Empowering PAs to Lead in Today’s Evolving Mental Health Landscape

The second annual Psych Congress PA Institute event, the official psychiatry meeting of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), will take place December 4–6, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, offering a focused, practice-ready psychiatry and mental health CME experience created specifically for physician associates and PAs who care for patients with behavioral health conditions. This 3-day event delivers the essential psychopharmacology training, diagnostic clarity, and clinical decision-making skills that PAs need to confidently manage depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and complex psychiatric presentations in both psychiatry and primary care settings.

Brought to you by the educational leaders of Psych Congress in partnership with AAPA, PA Institute provides a rare opportunity for PAs to receive psychiatry-specific education tailored to their scope and career goals. Alongside core clinical content, attendees also gain leadership guidance, practical psychotherapy techniques, and real-world strategies for expanding their role in mental health care.

Whether you are a psych PA, a primary care PA navigating rising mental health demands, or an early-career PA seeking stronger foundational psychiatric training, PA Institute offers the community, clarity, and confidence you need to grow in today’s evolving landscape. Join us to advance your skills, strengthen your impact, and take the next step toward becoming a leader in psychiatric care.

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
  • 2025 Attendee

    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
  • 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
  • 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
Group Photo of smiling attendees

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.

Crowd shot from stage

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

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 attends 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.

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