Chapter 2: Fundamentals of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Theories and Therapies

Chapter 2: Introduction

Clinical professions in healthcare are evidence-based and founded in theory. The professional specialty of psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing addresses behaviors that originate in the brain. Therefore, it seeks theoretical foundations in both biological and psychosocial theories. Mental health nursing follows established guidelines based upon the client’s state of health. Multiple theories have been developed to account for how the client comes to be in that state. Nurses must understand the different theoretical concepts and interventions to apply in care of the client experiencing mental health alterations. Comprehension of established theories and therapies relevant to psychiatric-mental health nursing provide a foundation for professional nursing practice. Further, this understanding develops the nurse’s ability to plan client care that is person-centered. Nurses also benefit from self-awareness, which can come with understanding the impact of psychosocial factors on health, illness, and recovery.