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.