Mental health deficit in UP: Officials with Marquette-based Suunta Integrative Health say UP needs about 75 equivalent full-time psychiatrists, but fewer than 10 are available across the region. That’s what it means. Recruiting the necessary psychiatrists could be difficult, and it would take a significant amount of time to move them all to the area, obtain their licenses, and establish their practices. However, PMHNPs can help fill gaps in the workforce needed to protect community mental health by providing additional specialized training and increasing collaboration between more groups. .
What they say: “The Upper Peninsula has a severe shortage of professionals who can provide mental health care, addiction treatment, and medication management,” said Amy Poirier, NMU’s PMHNP clinical coordinator. “After completing this program, graduates will be eligible to take certification exams and will be able to provide all of these services.” Includes hands-on training and practical workshops at NMU to reduce the need for travel.”
What’s next: Students from both universities can apply for classes in the PMHNP program with the possibility of receiving additional financial aid through the BRIDGE UP program. For more information about the BRIDGE UP program, call Poirier at 906-227-2826 or SVSU’s Program Director at 989-964-4339.
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