How to Talk to Your Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)—And What NOT to Do

Mohammad Hussain
Mar 20
3 min read

How to Talk to Your Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)—And What NOT to Do

So, you finally made an appointment with your PMHNP, and now you're sitting there, wondering how much to actually tell them. Should you spill everything? Should you pretend you’ve never touched a drug in your life? Should you diagnose yourself with six disorders based on a 30-second TikTok?

Here’s a guide on how to get the most out of your session without wasting your time—or your provider’s patience.

How to Talk to Your PMHNP (and Not Sound Like a Trainwreck)

1. Be Honest About What’s Going On

Your provider isn’t a mind reader. If your anxiety has you avoiding work, your depression has you watching eight straight hours of true crime, or you’re only sleeping because melatonin and THC edibles are best friends, just say so.

✅ Example: “I can’t sleep without weed, but I also think it’s making me paranoid. What do I do?”

🚫 Bad Example: “I sleep fine.” (while sipping a Red Bull and shaking like a chihuahua).

2. Mention Any “Recreational” Activities

Look, nobody’s here to arrest you. But if you’re popping ecstasy every weekend, your provider needs to know—especially if you’re mixing it with antidepressants. Otherwise, you might just roll your way into serotonin syndrome, aka the worst hangover of your life but with possible seizures.

✅ Example: “I take Zoloft, but I also, um... sometimes take a little MDMA at festivals. Is that a problem?”

🚫 Bad Example: “No, I don’t use drugs. Except mushrooms. And molly. But only sometimes. And also, I just microdose LSD.”

3. Don’t Lie About Your Meds

If you miss doses, took double by accident, or stopped taking them because “I felt fine”—your provider needs to know. Medications aren’t magic; they need consistency to work.

✅ Example: “I forgot my meds a few times last week, and I felt weird. Should I be worried?”

🚫 Bad Example: “I take them every day!” (hasn’t touched a pill bottle in two weeks).

4. Ask Questions, Even the Dumb Ones

If you don’t understand something, ask. No question is too stupid—unless you pretend Google and Reddit are better doctors than your PMHNP.

✅ Example: “Can I drink on this medication, or will I end up texting my ex and regretting life?”

🚫 Bad Example: “I read on a forum that Adderall is basically legal meth, so I stopped taking it. Thoughts?”

5. Be Realistic About Meds

Medications aren’t magic potions, and they won’t turn you into an optimized productivity god overnight. Therapy, sleep, and lifestyle changes also matter. If you’re taking Adderall but still procrastinating all your work, that’s not the pill’s fault.

✅ Example: “I still feel depressed even with my meds. Should we adjust them, or do I need to do something different?”

🚫 Bad Example: “I took Lexapro for three days, and I’m not a brand-new person yet. Should I just stop?”

How NOT to Talk to Your PMHNP (Unless You Want an Eye Roll)

1. Don’t Demand a Specific Prescription

Walking in and asking for Adderall, Xanax, or whatever your friend’s cousin’s dog is taking is a great way to make your provider question your life choices. They can’t just hand out meds like candy.

🚫 Bad Example: “I have ADHD. I need Adderall.”✅ Better Approach: “I have trouble focusing, and it’s making work hard. What are my options?”

2. Don’t Diagnose Yourself Based on TikTok

Yes, TikTok therapists are entertaining. No, they are not a replacement for a real evaluation.

🚫 Bad Example: “I saw a video that said if I get tired after socializing, I have autism.”✅ Better Approach: “I relate to some ADHD symptoms. Can we talk about it?”

3. Don’t Try to Downplay Your Problems

If you’re sobbing in the car before every shift, but in the office you say, “I’m just a little stressed”—you're not helping yourself.

✅ Example: “I feel like I’m struggling every day, but I’m scared to admit it.”🚫 Bad Example: “It’s fine.” (while fighting back tears and gripping the chair for dear life).

Final Thoughts: Help Us Help You

Your PMHNP wants to help you. But if you’re hiding things, half-truthing, or treating the appointment like a CVS drive-thru, you’re making it harder to get the care you need.

✨ Be honest.✨ Ask questions.✨ Don’t mix Zoloft and MDMA unless you like bad times.✨ And for the love of serotonin, don’t get all your mental health advice from TikTok.