Erin Crown

Erin Crown is a Board Certified Physician Assistant with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry, and the Managing Member of Oasis LifeCare in State College, PA. Having formerly provided care on an inpatient stabilization unit, she currentlly practices psychiatry in the outpatient setting and leads a first episode psychosis program.. She is the owner of Future Options Research and is the Principal Investigator for multiple clinical trials. Erin is the past Chair of the NCCPA Health Foundation, a member of the PArtners in Mental Health Steering Committee, and is also working with AAPA and the PA Foundation to bring trauma informed education to school districts across the country.

Mercedes Dodge is a Board-Certified PA with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry and past experience in Family Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, Urgent Care, and Women’s Health. . PA Dodge completed her undergraduate education in Psychology and Biology at Rice University, worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and then a researcher in both laboratory and clinical work at Baylor College of Medicine and University of California, Davis, respectively. She trained as a PA at the University of California - Davis Medical School and holds an M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. PA Dodge has served in many leadership positions including Director at Large for the California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA) and President of the San Diego Physician Assistant Society (SDSPA). She has been an active member of the AAPA, Central Texas Physician Assistant Society, Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants, PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine, and the Association of PAs in Psychiatry. She serves as President for PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine (2022-2023), and Secretary for the Association of PAs in Psychiatry. She is an advocate for children and families as she works also as a parent educator and parent advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in her own children's schools.

Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH, attended medical school at the University of Calcutta in India. He then attended graduate school at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston, where he was awarded a “National Institute/Center for Disease Control Competitive Traineeship”. His research thesis focused on impact of substance abuse. He graduated from the School of Public Health in 1987 with a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree.

Dr. Jain served a three-year residency in Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He followed that by obtaining further specialty training, by undergoing a two-year fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition, Dr. Jain completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Research Psychiatry at the University of Texas Mental Sciences Institute, in Houston. He was awarded the “National Research Service Award” for the support of this postdoctoral fellowship.

Rebecca Kraus Barbee, PA-C, CAQ-Psych is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in psychiatry at Southlake Psychiatry in Davidson, North Carolina. With advanced certification in psychiatry (CAQ-Psych), she is deeply engaged in the clinical management of complex mood and anxiety disorders, with particular expertise in psychopharmacology, novel antidepressant therapies, and treatment-resistant depression.

Rebecca is an active national speaker and educator, frequently presenting on emerging therapies, anhedonia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder recognition, and innovative treatment strategies. She is passionate about translating clinical trial data into practical, evidence-based strategies that improve patient outcomes. In addition to her clinical practice, she has contributed to media discussions on mental health awareness and is committed to advancing education for fellow clinicians through conference presentations and collaborative academic initiatives.

She is an active member of the Association of PAs in Psychiatry, AAPA, and NCAPA, and is dedicated to elevating the role of Physician Assistants in psychiatric care through leadership, education, and advocacy.

Jason Carter, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry, is a psychiatric physician associate practicing in outpatient psychiatry in Virginia. He earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Mary Baldwin University as a part of their first cohort and has been practicing in psychiatry for just over seven years.

Jason provides care for patients across the lifespan with a broad range of psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, trauma-related disorders and aberrant behavors associated with advanced stage dementia. His clinical approach emphasizes evidence-based psychopharmacology, individualized treatment planning, and longitudinal care tailored to each patient’s needs.

He has a strong interest in advanced psychopharmacology, including the practical application of evolving research, novel mechanisms of action, and treatment strategies for complex and treatment-resistant presentations. Jason is committed to translating psychiatric evidence into clear, clinically relevant guidance that supports real-world decision-making for advanced practice providers.

He has earned the Certification of Added Qualification in Psychiatry (CAQ-Psychiatry) through the NCCPA and values ongoing education and professional development. Jason is beyond honored to have been selected as one of this year's New and Emerging Voices for Psych Congress Elevate 2026.

Erin Crown is a Board Certified Physician Assistant with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry, and the Managing Member of Oasis LifeCare in State College, PA. Having formerly provided care on an inpatient stabilization unit, she currentlly practices psychiatry in the outpatient setting and leads a first episode psychosis program.. She is the owner of Future Options Research and is the Principal Investigator for multiple clinical trials. Erin is the past Chair of the NCCPA Health Foundation, a member of the PArtners in Mental Health Steering Committee, and is also working with AAPA and the PA Foundation to bring trauma informed education to school districts across the country.

Dr. Michael Asbach, DMSc, PA-C is a doctorally trained Physician Assistant and Associate Medical Director at the DENT Neurologic Institute in Buffalo, New York. He earned his Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Daemen University and his Doctor of Medical Science from A.T. Still University. He also holds the Psychiatry Certificate of Added Qualification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
A nationally recognized educator and CME speaker, Dr. Asbach specializes in treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, and emerging psychiatric therapies. He holds a faculty appointment with Shenandoah University’s Doctor of Medical Science program, teaches across multiple universities, serves on the Psych Congress Steering Committee, and is a co-chair of the Psych Congress PA Institute annual meeting.

Dr. Asbach’s work bridges clinical innovation, professional advocacy, and disruption in healthcare, with a focus on advancing psychiatry, elevating the PA profession, and shaping the future of collaborative care.

Erin Crown is a Board Certified Physician Assistant with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry, and the Managing Member of Oasis LifeCare in State College, PA. Having formerly provided care on an inpatient stabilization unit, she currentlly practices psychiatry in the outpatient setting and leads a first episode psychosis program.. She is the owner of Future Options Research and is the Principal Investigator for multiple clinical trials. Erin is the past Chair of the NCCPA Health Foundation, a member of the PArtners in Mental Health Steering Committee, and is also working with AAPA and the PA Foundation to bring trauma informed education to school districts across the country.

Mercedes Dodge is a Board-Certified PA with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry and past experience in Family Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, Urgent Care, and Women’s Health. . PA Dodge completed her undergraduate education in Psychology and Biology at Rice University, worked as an Emergency Medical Technician and then a researcher in both laboratory and clinical work at Baylor College of Medicine and University of California, Davis, respectively. She trained as a PA at the University of California - Davis Medical School and holds an M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. PA Dodge has served in many leadership positions including Director at Large for the California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA) and President of the San Diego Physician Assistant Society (SDSPA). She has been an active member of the AAPA, Central Texas Physician Assistant Society, Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants, PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine, and the Association of PAs in Psychiatry. She serves as President for PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine (2022-2023), and Secretary for the Association of PAs in Psychiatry. She is an advocate for children and families as she works also as a parent educator and parent advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in her own children's schools.

James (Jay) C. Somers, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA has dedicated over 25 years to psychiatry, working with both adult and adolescent populations. A Distinguished Fellow of the AAPA, he earned his master’s degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and a Doctor of Health Science from A.T. Still University. Dr. Somers is a sought-after speaker and lecturer, frequently presenting on mental health topics at national and regional conferences. This year, he was honored to present three different topics at the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting. He has previously served as president of the National Association of PAs in Psychiatry and the Nevada Academy of Physician Assistants, and he recently completed a four-year term as the AAPA liaison to the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Based in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Somers owns and operates an outpatient psychiatric clinic that has provided comprehensive, integrative, and lifestyle-focused mental health care for over 21 years. He is also an adjunct faculty member in the DMSc program at the University of Lynchburg, where he serves as course supervisor for Adult Behavioral Medicine I and II. His clinical and research interests include nutritional psychiatry, professional fulfillment, and the role of AI in mental health.

Kevin N. Williams MS, MPAS, PA-C is the CEO and Lead Clinician at OnPoint Behavioral Health. He is a Physician Associate that specializes in Psychiatry and has a mission to provide care that is experienced, holistic, and compassionate. He holds two master degrees in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences and Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Florida and South University respectively. He has gained experience treating children, adolescents, and adults for the past 11 years in the areas of inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care. Kevin has 10 years of experience teaching as an Adjunct Professor at several institutions around the country. Kevin also has over 10 years in executive leadership experience and maintains a passion of educating others to lead with effective influence. He has participated in mission work abroad and has enjoyed volunteering in several organizations in the Tampa Bay community. He enjoys spending time with his family along with his hobbies of aviation and traveling abroad.