PMHS study guide
PMHS · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) is a certification offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) that validates the added knowledge, skills, and expertise of advanced practice registered nurses in the early identification, intervention, and collaboration of care for children and adolescents with mental and behavioral health concerns. It is designed for advanced practice registered nurses - specifically PNPs, FNPs, PMHCNS-BCs, and PMHNP-BCs - who want to document competence in developmental, behavioral, and mental health care within pediatric primary care. The PMHS study guide has 6 sections and about 2,314 words.
01Foundations of Pediatric Mental Health
Foundations covers how symptoms are judged against developmental norms, how risk accumulates across childhood, and why primary care is where most pediatric mental health problems first surface. Expect items on epidemiology, temperament, attachment, neurodevelopment, and the logic behind universal screening at well-child visits.
404 words, about 2 min02Assessment and Diagnosis
This domain covers screening versus diagnosis, validated instruments and the ages they were built for, DSM-5-TR criteria applied developmentally, medical and substance-related mimics, comorbidity, and structured suicide risk assessment. Developmental: ASQ-3; autism-specific M-CHAT-R/F at 18 and 24 months.
372 words, about 2 min03Treatment and Intervention
Treatment covers stepped care, evidence-based psychotherapies matched to age and problem, when to add medication, safety planning, and school-based supports. Depression: CBT, interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents, behavioral activation.
349 words, about 2 min04Psychopharmacology
This domain tests pediatric dosing logic, FDA labeling versus evidence-based off-label use, black box warnings and monitoring schedules, stimulant and antipsychotic safety surveillance, and when not to prescribe. SSRIs are first-line for pediatric depression, anxiety, and OCD.
397 words, about 2 min05Care Coordination and Collaboration
This domain tests how the primary care clinician connects with therapists, psychiatrists, schools, and families: integrated and collaborative care models, consent and confidentiality, information sharing, and closing referral loops. Integrated behavioral health places a behavioral clinician in the same setting, enabling warm handoffs and same-day access.
398 words, about 2 min06Professional Practice, Quality, and Ethics
This domain tests legal and ethical obligations, documentation standards, quality improvement methods, culturally responsive care, and the practical business of pediatric mental health in primary care. Mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect is a legal obligation in every state; you do not need proof, only reasonable suspicion.
394 words, about 2 min