Policy priorities to improve access to advanced practice nursing care for mental health and substance use problems: An American Academy of Nursing manuscript

Nearly 50% of the U.S. population struggles with a mental health or substance use disorder in their lifetime, yet a substantial number are unable to receive treatment or are undertreated due to significant shortages and disparities in the mental health workforce. These shortages and disparities contribute to health inequities that leave already-vulnerable populations at increased risk for detrimental consequences. Access to mental health and substance use treatment could be improved by better utilizing the Advanced Practice nursing workforce providing care in mental health and substance use treatment, and by better defining Advanced Practice nursing roles, including those with specialty certifications in mental health and substance-related care. This paper makes policy recommendations to better define, grow, and more fully utilize the Advanced Practice nursing workforce providing mental health and substance-related services. •Detail undertreatment of mental health and substance use disorders (MH and SUD).•Expand MH and SUD advanced practice registered nurse workforce treatment availability.•Policy recommendations to expand access to mental health and substance treatment.•Support clarifying definition, accelerating growth, and improving APRNs utilization.•Compel improved federal recognition and inclusion of APRNs in MH and SUD.