Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Local Nurse Practitioner Earns National Mental Health Specialty Certification to Benefit Children in the Community
Jonathan Palmer, Nurse Practitioner at San Juan Health Partners Pediatrics, has earned the national added qualifications credential of Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS®) from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
PMHS specialty certification is an objective, measurable way of validating the added expertise of advanced practice nurses in the area of child and adolescent developmental, behavioral, and mental health within primary care settings. To date there are more than 600 PMHS experts in the United States.
“We are proud to recognize Jonathan for this achievement and for his commitment to pediatric mental health,” said Jeff Bourgeois, President and CEO of San Juan Regional Medical Center. “This specialty certification will enable him to help the many children in our community who are in need of behavioral and mental health services.”
Jonathan holds a Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Northern Arizona University. He is board certified as a Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. He holds degrees in Biology and Spanish from the University of New Mexico and has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Arizona.
Seeking care from a PMHS in the primary care setting can reduce stigma and strengthen care coordination. In addition, PMHSs have robust connections with community resources, such as therapists, psychologists and other important partners in a child’s care.
“There is a huge need for pediatric mental health services in our community and I am passionate about filling the need,” Jonathan said. “In my practice, I see children who struggle with issues that aren’t always recognized as mental health issues. This certification helps provide the knowledge and skills needed to assess, diagnose and manage these conditions in partnership with my young patients and their families.”
Jonathan is accepting new patients at San Juan Health Partners Pediatrics with a focus on younger children with developmental, behavioral and mental health challenges. Call 505.609.6700 to schedule an appointment.