According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Assess patients' mental and physical status, based on the presenting symptoms and complaints. | 98% |
| Document patients' medical and psychological histories, physical assessment results, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, or outcomes. | 97% |
| Educate patients and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive health measures, medications, or treatment plans. | 97% |
| Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions. | 97% |
| Monitor patients' medication usage and results. | 97% |
| Write prescriptions for psychotropic medications as allowed by state regulations and collaborative practice agreements. | 97% |
| Evaluate patients' behavior to formulate diagnoses or assess treatments. | 96% |
| Distinguish between physiologically- and psychologically-based disorders, and diagnose appropriately. | 95% |
| Develop and implement treatment plans. | 94% |
| Conduct individual, group, or family psychotherapy for those with chronic or acute mental disorders. | 88% |
| Participate in activities aimed at professional growth and development, including conferences or continuing education activities. | 87% |
| Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, including psychiatrists, psychologists, or nursing staff, to develop, implement, or evaluate treatment plans. | 86% |
| Consult with psychiatrists or other professionals when unusual or complex cases are encountered. | 84% |
| Refer patients requiring more specialized or complex treatment to psychiatrists, primary care physicians, or other medical specialists. | 83% |
| Participate in treatment team conferences regarding diagnosis or treatment of difficult cases. | 80% |
| Interpret diagnostic or laboratory tests, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs) and renal functioning tests. | 77% |
| Monitor the use and status of medical and pharmaceutical supplies. | 73% |
| Develop practice protocols for mental health problems, based on review and evaluation of published research. | 71% |
| Provide routine physical health screenings to detect or monitor problems such as heart disease and diabetes. | 71% |
| Administer medications, including those administered by injection. | 71% |
| Direct or provide home health services. | 70% |
| Treat patients for routine physical health problems. | 70% |
| Develop, implement, or evaluate programs such as outreach activities, community mental health programs, and crisis situation response activities. | 65% |
| Teach classes in mental health topics, such as stress reduction. | 55% |
