Five mental health nursing careers you might not know about

Mental health nursing takes you far outside the ward. As demand grows, specialist roles are opening up where you can sharpen your skills and make a difference where it's needed the most.

Here are five lesser known careers to consider:

Perinatal Mental Health Nurse

Support parents and carers through big, life-changing transitions

As a perinatal mental health nurse, you would help women, birthing people, and families during pregnancy and the first year after birth.

Your responsibilities could include: 

• managing conditions like postnatal depression, anxiety and trauma-related disorders
• assessing mental health during and after pregnancy
• creating tailored care plans
• collaborating with midwives, GPs, and health visitors
• providing care in clinics and community settings 

Why choose this role?

You’ll play a vital part in early intervention and family wellbeing. With experience, you can progress into leadership roles within NHS specialist teams. 

Forensic Mental Health Nurse

Care for patients in the criminal justice system

Forensic mental health nurses work with individuals who have mental health conditions and are involved in offending behaviour.

Your responsibilities could include: 

• conducting risk assessments and developing care plans
• supporting rehabilitation in secure environments
• working with psychologists, social workers, and justice professionals 

Why choose this role?

This role requires resilience and strong ethics. It could offer opportunities for you to advance into consultant or specialist positions. 

Nurse Therapist

Pair hands-on nursing care with therapies that work

Nurse therapists deliver talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) alongside clinical care.

Your responsibilities could include: 

• providing structured therapy sessions
• supporting patients with depression, anxiety, and trauma
• monitoring progress and adapt treatment plans 

Why choose this role?

Ideal if you’re interested in psychology and long-term patient relationships. Postgraduate training in psychological therapies is required. 

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Mental Health Nurse 

Help young people build emotional strength

CAMHS nurses support children and adolescents with emotional or behavioural challenges.

Your responsibilities could include: 

• assessing mental health and risk in young people
• developing care plans with families
• delivering interventions in homes, schools, and clinics 

Why choose this role?

You’ll make a difference early in life and can specialise in areas like eating disorders or trauma.

Psychiatric Liaison Nurse

Connect physical and mental health care in hospital

Psychiatric liaison nurses work in A&E and general wards, supporting patients in crisis.

Your responsibilities could include: 

• conducting mental health assessments in emergency settings
• advising hospital staff on mental health concerns
• referring patients to specialist services 

Why choose this role?

Perfect if you thrive under pressure and want to deliver integrated care. 

Turn your compassion into a career

Explore our Mental Health Nursing courses and start your journey toward a fulfilling career.