Get Support to Attend

Make Your Case to Attend Psych Congress PA Institute as a PA Student

Attending Psych Congress PA Institute is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your future career as a PA specializing in psychiatry or behavioral health. One of the best ways to secure support from your employer or program is to submit a short, formal proposal showing how your attendance benefits both your education and your institution’s mission.

Steps to Prepare Your Request

  1. Check for Funding Opportunities: Find out if your program or employer has a professional development or continuing education fund, scholarship, or travel stipend available for students.
  2. Connect the Conference to Your Training: Review the daily schedule for Psych Congress PA Institute and note sessions that directly enhance your clinical education - such as psychopharmacology fundamentals, therapeutic communication, or interprofessional care.
  3. Draft Your Proposal: Use the talking points and email template below to make your case clearly and persuasively.

How to Build a Strong Proposal

Your proposal should highlight the educational value of the conference and its alignment with your training goals. Be sure to include:

  • A brief schedule of sessions you plan to attend and how they complement your current coursework or rotations

  • The skills and knowledge you’ll gain - for example, updated approaches to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders

  • How these insights will help you contribute to your clinical team or future patients

  • The cost of registration (currently $199) and any travel or lodging details

  • A note that you’ll share key takeaways and educational resources after the conference

You can also strengthen your proposal by aligning your goals with your program’s objectives - such as advancing mental health literacy, expanding evidence-based practice, and preparing to serve underserved populations.

Sample Email to Request Support

There is so much to gain from attending Psych Congress PA Institute in Orlando. Don't let anything hold you back! Use the email template below to request approval from your employer, and start packing your bags for Orlando.

Subject: Request for Support to Attend Psych Congress PA Institute – Enhancing My Psychiatric PA Education

Dear [Supervisor or Program Director’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am requesting approval and/or financial support to attend Psych Congress PA Institute, the official psychiatry meeting of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), taking place December 11–13, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

As our patient population and clinical education increasingly emphasize the importance of mental health, I believe this event represents an important opportunity to expand my psychiatric knowledge and clinical skills.

Key benefits include:

  • Foundational, PA-led education in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and collaborative care

  • Hands-on strategies for managing depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other common mental health conditions

  • Access to expert faculty and opportunities to network with practicing PAs and mentors from across the country

  • A student-friendly environment that encourages participation and builds long-term professional confidence

The current registration rate for students is $199, and discounted hotel accommodations are available. I am happy to provide a summary of key takeaways and learning materials following the event.

Thank you for considering this request. I’m confident that attending Psych Congress PA Institute will deepen my understanding of psychiatry, support my professional development, and ultimately help me deliver higher-quality patient care as a future PA.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your PA Program / Class Year]
[Your Contact Information]

Addressing Common Objections

Objection: "This conference is too expensive."

  • Response: Psych Congress PA Institute registration fees for students are reasonable given the value of the education, networking opportunities provided, and transformational knowledge I will gain.

Objection: “What’s the benefit for our program?”

  • Response: Attending allows me to bring back updated, evidence-based practices, educational slides, and insights from national experts to share with peers and faculty. This benefits the broader program and supports our mission to train practice-ready PAs.

 

Additional General Details

Why Should You Attend?

The inaugural Psych Congress PA Institute, presented by Psych Congress in partnership with AAPA, is designed specifically for psychiatric and primary care PAs - including students. This 3-day hybrid event (in-person and livestream) will cover essential psychiatric topics - from psychopharmacology and psychotherapy to patient communication and clinical leadership.

Join us in Orlando to:

  • Build confidence in treating patients with mental health disorders

  • Learn how to navigate autonomy and collaboration in psychiatry

  • Gain mentorship from leading PAs and MDs

  • Take the next step toward becoming a leader in mental health care

Continuing Education Credits

AAPA is an approved continuing education provider for Psych Congress PA Institute. Attendees can earn CME credits and gain practical, clinically relevant knowledge to strengthen their psychiatric training.

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