Co-Chairs

Kevin Williams

MS, MPAS, PA-C
CEO and Lead Clinician
OnPoint Behavioral 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.

2026 Sessions

Masterclass: LAIs in Practice: Selecting, Starting, and Sustaining Treatment in Schizophrenia

Incomplete adherence to daily oral antipsychotics remains a leading driver of relapse, rehospitalization, and functional decline in schizophrenia, yet long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics remain substantially underutilized despite growing evidence supporting their earlier use. This session will examine the evidence for LAIs versus oral therapy across relapse, rehospitalization, and mortality outcomes, and differentiate FDA-approved formulations by pharmacologic characteristics, dosing intervals, and initiation and administration requirements to guide individualized treatment selection. Faculty will also address clinician- and patient-related barriers to LAI use through practical, patient-centered communication strategies that support shared decision-making. Physician associates and allied clinicians will leave equipped to recognize appropriate LAI candidates and confidently integrate these therapies into schizophrenia care. Supported by independent educational grant from Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA, Inc.

Speaker

Friday, December 04 2:10–3:10 PM
Room Grand Cypress GHI
1 Credits
MasterClass
Faculty

Veronica Ridpath

DO
University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia
Co-Chairs

Kevin Williams

MS, MPAS, PA-C
CEO and Lead Clinician
OnPoint Behavioral 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.

Masterclass: The Road to Recovery in MDD: Fom Partial Response to Remission and Beyond

Many patients with MDD experience only partial improvement despite adequate antidepressant therapy. This session focuses on recognizing clinically meaningful residual symptoms, reviews emerging evidence for adjunctive pharmacologic options, and provides practical approaches to optimizing treatment with the goal of achieving remission and sustained recovery. Supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson.

Speaker

Saturday, December 05 11:40–12:40 PM
Room Grand Cypress GHI
1 Credits
MasterClass
Faculty

Rakesh Jain

MD, MPH
Clinical Professor
Texas Tech - Permian Basin

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.

Faculty

Ricky Reding

Patient Advocate
OnPoint

My name is Ricky Reding. I moved to Tampa, Florida from Minnesota 3 years ago to retire. In Minnesota I owned and ran a construction company. One day I fell from a roof and when landed broke my back:; hence the retirement. I was told by the surgeon I would never walk again. Well after 2 years of therapy and lots of pain I proved them wrong and now am walking fine. Well for retirement that didn't go so well, can't sit still. So I went to work as a security officer. I have now worked my way up to supervisor and run a crew of 12 officers. I really enjoy the job; and that's my retirement for now! I am married to a lovely woman and have 2 pet English Setters.

Co-Chairs

Kevin Williams

MS, MPAS, PA-C
CEO and Lead Clinician
OnPoint Behavioral 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.

Closing Session - The Final Word: Ask the Experts

This interactive closing session brings together conference faculty to address unanswered questions, clarify complex clinical issues, and reflect on key themes from the meeting. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with experts through audience-driven discussion covering psychopharmacology, diagnosis, treatment planning, professional development, and emerging issues in psychiatric practice. Designed to reinforce practical learning and encourage ongoing dialogue, this session provides a dynamic conclusion to the educational program.

Speaker

Sunday, December 06 4:00–5:00 PM
Room Grand Cypress GHI
Co-Chairs

Michael Asbach

DMSc, PA-C
Associate Medical Director
DENT Neurologic Institute

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.

Co-Chairs

Erin Crown

MHS, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry
Managing Member
Oasis LifeCare

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.

Co-Chairs

Mercedes Dodge

MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry
Texas Site Director
Orion Behavioral Health

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.

Co-Chairs

James Somers

PA-C, DHSc, DFAAPA
Associate Professor -Doctor of Medical Science Program
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

James C. Somers, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA has dedicated over 28 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, lifestyle, and AI topics at national and international conferences. 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. This past year, he accepted a full-time faculty position at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE), where he heads the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Doctor of Medical Science curriculum. His clinical and research interests include nutritional psychiatry, professional fulfillment, and the role of AI in mental health.

Co-Chairs

Kevin Williams

MS, MPAS, PA-C
CEO and Lead Clinician
OnPoint Behavioral 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.

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