How to Find a PMHNP Preceptor: A Real-World Guide for Nurse Practitioner Students

If you're reading this, you're probably asking the same question hundreds of PMHNP students ask each semester: How do I find a PMHNP preceptor? And let me say this first--you’re not alone. As someone who works with nurse practitioner students every single day, I hear the stress, the frustration, and even the panic that comes with trying to secure a solid clinical rotation. In fact, I just got off the phone with a student, and you could hear it in her tearful voice. What you students often have to go through to find a preceptor is so challenging!

The search can feel like a full-time job—but with the right tools, a proactive approach, and a bit of support, you can absolutely find a PMHNP preceptor who helps you grow both professionally and personally.

Let’s walk through what’s really going on out there—and how to get through it.

Why It’s So Hard to Find a PMHNP Preceptor Right Now

Before we dive into how to find a PMHNP preceptor, let’s talk about why it’s become such a challenge. When I speak with students and preceptors, there are a few common factors we see again and again:

• Schools shifting responsibility: Many nurse practitioner (NP) programs now expect students to find their own clinical placements. Both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) have standards stating that programs must provide planned clinical practice experiences that support the integration of new knowledge and achievement of student learning outcomes. However, these guidelines are interpreted differently by various schools. Some remain actively involved in securing placements for students, while others take a more hands-off approach—leaving students to navigate the process with little to no support. 

• High Demand on Mental Health Providers: Many PMHNPs are already managing heavy patient loads amid a growing mental health crisis. With full schedules and limited time, precepting often feels like an added burden—leaving fewer providers able or willing to take on students.
  
  
  
• Increased Competition from Online NP Programs: The rapid growth of online NP programs—especially PMHNP tracks—means more students are applying for preceptors in the same cities and states. Unlike campus-based programs with local partnerships, online students often compete for placements in popular areas, leading to oversaturation. PMHNP preceptors, already in short supply, are now overwhelmed by a flood of requests from across the country, making it harder than ever for students to secure quality clinical sites.

• Site Restrictions on Precepting: Even when a provider is willing to precept, many clinical sites, especially larger health systems or private practices, have internal policies that prohibit or limit student placements. These restrictions often leave qualified PMHNPs unable to help, further shrinking the pool of available preceptors.

• Lack of Compensation: Many PMHNP preceptors receive little or no compensation for their time, making it difficult to justify the added responsibility. Without incentives, even willing providers may opt out of precepting altogether.
  
  
  

This isn’t just a theory. Just last month, I worked with a student from Texas who had contacted over 30 practices—without success. She was getting responses like “We’re already full” or “We don’t take students.” She came to us at PreceptorLink® feeling discouraged and behind schedule. But by working with our team, she was able  to secure a PMHNP preceptor who was not only a fit on paper but also became a lasting mentor.

How to Find a PMHNP Preceptor: Step-by-Step

Ask Your School If They Have a Preceptor List

This seems obvious, but I’m surprised how many students have not asked. Clearly schools have these lists because they have affiliations already. And an affiliation is key to success!

Start Early—Earlier Than You Think

One of the biggest mistakes I see students make is waiting too long. If your rotation starts in six months, you should already be searching now. In high-demand areas like psychiatry, many PMHNP preceptors are booked 6 to 12 months in advance.
Use a calendar. Set weekly goals. Break the process into steps: research, outreach, follow-up, and documentation. This isn’t something you can leave for “later.”

Tap Into Your Personal and Professional Network

Before you send cold emails to 50 clinics, look around you. The best leads are often closer than you think:

• Former colleagues
• Friends from nursing school
• Faculty or clinical instructors
• Coworkers in healthcare settings
• Social media groups or alumni networks

One PMHNP student I worked with found a great rotation through a former RN manager who had transitioned to a psychiatric NP role. She didn’t know her manager even precepted, but asking the question opened the door.

Tip: When reaching out, don’t just ask if they precept. Ask if they know someone who does. That opens up their network, not just their availability.

Use Preceptor Directories and Online Platforms

There are some great resources online—if you know where to look:

• State NP associations often have directories of preceptors.
  
• National platforms like ENP Network allow students to post clinical needs. Some students have had success here, but it may take a while.
  
• LinkedIn is underrated! Connect with PMHNPs in your area and send personalized messages.
  
• Facebook groups can have helpful posts and leads.

Reach Out to Local Clinics, Hospitals, and Private Practices

This is where persistence really pays off. Make a list of psychiatric providers within your state or region and start emailing or calling. 

When reaching out, make sure your message is short, clear, and professional. Include:

• Who you are (name, school, program)
• What you need (PMHNP clinical hours, rotation dates)
• Why you want to become a PMHNP and any related psych experience
• A polished resume

And don’t forget to follow up! A polite nudge 5–7 days later can make a big difference.

Consider Telehealth and Remote PMHNP Preceptors

The pandemic changed everything—including clinical rotations. Many PMHNPs now offer telehealth services, and some are open to precepting students remotely. This option can be a game-changer, especially if:

• You live in a rural or underserved area
• Your local options are limited
• You’re open to out-of-state experiences

Just make sure your school allows telehealth rotations and that you meet all state licensure and HIPAA requirements. Some state BONs have specific requirements for taking students from out of state too. (As if it wasn’t hard enough already!)

Try a Preceptor Matching Service

This is where we come in! I started PreceptorLink® because I saw how many students were struggling to find preceptors. I figured we could help with this challenging job. We’re a service, and like many services, sometimes it’s worth it to pay someone else to do a job you don’t want to or can’t do on your own. 
We help students who are overwhelmed, out of time, or just can’t get a “yes.” We do our best to vet every preceptor to help ensure they meet program standards, and we assist with matching, documentation, and coordination.

This isn’t a shortcut—it’s a lifeline when your own search hits a wall.

Pro Tip: The best PMHNP preceptors get booked quickly. If you plan to use a service, start the process early!

And if you feel stuck, we’re here to help. 

Still wondering how to find a PMHNP preceptor?

Visit PreceptorLink.com to get started. We believe in your journey—and we’re here to support it.

About the Author

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.

Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.