Brendan McDonald, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Senior Lecturer
Program Director, Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) hybrid program
About
Brendan McDonald is a Senior Lecturer and Program Director for the Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) hybrid program. He holds bachelor’s degrees from the University of Arizona and the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health Professions, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Washington.
Brendan has served in various leadership and educational capacities, including as a charge nurse at both Baylor, Scott and White Hospital in Temple TX, and Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA, as well as a research assistant and preceptor/clinical instructor for nursing students at the University of Washington. He also developed and directed the University of Washington’s Advanced Practice Psychiatric Provider Fellowship Program, where he played a key role in shaping advanced post-graduate clinical training for psychiatric providers at the institution.
Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Washington, 2018
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 2013
- Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing, University of Arizona, 2009
Recent Presentations
- “Developing a Collaborative Care Training Program in a Post Graduate Advanced Practice Psychiatric Provider Program: Lessons Learned”, Consortium for Advanced Practice Providers Conference, 2024
- “Collaborative Care Training in Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Programs”, University of Washington Integrated Care Psychiatric Consultant Learning Collaborative, 2024
Clinical Practice
Brendan has worked in the mental health field since 2010, gaining experience across outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings. His clinical journey has included roles as a behavioral health technician, registered nurse, and, since 2018, as a board-certified PMHNP.
As a PMHNP, Brendan has provided care across the lifespan in diverse settings, including the Veterans Health Administration, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and primary care clinics. He has extensive experience practicing within the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM)—an evidence-based, integrated approach that combines physical and mental health care within primary care environments.
In his clinical work, Brendan emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches to care, with practice grounded in shared decision-making, evidence-based care, and a commitment to improving functional outcomes for his clients.