Frequently Asked Questions

No. All PAs encounter mental health concerns in their practice, and APAP provides resources and education that can help you better serve your patients regardless of your specialty.

APAP is the Association of PAs in Psychiatry, a constituent organization of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). We’re the national community for PAs specializing in psychiatry and mental health.

Our mission is to support, represent, and grow the national community of physician assistants specializing in psychiatry. We’re committed to advancing PAs working in mental health and eliminating practice barriers.

Our vision is to create a thriving network of psychiatric PAs driving forward mental health care through collaboration, education, and advocacy.

APAP unites a rare group—only 3-4% of PAs specialize in psychiatry—into a dynamic, supportive, and expert-led community focused specifically on mental health. We provide specialized education, advocacy, and networking tailored to psychiatric care.

Any PA or PA student can join. While only 3-4% of PAs practice exclusively in psychiatry, mental health challenges affect patients in all specialties, making our resources valuable to all PAs.

Absolutely. We welcome pre-PA students and current PA students interested in mental health.

You can join online through our membership application. The process is simple and gives you immediate access to member benefits.

Yes, our member directory helps you connect with other psychiatric PAs across the country.

Members receive access to CME opportunities, educational resources, networking events, advocacy support, the member directory, and discounts on conferences and educational materials. Learn more about benefits.

Membership gives you access to professional support, mentorship, advocacy, education resources, and a community of colleagues who understand your work. You’ll connect with other psychiatric PAs and help advance the profession.

Yes, we offer on-demand CE activities that allow you to earn credits at your own pace.

Yes, we offer resources and guidance specifically for PAs interested in starting their own psychiatric or mental health practice.

Yes, we provide CME resources, on-demand CE activities, psychiatry lectures, and information about residencies and fellowships in psychiatric medicine.

Yes, we maintain information about psychiatry residencies and fellowships for PAs interested in advanced training in mental health.

Yes, we maintain archives of past webinars and events for members to access on demand.

Our bibliography section compiles research, articles, and resources about the role of physician assistants in psychiatry and mental health care.

Yes. We encourage members to participate in advocacy efforts and provide opportunities to get involved in shaping the future of psychiatric PA practice.

Yes, we publish policy statements and position papers on important issues affecting PAs in psychiatry and mental health care.

We work to eliminate practice barriers, advocate for expanded PA roles in psychiatry, support legislative efforts at state and local levels, and publish policy statements and position papers on issues affecting psychiatric PAs.

As a constituent organization of AAPA, we collaborate on advocacy initiatives while maintaining our focus on issues specific to psychiatric and mental health PAs.

We offer both virtual and in-person events to accommodate members across the country.

Through our member directory, events, member features, and active community engagement opportunities. Our goal is to help you feel connected to your professional home.

We regularly schedule CME events, webinars, and educational opportunities throughout the year. Check our events calendar for the most current schedule.

Our events calendar keeps you updated on upcoming opportunities such as CME events, conferences, webinars, and workshops specifically designed for psychiatric PAs.

Yes, we have committee opportunities and welcome member involvement in various initiatives.

Yes, we have volunteer committees that work on various aspects of the organization.

We regularly feature members and their stories. Contact us to share your experience and career journey.

APAP is led by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of psychiatric and mental health PAs. We maintain bylaws and hold regular meetings to ensure sound governance.

Yes, we offer branded merchandise through our online store.

You can reach us through our contact page with questions about membership, CME, events, or any other inquiries.

Our Association News section provides the latest announcements, updates, and highlights from the psychiatric PA community.