Do PMHNPs need special certification for pediatric psychiatry?

The standard PMHNP certification (ANCC) is across-the-lifespan and qualifies you to treat children. However, employers strongly prefer candidates with pediatric clinical experience. Some programs offer child/adolescent PMHNP concentrations, and post-graduate fellowships provide specialized training.

What conditions do child & adolescent PMHNPs treat?

Common conditions include ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, and emerging personality disorders. Prescribing requires careful attention to pediatric dosing, growth effects, and FDA guidelines.

Are school-based PMHNP positions available?

Yes — school-based PMHNP positions are growing rapidly as districts address the youth mental health crisis. These roles typically follow the school calendar with summers off, offer competitive salaries, and provide a rewarding opportunity to serve children where they spend most of their day.

Child & Adolescent PMHNP Jobs

Last Updated: March 2026 | Pediatric psychiatry & youth behavioral health

Discover 594 pediatric psychiatric nurse practitioner positions

594

Pediatric Positions

$214k

Avg. Salary

Hiring Organizations

Why Specialize in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry?

Critical Shortage

The youth mental health crisis has created unprecedented demand. There are only ~8,000 child psychiatrists for 74 million US children. PMHNPs are essential to filling this gap.

School-Based Opportunities

Growing demand for school-based mental health providers. Many districts now embed PMHNPs directly in schools, offering unique schedules aligned with the academic calendar.

Growing Compensation

Pediatric PMHNP salaries have increased 15-20% in recent years due to extreme demand. Subspecialty expertise in ASD, ADHD, and eating disorders commands premium pay.

All Pediatric Positions (594)

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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

$160k/yr

Clearwave Mental Health

New York - Poughkeepsie, Latham, Westchester, Long Island

Full-TimeIn-Person

Featured Verified

Clearwave Mental Health is a growing outpatient mental health group serving patients across the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Long Island. Our multidisciplinary team includes Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Licensed Therapists working together to deliver high-quality, eviden...

Posted 4 weeks ago

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Lifestance

At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly healthy society where mental and physical healthcare are unified to make lives better. Our mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable, and personalized mental healthcare. Everywhere. Every day...

Posted today

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Lifestance

Posted 2 days agoRecent

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Lifestance

Posted 2 days agoRecent

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Lifestance

Posted 2 days agoRecent

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Lifestance

Posted 3 days agoRecent

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Lifestance

Posted 6 days agoRecent

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Psychiatrist (Child & Adolescent)

$288k - $445k/yr

LifeStance Health

South Kingstown, Rhode Island

Part-TimeIn-Person

Direct Apply

Posted 6 days ago

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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

$187k-$300k/yr

LifeStance Health

Warwick, Rhode Island

Full-TimeIn-Person

Direct Apply

Posted 6 days ago

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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Lifestance

Posted 6 days ago

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Top Employers

Lifestance170 jobs
LifeStance Health131 jobs
Fcs Co18 jobs
The Hospital of Central Connecticut9 jobs
Geode Health7 jobs
Lyra Health7 jobs
LocumTenens.com5 jobs
MaineHealth5 jobs

Salary Insights

$214k

Average annual salary

Pediatric PMHNP roles in children's hospitals and academic medical centers often include full benefits, tuition assistance, and research opportunities.

Pediatric Tips

•Get trained in play therapy and age-appropriate assessments
•Learn family systems therapy for parent involvement
•Stay current on pediatric psychopharmacology dosing
•Consider school-based positions for work-life balance
•Build expertise in ADHD, anxiety, and ASD

Child & Adolescent PMHNP Career Resources

Common Settings

Children's hospitals, school-based health centers, pediatric clinics, residential treatment facilities, juvenile justice systems, foster care agencies, and university-affiliated practices.

Common Conditions

ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), oppositional defiant disorder, eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, and emerging personality disorders in adolescents.

Certifications

While the standard PMHNP certification (ANCC) covers across-the-lifespan, additional training in child/adolescent psychiatry through fellowships or CE courses enhances competitiveness significantly.

Unique Considerations

Pediatric prescribing requires careful attention to growth effects, FDA black box warnings, and evidence-based guidelines (AAP, AACAP). Family involvement and school coordination are essential components of treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Child & Adolescent PMHNP Jobs

There are currently 594 child and adolescent PMHNP positions available. These span children's hospitals, school-based health centers, pediatric clinics, residential treatment facilities, and community mental health agencies.