Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- Illinois

Who We Are:

We all walk around with an invisible backpack — carrying our emotions, experiences and unspoken challenges. Like a physical backpack, it can grow heavy when filled with too much - We created Backpack Healthcare to help lighten that load.

At Backpack Healthcare, we’re re-imagining mental health care for children, teens, and young adults. As a clinician-led, minority-owned organization, our mission is simple: when clinicians thrive, kids thrive.

We are building a mental health system that is compassionate, innovative and sustainable – one that honors both the provider and the patient. At Backpack Healthcare, we are not just offering a job; we're offering purpose, flexibility and the chance to change lives everyday. If you’re ready to be a part of a collaborative, empowering and forward -thinking mental health movement, join our team and make a real impact by breaking barriers and healing young minds.

Your Role at Backpack Healthcare:

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with Backpack Healthcare, you’ll provide high-quality, compassionate psychiatric care to children, teens, and young adults through a collaborative telehealth model. You’ll be part of a clinician-led team that values integrity, innovation, and integrated care delivery.

Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations via telehealth to assess each patient’s mental health needs.
• Formulate accurate, evidence-based diagnoses and collaborate with other professionals when interdisciplinary input is needed.

Treatment Planning and Implementation

• Develop individualized treatment plans in partnership with patients and their families.
• Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, monitor effectiveness, and adjust as needed for optimal outcomes.
• Provide supportive therapy, brief interventions, and psycho-education to promote emotional health and resilience.

Collaborative and Integrated Care

• Partner closely with therapists, psychiatrists, and care coordinators to ensure coordinated, patient-centered treatment.
• Participate in case reviews and interdisciplinary meetings to support continuity of care and clinical excellence.

Education, Documentation, and Compliance

• Educate patients and families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and medication management.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the EHR to reflect patient progress and care coordination.
• Uphold all ethical, legal, and professional standards for psychiatric nursing practice.

Professional Growth and Development

• Stay informed about emerging research, evidence-based practices, and trends in psychiatric nursing.
• Participate in ongoing education, supervision, and team development initiatives designed to help clinicians thrive.

What We Are Looking For:

• Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
• Current, unrestricted PMHNP license in Illinois & DEA (multi-state or compact licensure preferred).
• Board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).
• Active DEA registration and ability to prescribe controlled substances in Illinois.
• Experience with children, adolescents, and young adult populations is strongly preferred.
• Comfort with telehealth platforms and electronic health records (EHR).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and time-management skills.
• Commitment to culturally competent, patient-centered care.