Education

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RN MSN PMHNP-BC

Bernadette is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She completed her undergraduate education at University of Misericordia, Dallas, PA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She went on to receive a Master of Science Degree in Nursing and completed a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at Cal State University, San Marcos. Bernadette has extensively worked in crisis intervention and in- and out-patient psychiatric settings. She uses evidence based research to guide her practice while focusing on individualized and personalized care, treating the whole person.

A PMHNP is a nurse with advanced training and education who provides mental health care. PMHNPs assess, diagnose and treat people who have psychiatric and/or addictive disorders. They also help those at risk to prevent the development of these disorders. 

PMHNPs prescribe medication and provide individual, family, and group therapy. They use a range of skills to provide care for both the mind and body. Instead of just treating an illness, PMHNP’s take time to partner with a patient to help him or her achieve his/her own recovery and plan for wellness.

PMHNPs meet high standards for licensure and certification. PMHNPs take a board certified examination to validate their expertise. This certification is designated with the initials BC (Board Certified) at the end of the title (e.g., PMHNP-BC). PMHNPs must continually enhance their expertise with continuing education to maintain their professional credentials.

• Evaluate and diagnose mental health disorders.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab-work.
• Provide psychotherapy (psychological counseling) for individuals, groups, and families.
• Prescribe and monitor the effects of psychiatric medications.
• Coordinate patient care and provide case management.
• Collaborate with physicians and other health professionals.
• Provide education and consultation to nurses and other mental health professionals.
• Design and conduct research to improve mental health care.
• Conduct genetic testing (GeneSight) and identify medications that work best for each person’s unique genetic makeup.