Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Job Title:

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Reports To:
Medical Director / Executive Director

Department:
Medical

Location:
Remote

Employment Type:
Full-time | Salaried | Exempt

Compensation:

The pay for this position is $170,000-180,000 salary, set in good faith based on the responsibilities of the role, qualifications, and market conditions

Job Summary

Mainspring Recovery is seeking a Nurse Practitioner to join our interdisciplinary clinical team supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. This position may be filled by a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or a Medical Nurse Practitioner (FNP/AGNP) depending on the candidate's licensure and area of expertise. The NP will provide specialty-focused care — psychiatric or medical — while maintaining a whole-person approach aligned with Mainspring's mission.

Key Responsibilities

Upon admission, conduct a comprehensive specialty-specific intake evaluation:

For Psychiatric NPs (PMHNP):

• Complete psychiatric intake evaluation including mental status exam (MSE), trauma history, and psychiatric review of systems

• Diagnose and document DSM-5 psychiatric conditions (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, psychosis) co-occurring with SUD

• Assess suicide/homicide risk and establish a safety plan

• Review current psychotropic medication history and identify medication-assisted treatment (MAT) need

• Establish an individualized psychiatric treatment plan with short- and long-term goals

• Routinely approve continuation of medications upon intake until full assessment can be completed.

SUD & Mental Health Focus During Mainspring Care 

• Identify and address SUD-specific clinical needs including withdrawal management, detox monitoring, and MAT initiation or continuation (buprenorphine, naltrexone, etc.) 

• Collaborate with counselors, case managers, and behavioral health staff to ensure psychiatric and medical needs are integrated into the patient's individualized treatment plan 

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and case conferences 

• Provide clinical consultation to staff regarding the intersection of medical/psychiatric conditions and SUD recovery 

• Screen for co-occurring disorders and refer internally or externally as appropriate 

Routine Follow-Up & Ongoing Care 

• Conduct scheduled follow-up appointments throughout the patient's stay to monitor treatment response, medication efficacy, and overall health status 

• Reassess and update the care plan based on patient progress, emerging concerns, or changes in clinical status 

• Document all clinical encounters, assessments, and care plan updates accurately and in a timely manner in the EHR 

• Monitor vital signs, labs, and diagnostic results; communicate critical values and initiate appropriate follow-up 

• Provide patient education regarding diagnosis, medications, side effects, and self-management strategies relevant to SUD recovery 

Medication Ordering & Prescribing 

• Prescribe and manage medications within scope of practice, including MAT medications, psychiatric medications, and medications for co-occurring medical conditions 

• Conduct medication reconciliation upon admission, during treatment, and at discharge 

• Monitor for medication interactions, contraindications, and adverse effects with attention to substances common in SUD populations 

• Utilize the Virginia Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) as required prior to prescribing controlled substances 

• Collaborate with the Medical Director on complex or high-risk medication regimens 

Peer-to-Peer Reviews & Utilization Management 

• Complete peer-to-peer (P2P) reviews with insurance medical directors as required to advocate for medically necessary levels of care, continued stays, or treatment services 

• Document clinical justification for level-of-care determinations in alignment with ASAM criteria 

• Communicate with payers and utilization management teams to support authorization of clinical services 

• Partner with the clinical and administrative team to ensure timely completion of P2P requests to avoid disruptions in patient care 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Refer patients to outside healthcare resources and specialists when clinical needs exceed on-site scope of care 

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SUD treatment guidelines, MAT protocols, and psychiatric best practices 

• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Medical Director 

Minimum Qualifications

Education / Credentials

• Active Nurse Practitioner licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia (required) 

• Board certification as a PMHNP-C/PMHNP-BC

• Active DEA registration in Virginia (required) 

• Current BLS/CPR certification (required) 

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience in a psychiatric, SUD, behavioral health, or related healthcare setting preferred 

• Experience with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) preferred 

• Experience completing peer-to-peer reviews with insurance companies preferred 

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong clinical assessment skills with ability to identify and manage acute and chronic conditions in SUD/MH populations