami.org/nami/media/nami-media/infographics/generalmhfacts.pdf
Does the Affordable Care Act Cover Individuals With Mental Health Problems?
Is There a Shortage of Mental Health Professionals in America?
Psych Nurse FAQs
https://www.apna.org/psych-nurse-faqs/
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification
https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/psychiatric-mental-health-nursing-certification/
Author Bio
Miranda Edwards, DNP, CRNA
Miranda is a practicing CRNA with almost 20 years experience in nursing. Miranda aspires to produce health and medical content for both businesses and consumers that is relevant and relatable.