7 Top-Rated Psych NP Programs in California
Ready to take your nursing career to the next level with one of California’s best psych NP programs? These specialized programs create a clear path to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, whether you need flexibility or want prestigious credentials.
PMHNPs deliver comprehensive primary mental health care services. They conduct biopsychosocial assessments and diagnose patients with mental illness and co-occurring disorders. California institutions offer several PMHNP programs. Fresno State is known for its one-year online program that includes 540 clinical hours. California’s best psych NP programs prepare you for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Many programs run on 8-week course terms and offer multiple start dates throughout the year.
California gives you several paths to this rewarding career. Fresno State offers affordable pricing at $600 per unit, while Loma Linda University’s program helps enhance patients’ mental well-being. Let’s take a closer look at seven top-rated programs that can shape your professional future.
1. Fresno State PMHNP Program
California State University, Fresno has one of the most available psych NP programs for California residents. The program works well for nurse practitioners who want to expand their skills into psychiatric care. Among PMHNP programs in California, this one is notable because of its flexible format and detailed curriculum.
Program overview
The Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Fresno State is a one-year post-master’s program tailored for primary care nurse practitioners. Students learn to provide detailed psychiatric services to patients of all ages, from children to older adults.
The School of Nursing runs this program through collaboration with the Division of Continuing and Global Education. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). California State University-Fresno also holds Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation to ensure program quality.
Students need to visit campus only four times during the entire program since most coursework happens online. Working professionals find this structure appealing because they can improve their qualifications without leaving their current jobs.
Admission requirements
Fresno State’s PMHNP program requires candidates to meet eight specific requirements:
- A Master of Science in Nursing or higher degree (DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.) from an accredited college with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Transcripts showing completion of advanced pathophysiology, physical assessment, and pharmacology with grades of “B” or better
- Valid California Nurse Practitioner license with furnishing number
- Minimum one year of clinical experience as an NP
- Current practice (full-time, part-time, or per diem) as a Family NP, Adult-gerontology NP, Neonatal NP, Pediatric NP, or Women’s Health NP
- Current DEA authorization for Schedule II-V medications
- Valid California RN license
- Current Basic Life Support certification
The program accepts applications from August 1st to October 15th each year. Early application gives you better chances since decisions might follow a first-come, first-served basis.
Curriculum and clinical hours
The program has 19 units spread across three semesters. Students move through the program as a cohort. There’s no part-time option right now.
The curriculum has specialized courses such as:
- Management of Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health Across the Life Span (2 units)
- Advanced Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span (3 units)
- Management of Common Psychiatric Conditions in Primary Care (2 units)
- Methods of Psychotherapy (2 units)
- Management & Care of Patients with Acute & Chronic Psychiatric Conditions (4 units)
- Psychiatric Disorders & Mental Health Problems in Special Populations (2 units)
- Management & Mental Health Care of Special Populations (4 units)
Students must complete 520 hours of supervised direct patient care under a clinical preceptor or faculty member. They need to dedicate at least 90 hours (up to 135) to psychotherapy.
Tuition and fees
Each unit costs $600, bringing the total to about $11,400 for the 19-unit program. Students should plan for extra costs like textbooks, liability insurance, clinical onboarding, Typhon, vSim, prep courses, and other resources.
This certificate program doesn’t offer financial aid, so proper financial planning becomes crucial.
Certification eligibility
Program graduates can take national certification exams from two accrediting bodies:
- The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), which awards the PMHNP-C credential
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which awards the PMHNP-BC credential
Both certifications let graduates work as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners across the lifespan. Some employers might prefer one certification over the other.
Career outcomes
The program prepares graduates to handle clients with acute and chronic mental health conditions. They can provide both psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions.
Graduates can work in many settings:
- Assisted living facilities
- Correctional facilities
- Crisis intervention centers
- Emergency departments
- Hospitals and inpatient psychiatric facilities
- Mental health rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient psychiatric clinics
- School and college campuses
- Substance use rehabilitation facilities
- Telehealth settings
- Veterans Administration psychiatric facilities
Fresno State admits about 24 students each year, making it one of the best psych NP programs in California. The selection process looks beyond academic qualifications. Previous mental health experience, flexibility, understanding of program rigor, and time management skills matter too.
2. Loma Linda University PMHNP Program
Loma Linda University’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is well-known among California’s psych NP programs with its integrated approach to mental healthcare education. The program gives you the specialized skills to address complex psychiatric needs while bringing spiritual aspects into healing.
Program overview
The School of Nursing’s PMHNP program prepares registered nurses to lead in mental healthcare. Unlike other PMHNP programs in California, Loma Linda focuses on whole-person care by combining mental, physical, and spiritual health components to support patients through their path to better mental wellbeing.
Students learn systems thinking, evidence-based practice, and translational research as these relate to mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The curriculum teaches nurses to work alongside psychiatrists and other mental health providers. They learn to assess mental health needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Graduates gain expertise in both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. This allows them to provide complete psychiatric care to patients of all ages—from infants to older adults. The program also prepares them to work in many settings, making them adaptable practitioners in the changing digital world.
Admission requirements
You’ll need to meet these core requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree or equivalent in nursing from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (both cumulative and in nursing coursework)
- Current unencumbered United States RN license when you apply
- California RN license before starting classes (you must keep it throughout the program)
- At least one year of full-time RN experience before starting clinical courses
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
On top of that, you must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions directly to NursingCAS. The admission process includes an Emotional Intelligence Interview with program coordinators and faculty members, either in-person or through Zoom.
Curriculum and delivery format
The DNP with PMHNP concentration has an intensive curriculum with:
- Core courses in theoretical foundations, health systems leadership, policy development, and research methodology
- Concentration courses in pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and clinical pathophysiology
- Specialized PMHNP clinical courses to build psychiatric expertise
- DNP project components to develop leadership and research skills
Students need 570 hours of clinical practice in the advanced practice role plus 510 practicum hours for the DNP role—a total of 1,080 clinical hours. The full-time BS to DNP program takes 3 years and 9 months, with part-time options available.
While many courses are online, some campus visits are required. Students must come to campus for 4-8 hours during Seminar Week each quarter for core courses. They must also be present for all course exams, including midterms and finals.
Tuition and financial aid
This program is a major investment in your career. While specific tuition figures weren’t in the source materials, about 70-75% of Loma Linda Nursing students get financial aid.
A graduate managed to clear $140,000 of student loan debt through support programs. NIH recognition helped secure extra research funding from the American Cancer Society.
Contact the university’s financial aid office to learn current tuition rates and assistance options. Plan your finances carefully since education costs typically rise yearly with inflation.
Certification and licensure
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) fully accredits Loma Linda University. The nursing programs also hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are ready for certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners through:
- The State of California Board of Registered Nursing
- The American Nurses Credentialing Corporation
This dual certification preparation means graduates meet high professional standards and can work in healthcare settings of all types.
Clinical placement support
Faculty members arrange clinical rotations in Southern California’s Inland Empire region, specifically Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. This follows California Board of Registered Nursing Regulations (Sections 1484, h (11) of Division 14 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations).
PMHNP skills courses meet weekly during scheduled quarters. Students must attend all assigned labs. Faculty members guide students throughout their clinical placements to ensure proper supervision as they develop advanced practice skills.
As one of California’s best psych NP programs, Loma Linda combines strong academic preparation with hands-on clinical experience and spiritual integration. This creates well-rounded psychiatric mental health practitioners ready to tackle complex mental health needs in different settings.
3. West Coast University PMHNP Program
West Coast University is distinguishable from other psych NP programs in California with its flexible online formats and multiple entry pathways. Working professionals seeking career advancement will find this program particularly appealing because it offers several tracks that match different educational backgrounds and career goals.
Program overview
The PMHNP program at West Coast University welcomes students from various educational backgrounds with multiple format options. Students can choose the MSN-PMHNP track for BSN-prepared nurses, an RN to MSN PMHNP track for registered nurses without a bachelor’s degree, or a Post-Master’s Certificate for advanced practice nurses who want to expand their expertise. Students learn through online coursework, hands-on intensives, and clinical experience.
The program’s flexible pacing options make it highly regarded:
- MSN-PMHNP: Complete in 20 months (Accelerated) or 36 months (Working Professional)
- RN to MSN-PMHNP: Complete in 32 months (Accelerated) or 44 months (Working Professional)
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Complete in as little as 16 months
Full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) ensures the program meets rigorous academic and professional standards.
Admission requirements
Each program track has specific admission requirements. MSN-PMHNP track candidates need a BSN degree. The RN to MSN pathway requires only an unencumbered RN license, which lets nurses earn their MSN degree without completing a separate BSN program. RNs can transition smoothly into graduate-level coursework through strategically placed undergraduate “bridge courses”.
Post-Master’s Certificate applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing. Students in all programs must keep their nursing licenses current throughout their studies.
Curriculum and clinicals
The MSN-PMHNP curriculum requires 53 total program credits – 18 credits for MSN core courses and 35 credits for APRN core coursework. Students must attend On-Site Intensives (OSIs) on campus to learn and practice essential hands-on nurse practitioner skills. These in-person immersive experiences prepare students for their APRN clinical rotations and practice.
Clinical requirements are extensive. MSN and Post-Master’s certificate students must complete 540 clinical hours, while RN to MSN students need 590 clinical hours. A dedicated Clinical Placements team helps students find preceptors and sites that match their career goals.
Tuition and cost breakdown
Program pace affects the tuition structure. The Accelerated MSN-PMHNP track (5 trimesters) costs:
- MSN Core: $635 per credit (18 credits) = $11,430
- APRN Core: $785 per credit (35 credits) = $27,475
- Total tuition cost: $38,905
Other expenses include:
- Technology fee: $2,500
- Supplies and licensure preparation fees: $1,620
- Estimated total program costs: $43,132.50 (California residents)
The Working Professional pace (9 trimesters) maintains the same tuition but has a higher technology fee of $4,500, bringing California residents’ estimated total program cost to $45,137.50.
Certification eligibility
Graduates who complete the PMHNP program with required clinical hours can take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) PMHNP certification exam. State boards governed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing require passing this exam for licensure.
West Coast University helps students prepare for certification through Lecturio and BoardVitals. These platforms offer mobile-friendly review materials that help graduates approach the exam with confidence.
Job placement support
WCU’s Career Services team helps graduates enter the job market successfully. They provide resume writing workshops, interview coaching, professional development resources, and help with job searches.
This support system helps graduates move smoothly from education to professional practice, meeting the growing need for psychiatric mental health specialists in California and beyond.
4. UCSF PMHNP Program
UCSF’s program ranks among California’s top psych NP programs. It leads the way in addressing the state’s shortage of mental health providers. Students learn both medication management and psychotherapy skills through a program that reshapes psychiatric nursing care through education and research.
Program overview
UCSF’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty helps advance psychiatric nursing care. Students learn to serve the public while promoting diversity and health equity. The program teaches practitioners to provide mental health care services of all types. They learn biopsychosocial assessment and diagnosis for patients with mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Students become experts in medication and psychotherapeutic management – skills they need to handle complex psychiatric needs in a variety of populations.
Admission and application process
Students interested in this standout California PMHNP program can apply now for fall 2026. The deadline is February 15, 2026. The program has evolved substantially. The School of Nursing now offers a BSN Entry to DNP pathway with Advanced Nursing Focus instead of the Master of Science degree. Questions about admission should go to the Office of Student Affairs. Specialty coordinators help only current students.
Curriculum and clinical training
The well-laid-out curriculum combines theory with hands-on practice. Students take courses in psychiatric assessment, symptom management, psychopharmacology, and therapy methods. Clinical placements happen at prestigious Bay Area institutions including:
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
- UCSF Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics
- Veterans Administration facilities
- San Francisco Department of Public Health
- Sutter Health
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation
- Marin County Mental Health Services
Current students follow a two-year plan with courses like Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Theories of Mental Illness, and various psychotherapy approaches.
Tuition and funding options
UCSF Student Financial Services website lists all tuition and fees. Students can get financial help through the Student Funding Office. The office provides administrative services, counseling, scholarships, grants, traineeships, academic appointments, nursing faculty loans, and a loan repayment program. These benefits apply to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents. UC employees get a special deal – two-thirds off Student Services Fee and Tuition when they take up to 12 units or four courses per quarter through spring 2031.
Certification and licensure
Program graduates can apply for ANCC national certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. California requires this certification for licensure. The California Board of Registered Nursing website has all the details. The program gives students everything they need to meet certification requirements and succeed in this growing field.
Faculty and research strengths
The program’s faculty makes it one of California’s best psych NP programs. UCSF researchers got a two-year Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant to study how California’s public mental health settings use PMHNPs. Associate Clinical Professor Kate Melino co-directs the program and brings expertise in structural competency, reflexive practice, therapeutic communication, and trauma-informed care. Her clinical interests cover integrated primary and behavioral healthcare, treatment of mental health and substance use disorders, geriatric psychiatry, and LGBTQ mental health. These interests add depth to student learning.
5. University of San Diego PMHNP Program
The University of San Diego’s beautiful coastal campus is home to one of California’s most detailed psych NP programs. Students can find this program at the prestigious Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. USD’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program teaches graduates to provide confident, compassionate care to patients from a variety of backgrounds.
Program overview
The University of San Diego provides a dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner track. Students can choose between Master of Science in Nursing and BSN to DNP pathways based on their current position. The program creates a strong foundation in advanced nursing practice theory. Students learn to treat pediatrics, adolescents, adults, older adults, and their families with psychiatric mental health conditions. The program gives graduates the tools to tackle complex mental health challenges in healthcare settings of all types.
Admission requirements
Candidates need a baccalaureate degree with upper-division nursing focus. USD nursing programs usually ask for a minimum 3.00 GPA, though requirements can vary. Students must show proof of an active California RN license without restrictions. Students pursuing nurse practitioner tracks should have at least one year of acute-care RN work experience.
Curriculum and delivery format
The core curriculum focuses on advanced practice nursing. Students study pathophysiology, physical assessment and diagnosis, and pharmacology. They also take specialized courses in psychopharmacology and common psychotherapeutic methods. BSN to DNP students typically finish their degree in three years full-time, or four to five years part-time. Students must attend campus-based classes at least two days each week, plus extra days for clinical or practicum work.
Tuition and financial aid
Here’s what you’ll pay for USD’s PMHNP program:
- MSN-PMHNP: $1,750 per unit (53 units total) = $92,750
- BSN to DNP PMHNP: $1,800 per unit (78 units total) = $140,400
Students should expect additional costs: application fees ($55), enrollment deposits ($500), technology and compliance fees ($300 yearly), and various student life fees. Students should look into financial aid options. The university offers scholarships, grants, fellowships, discounts, and loan programs.
Clinical training and support
Clinical placement coordinators work with program faculty to determine placements based on course objectives. The program has a DNP scholarly practice that needs clinical hours in the specialty area. Students also complete a DNP translational science project. This project helps them identify and solve clinical problems through groundbreaking, evidence-based solutions.
Certification outcomes
Graduates can apply for certification as Nurse Practitioners in California. They can also get national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). The PMHNP-BC credential from the ANCC exam stays valid for five years. This certification matches the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education. This ensures graduates meet standard qualification requirements in all jurisdictions.
6. California State University Long Beach PMHNP Program
California State University Long Beach launched a BSN to DNP degree with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track in Fall 2023. This new program excels among psych NP programs offered by California institutions. The transition shows CSULB’s steadfast dedication to advancing nursing education that meets today’s healthcare needs.
Program overview
The CSULB School of Nursing has moved from its Master of Science in Nursing to focus on the BSN-to-DNP program. The program has five nurse practitioner specialty tracks, including Psychiatric-Mental Health across the lifespan. Graduates can take on complex practice and leadership roles in clinical settings or teach at colleges and universities. The professional degree builds evidence-based skills and advanced competencies in psychiatric mental health care.
Admission requirements
Students must have an active, unrestricted RN license in California before starting clinical courses. The program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, which they calculate from different academic components. CSULB doesn’t accept every qualified applicant. They use a careful selection process with interviews and timed writing assessments for finalists. Students get admission decisions by email during summer months.
Curriculum and clinical hours
The curriculum has specialized courses such as:
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Theory for Adults and Elderly
- Clinical Studies for Adults and Elderly Practicum
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Theory for Children and Adolescents
- Clinical Studies for Children and Adolescents Practicum
The clinical requirements are demanding. Practicum courses need 24 hours of clinical work each week. Students must complete at least 1000 clinical hours throughout the program.
Tuition and cost
Recent data shows California residents pay $4,978 per semester for full-time graduate coursework (7+ units). The total cost depends on completing 72-semester units required for the BSN-to-DNP program.
Certification eligibility
Graduates can take the national certification exam to become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. The program offers a National Certification Review Course that helps students prepare for certification exams. This one-unit course helps students transition from student to certified nurse practitioner.
Career opportunities
Graduates work as Advanced Practice Nurses within California Board of Registered Nursing’s scope of practice. The program prepares PMHNPs to legally provide specific medications through furnishing licenses. Career options include roles in psychiatric facilities, community mental health agencies, and healthcare settings that serve patients of all ages.
7. Touro University California PMHNP Program
Touro University California offers a distinctive PMHNP program with an innovative hybrid approach. This makes it a strong choice among PMHNP programs in California for working nurses who want to specialize in psychiatric care. The program, based on Mare Island in Vallejo, combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical training.
Program overview
The Post Master’s PMHNP Certificate track at Touro has a 5-semester hybrid structure that combines 90% online learning with 10% on-campus sessions. These campus visits focus on essential skills through clinical labs, standardized patient training, and interprofessional education events. The program helps address the ongoing shortage of mental and behavioral health care providers. You’ll learn to diagnose, assess, treat, and manage behavioral health conditions for patients of all ages, from children to older adults.
Admission requirements
To join the PMHNP Graduate Certificate program, you need:
- A master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 for all master’s level coursework
- A valid and unencumbered California RN license
- A minimum of one year of full-time practice before starting the program
TUC alumni have a simpler path. They only need an MSN degree from the TUC School of Nursing and a valid California RN license, without additional recommendation letters.
Curriculum and delivery format
The program unfolds over five semesters:
- Semester 1: Advanced Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology
- Semester 2: Applied Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapeutic Principles, and Applied Psychotherapy (150 clinical hours)
- Semester 3: Management of Acute & Common Behavioral Health Disorders with 150 clinical hours
- Semester 4: Management of Chronic Behavioral Health Disorders with 225 clinical hours and Telemedicine simulation lab
- Semester 5: Management of Special Populations with 225 clinical hours plus a clinical elective
Students complete 750 clinical hours throughout their studies.
Tuition and financial aid
Current tuition costs $1,090 per credit, with a total program cost of $31,610. Students also pay a technology fee of $85 per trimester and an annual student fee of $345. Touro’s Financial Aid Office provides support with loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
Clinical placement and support
Clinical rotations give students experience in various settings. These include inpatient, outpatient, public health, community, rehabilitation, emergency, street medicine, pain management, and addiction medicine. Caring faculty and staff members support students throughout their clinical development.
Certification and licensure
Graduates can sit for national board certification through both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC certification (PMHNP-BC) stays valid for five years. After completing the program, you can apply for California State Certification as a Nurse Practitioner with furnishing (prescribing) privileges.
Choose Your Program Today
Your nursing career in psychiatric mental health care starts with picking the right PMHNP program. Seven programs across California give you different advantages based on what you want – online flexibility, campus experiences, or a mix of both. On top of that, these programs give you the complete preparation you need for national certification through ANCC or AANP, which matches industry standards.
Hands-on training is the substance of all these programs. You’ll need between 520 and 1,080 clinical hours based on where you study. This practical experience helps you develop complex skills to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health conditions at every life stage.
Money plays a big role in your choice. Tuition costs vary by a lot between schools. You could pay $600 per unit at Fresno State or invest more at private schools like University of San Diego. The good news is that many schools have financial aid packages just for nursing students.
California and other states really need qualified PMHNPs. After you graduate, you’ll find jobs in psychiatric hospitals, community clinics, telehealth platforms, and academic institutions. Your specialized training puts you in a perfect spot to help fix the state’s shortage of mental health providers.
Take time to think about each program’s strengths and how they line up with your goals. Look at program length, location, how classes are taught, and areas of focus that match your career dreams and lifestyle. No matter which path you take, a PMHNP program will give you the skills to reshape the scene of mental healthcare while taking your nursing career to new levels.