Postgraduate Psychiatric APN Residency Program
Program Overview
The CFG Postgraduate Psychiatric APN Residency Program is a comprehensive two-year clinical training experience for newly graduated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). It integrates clinical rotations, focused didactic instruction, mentorship, and structured evaluation to support the transition from student to competent, confident psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Didactic Education (Approximately 3 Weeks)
- Classroom lectures led by content experts
- Case-based learning and group presentations
- Guest speakers in areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, autism, trauma, addictions, perinatal mental health, neuromodulation, geriatric psychiatry, consult-liaison psychiatry, corrections, and integrated care
- Professional development topics include communication, leadership, documentation, billing, ethics, and social determinants of health (SDOH)
Clinical Training and Highlights
- Acute inpatient psychiatry
- Adult and child/adolescent inpatient units
- Psychiatric emergency services and consult liaison (CL) programs
- Community and school-based behavioral health services
- Outpatient and partial hospitalization programs
- Specialty areas such as addictions and perinatal mental health (depending on site availability)
Mentorship and Evaluation
- Regular supervision with experienced psychiatric APNs and psychiatrists
- Ongoing mentoring from CFG faculty and leadership
- Formal performance evaluations each term
- Case reviews, documentation feedback, and clinical readiness assessments
- Individualized development plans to support growth and autonomy
What Residents Gain
- Strong diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills
- Confidence in psychopharmacology and medication decision-making
- Enhanced communication and therapeutic engagement abilities
- Deep familiarity with operational workflows, documentation, and compliance
- A leadership mindset grounded in professionalism, integrity, and reflective practice
- Experience across diverse settings and patient populations
- A sustainable foundation for long-term career success within CFG or beyond
Why Train at CFG
CFG is a mission-driven behavioral health organization led collaboratively by Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, psychiatrists, therapists, and operational leaders. Training at CFG offers residents the opportunity to gain diverse clinical exposure across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and specialty psychiatric settings; receive comprehensive mentorship; and develop strong clinical reasoning, professional judgment, and leadership skills within a supportive, collaborative environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is eligible to apply?
Recent graduates of accredited Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs.
- Is psychiatric RN experience required?
Prior psychiatric RN experience is preferred but not mandatory.
- How many residents are accepted?
The program accepts a small, highly supported cohort to allow for individualized mentorship.
- Is the program paid?
Yes. Residents are full-time CFG employees and receive a comprehensive benefits package.
- What is the weekly schedule like?
Schedules vary by site and rotation, but typically include clinical hours, didactic sessions, supervision, and protected learning time.
- Will I rotate through multiple settings?
Yes. Residents gain experience across a range of inpatient, outpatient, consult liaison, crisis, and specialty programs.
How to Apply
- Complete the CFG Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Application.
- Upload your current CV and PMHNP transcript (unofficial is acceptable for initial review).
- Provide contact information for 2–3 professional references.
- Submit all materials via the application portal or as directed in the posting.
- After review of your application materials, eligible candidates will be contacted directly to schedule an interview.
If you are interested in our program, you can download the application here: CFG Post Graduate APN Program Application.
Resident Testimonials
“The CFG Psychiatric APN Residency gave me the support and structure I needed to confidently step into independent practice as a PMHNP. With dedicated mentors, psychiatrists who welcomed collaboration, three weeks of didactic training, and three months of hands-on, onsite learning, I felt guided rather than overwhelmed during my transition. The relationships I built with both new and past residents were the most meaningful part of the experience and continue to be a lasting source of encouragement and professional connection. Working as a hospital consultant and in stand-alone inpatient psychiatric facilities strengthened my clinical identity and deepened my confidence in caring for complex patients with compassion and competence”
– Cara Martinez, MSN, PMHNP-BC, resident in the CFG Post Graduate APN Program
“The residency program was instrumental in shaping me into the Nurse Practitioner I am today. It played a critical role in helping me transition from the mindset of a Registered Nurse to that of an Advanced Practice Nurse. Through this experience, I strengthened my clinical skills, refined my decision-making, and built lasting confidence in my practice. The level of support provided by the residency program and CFG has been truly exceptional. There is a remarkable sense of collaboration, mentorship, and encouragement within the CFG family, which fosters both professional growth and personal development. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support that have contributed so significantly to my journey.“
– Nataashia Carson, MSN, PMHNP-BC, resident in the CFG Post Graduate APN Program