The Future is Now: Scaffolding Telemental Health Skills Across the Curriculum to Ensure PMHNP Competency

Abstract

Objective:

To summarize the impact of the rise in Telemental Health (TMH) utilization on psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) practice and education, and to present direction for PMHNP educators on emerging competencies and lessons learned from evolving TMH curricula.

Methods:

This discussion paper updates the PMHNP educational environment in the context of the postpandemic rise in TMH and concurrent changes in educational guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). The integration of telehealth content into nurse practitioner (NP) curricula is presented along with the evolution of one PMHNP program’s TMH curriculum from 2019 to 2025. Future directions and recommendations for action for PMHNP educators and practitioners are shared.

Results:

TMH is here to stay, is well accepted by patients and providers, and holds the potential to improve access to care. Integrating TMH across curricula necessitates the consideration of the unique practice nuances of the discipline of PMH and further study of outcomes.

Conclusion:

Integrating competency-based TMH education across the curriculum through didactic, simulation, and clinical experiences, and studying and refining existing TMH content, will ensure the future PMHNP workforce is prepared to deliver safe, legal, and effective care to a broader patient population.