A lot depends on the state where the NP practices. In Oregon, the regulations are less strict than in some other states. I have a good friend who's a psych nurse practitioner and she has prescriptive authority, although there is a psychiatrist in the practice where she works who consults on the more complex cases and when needed.

She does pretty much everything the MD does and oversees hospitalized patients during her on-call rotation every six weeks. I'd recommend her to anyone.....of course, I can't see her for my mental health care because she's my friend. (I also happen to have a fantastic psychiatrist who is wise, funny, and great at what he does, so I have no plans to leave his care anyway.)

Bottom line is, a psych NP can be every bit as good, if not better, than an MD. I wouldn't hesitate to see one if I needed to. Good luck to you!