SIG 31: About Us

• We are a society of advanced practice psychiatric nurses that includes Clinical Nurse Specialists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
• All of our members hold Masters or Doctoral Degrees in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Many of us have earned additional certification in related fields.
• We provide high quality, comprehensive, compassionate, accessible and cost-effective mental halth care throughout Colorado.
• We work with federal, state and local governments to expand mental halth programs, provide better mental health services and improve access to mental health care for under-served areas and populations.

What We Do

• Assess, diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders
• Provide psychotherapy and counseling
• Prescribe and manage psychiatric medications
• Educate mental health consumers, students and other professionals
• Consult with a wide range of organizations
• Develop, implement and evaluate mental health programs
• Design and conduct research in mental health nursing
• Hold leadership positions in mental health organizations
• Develop public policy
• Guide nursing policy and practice
• Educate community leaders and legislators about presssing mental health issues and problems.

What We Help With

• Depression, anxiety and stress
• Family problems: relationships, marriage, parenting
• Work and school problems
• Suicidal and homicidal thoughts
• Substance abuse
• Human sexuality: gay, lesbian and transgender issues
• PTSD and related problems
• Geriatric problems including dementia and psychosis
• Trauma and abuse
• Living with physical illness
• Grief counseling
• End-of-life issues
• Organizational development and communication

Where to Find Us

• Outpatient clinics in hospitals and communities across Colorado
• Private practice offices
• Emergency rooms and hospital units
• Hospice, nursing homes and assisted living facilities
• Substance abuse and day treatment programs
• Vocational rehabilitation programs
• Schools and college campuses
• Military bases and combat areas
• Organizations and businesses
• Regulatory agencies