Mental health nurse practitioner

A mental health nurse practitioner is an independent therapist who combines nursing and medical knowledge. Within the VIP team, the nurse practitioner assesses and treats your mental health problems, while also paying attention to your physical health and how your daily life is going.

Together, you look into what is going on, how your symptoms are affecting you and what you want to achieve. The nurse practitioner contributes to your diagnosis and works with you and the other therapists to define a treatment plan. This is based on your own experiences, wishes and capabilities.

Your treatment combines the goals of reducing your symptoms and working towards recovery. If psychological treatment is considered appropriate, the nurse practitioner will refer you to a psychologist or healthcare psychologist on the VIP team. Depending on what you need help with and the treatment required, the nurse practitioner may also be the one to treat you. If medication is required, the nurse practitioner will discuss the options with you and draw up a medication plan. During your treatment, you will monitor the effectiveness and any side effects together. The nurse practitioner will adjust or taper medications as needed.

The nurse practitioner collaborates with the other specialists on your team and, in consultation with you, will also involve your loved ones. The nurse practitioner may also be your therapist in charge. In this capacity, they are responsible for coordinating your treatment. You will meet regularly to discuss how you are doing and whether your treatment is still appropriate.