Foundational Psychiatry Education for PAs

Psych Congress PA Institute Highlights

Second annual event, taking place December 4–6, 2026, in Orlando, Florida
Official psychiatry meeting of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
Produced by the educational leaders of Psych Congress in partnership with AAPA
Focused 3-day, CME-accredited experience built exclusively for physician associates
Covers essential psychopharmacology, diagnostic clarity, and clinical decision-making skills
Addresses key conditions including depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and complex psychiatric presentations
Includes leadership guidance, psychotherapy techniques, and strategies for expanding PAs' role in mental health
Designed for psych PAs, primary care PAs, and early-career PAs seeking stronger psychiatric training

December 4-6, 2026

2026 Highlights

The only conference designed exclusively for PAs, providing cutting-edge education, hands-on skills, and a community of passionate peers—all focused on advancing psychiatric care. Join us this December in Orlando or via livestream to enhance your education in the field of mental health.

3

Days of Curated Education
24

Presentations
20

Expert Faculty

Your Patients Need Psychiatric Expertise. This Is Where You Get It.

Mental health demands on PAs have never been higher, and the clinical training most of us received has never felt thinner.

Depression, mood disorders, ADHD, complex psychiatric presentations: they're walking into your exam room every day. But between packed schedules, diagnostic gray zones, and psychopharmacology that changes faster than your CME calendar, it's easy to feel like you're managing these patients without the foundation you actually need.

That gap costs your patients and it costs you. PA Institute 2026 closes that gap in 3 days.

Seats are limited. December will come fast.

Registration coming soon

Meet Our Co-Chairs

View Full Faculty

I so enjoyed this conference and every aspect of it was top notch. I am a psychiatry PA and loved the opportunity to network with other PAs in the specialty, as well as to have a conference targeted at my specific field! If I were still in primary care pediatrics, I would have learned so much about psychiatry by attending this event. It was excellent in every way!"
Lara D.
2025 Attendee
As a primary care provider, this conference was very beneficial. I was able to learn more about the different psychiatric medications as well as learn some additional options I could try in primary care before sending to psychiatry. I thought this was a very educational conference and I learned a lot while I was there! I’m looking forward to continuing to learn how to be a better primary care provider for my patient with psychiatric concerns!"
Carly B.
2025 Attendee
I had a very positive experience and found the content both informative and engaging. The sessions were well organized, and the speakers were knowledgeable and easy to follow. I appreciated how relevant and practical the information was, and I walked away with insights that I can apply moving forward. Overall, it was a valuable and worthwhile experience, and I would recommend it to others."
James H.
2025 Attendee

Join the Psych Congress Family

The 2026 program brings together keynote presentations, an immersive three-day agenda, dedicated networking opportunities, and the foundational psychiatric training that supports real-world practice. From core pharmacotherapy principles to practical psychotherapy techniques, PA Institute delivers the essential knowledge and clinical frameworks needed to navigate today’s increasingly complex mental health landscape. You’ll leave with the skills and confidence to elevate the care you provide.

Who Should Attend?

PA Institute is designed and accredited specifically for PAs practicing in psychiatry, PAs in primary care who manage mental health conditions, and PAs interested in strengthening their psychiatric knowledge or pursuing a career in mental health.

FAQs

- What will I learn at PA Institute?
  PA Institute delivers the foundational psychiatric training PAs need to feel confident treating patients with mental health conditions. This year’s agenda includes essential psychopharmacology, practical psychotherapy skills, real-world strategies for managing ADHD and mood disorders, and applied frameworks for improving diagnostic clarity. Sessions are designed to strengthen your day-to-day clinical decision-making across both psychiatry and primary care settings. Keep an eye out for this year's agenda here.
- Who should attend PA Institute?
  PA Institute is designed for PAs practicing in psychiatry, primary care PAs who regularly manage behavioral health concerns, and any PAs seeking stronger foundational education in mental health care. Whether you’re looking to deepen your clinical skills or explore a future in psychiatry, you’ll be learning alongside peers who share your goals and challenges.
- How is PA Institute different from other PA or psychiatry CE events?
  PA Institute is one of the only educational experiences created specifically for PAs who care for patients with mental health conditions. Unlike broader PA conferences or virtual psychiatry programs, PA Institute offers focused, practice-ready education led by expert faculty, with content tailored to PA roles, responsibilities, and real-world clinical needs. You’ll also benefit from an intimate learning environment and opportunities for meaningful connections with fellow PAs.
- How many CME credits can I earn?
  Attendees can earn up to 15+ CME credits aligned with psychiatric and behavioral health practice. A detailed breakdown of available credits and accrediting bodies can be found on the Accreditation page here.
- What is Psych Congress PA Institute?
  It is a 3-day psychiatry and mental health CME conference created specifically for physician associates/physician assistants who care for patients with behavioral health conditions.
- What will attendees learn?
  Foundational psychopharmacology, diagnostic clarity, depression and mood disorder management, ADHD care, psychotherapy techniques, and clinical decision-making skills.
- Is the Psych Congress PA Institute approved for AAPA Category 1 CME?
  Yes. The program is developed in partnership with the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) and is designed to offer AAPA Category 1 CME credits, making it directly relevant and applicable for physician associates/assistants maintaining certification.
- Where is the Psych Congress PA Institute held?
  The Psych Congress PA Institute is typically held in a major U.S. conference destination, often alongside Psych Congress. The exact venue and city are listed on the event website each year, including the host hotel and conference center details.
- What airport is closest to the conference location?
  For Orlando-based events, the closest airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is the primary airport serving the area and is located a short drive from most conference hotels.

Available Dates

Psych Congress PA Institute

Foundational Psychiatry Education for PAs