Psychiatry Physician Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s complex healthcare landscape, the role of the Psychiatry Physician Assistant has never been more critical.

As the field of mental health continues to evolve, so does the demand for skilled and compassionate individuals who can navigate, enhance, and safeguard our psychiatric healthcare framework.

But what exactly is expected of a Psychiatry Physician Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this position,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricate world of psychiatric healthcare,

You’ve landed on the right page.

Today, we present a customizable Psychiatry Physician Assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Psychiatry Physician Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Psychiatry Physician Assistants provide medical care under the supervision of Psychiatrists and are involved in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders.

They work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices.

The duties and responsibilities of a Psychiatry Physician Assistant include:

• Conducting psychiatric evaluations and assessments
• Developing and implementing treatment plans under the supervision of a Psychiatrist
• Prescribing medication and monitoring patient’s response to medication therapy
• Providing psychotherapy and counseling services
• Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals
• Maintaining detailed notes of patient’s mental health history and treatment
• Providing education to patients and families about mental health conditions and treatment options
• Assisting in managing psychiatric emergencies, including crisis intervention
• Staying updated with the latest advancements in Psychiatry and continuing education requirements
• Adhering to ethical and professional standards of mental health care

 

Psychiatry Physician Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a qualified and compassionate Psychiatry Physician Assistant to join our team.

The ideal candidate will work under the supervision of a licensed psychiatrist to provide comprehensive mental health care to our patients.

Responsibilities include conducting patient assessments, developing treatment plans, and prescribing medication as necessary.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating patient’s mental health status through interviews and observations
• Developing individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the supervising psychiatrist
• Prescribing and managing medications under the direction of a psychiatrist
• Providing counseling and psychotherapy services
• Referring patients to other healthcare professionals as needed
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records
• Staying informed about latest developments in psychiatry
• Participating in continuous education and training programs

 

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant
• Additional certification in Psychiatry or related field is preferred
• Proven experience working as a Psychiatry Physician Assistant
• Strong understanding of mental health diagnoses and treatments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Continuing education assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Psychiatry Physician Assistant
• Work Environment: In a clinical setting. Some travel may be required for home visits or to assist at other locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the supervising Psychiatrist.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Pay Range: $90,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Psychiatry Physician Assistant Do?

A Psychiatry Physician Assistant primarily works under the supervision of a psychiatrist, providing mental health care for patients in a variety of settings such as hospitals, psychiatric practices, or mental health clinics.

They help in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, among others.

They may conduct initial patient evaluations, carry out routine follow-up appointments and monitor the patient’s response to treatment.

Psychiatry Physician Assistants often conduct psychotherapy sessions, providing emotional support, understanding, and encouragement to patients.

They may also be tasked with prescribing medication or making dosage adjustments, if needed, under the direction of the supervising psychiatrist.

They are also responsible for maintaining patient records, documenting treatment progress, and communicating with other health care professionals involved in the patient’s care.

In addition, Psychiatry Physician Assistants may conduct research, attend conferences and professional workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in psychiatric medicine.

Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between psychiatrist and patient, providing both medical and therapeutic care to individuals struggling with mental health issues.

 

Psychiatry Physician Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A Psychiatry Physician Assistant should possess the skills and qualifications that correspond with your job description, which might include:

• Strong knowledge of psychiatry principles, procedures, and techniques in diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health disorders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients, helping them feel more comfortable and understood during their psychiatric care.
• Proficient communication skills to understand patient’s concerns, explain treatment plans, discuss medication effects, and effectively collaborate with psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrate empathy and patience when dealing with patients who may be distressed, agitated, or uncooperative.
• Proven ability to maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with ethical standards and legal requirements.
• Ability to use diagnostic tools, therapeutic techniques, and medication management strategies effectively.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) software for patient record keeping and billing processes.
• Problem-solving skills to analyze patient symptoms and develop effective treatment plans.
• Education and licensing as a Physician Assistant with a special focus on Psychiatry.

 

Psychiatry Physician Assistant Experience Requirements

Psychiatry Physician Assistants typically start their career journey with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology or pre-med.

This is usually followed by completion of a Master’s program in Physician Assistant studies, which provides both theoretical knowledge and clinical practice in various medical disciplines, including psychiatry.

Most entry-level Physician Assistant roles require approximately 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience, often acquired through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer work in psychiatric settings.

After becoming a certified Physician Assistant, gaining about 1-3 years of experience in general medicine or a related field can be an asset before specializing in psychiatry.

This experience can be acquired in roles such as a general medicine PA, a clinical research assistant, or a medical scribe, among others.

Physician Assistants who wish to specialize in psychiatry should have at least 2-4 years of experience in psychiatric care, either through direct work experience or a postgraduate psychiatric residency program.

This experience should involve working with patients across a range of psychiatric disorders and developing a comprehensive understanding of psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and other treatments.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in psychiatric care may have developed expertise in specific areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or substance abuse disorders.

They may also have some leadership experience, having coordinated care with a team of healthcare professionals, and may be ready for a senior PA or managerial role within a psychiatric setting.

 

Psychiatry Physician Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Psychiatry Physician Assistants typically need a master’s degree from an accredited educational program, which usually takes at least two years of full-time postgraduate study to complete.

To start with, they need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry.

After completing their bachelor’s degree, aspiring Psychiatry Physician Assistants will need to complete a graduate program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

The graduate program involves classroom and laboratory instruction in subjects such as pathology, human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and medical ethics.

The program also includes supervised clinical training in several areas including family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.

All states require Physician Assistants to be licensed.

To become licensed, candidates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

After becoming licensed, they can choose to complete a postgraduate residency program in psychiatry, though this is not a requirement for all positions.

This extra training can help them gain specialized knowledge and skills in the field of psychiatry.

Continuing medical education (CME) is required to maintain certification and licensure.

This can be done through various courses and training that keep the Psychiatry Physician Assistant up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and practices.

While not a requirement, some Psychiatry Physician Assistants may also choose to become certified in Psychiatry by the NCCPA, demonstrating their high level of expertise in this medical specialty.

 

Psychiatry Physician Assistant Salary Expectations

A Psychiatry Physician Assistant earns an average salary of $107,718 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can significantly vary depending on factors such as years of experience, geographical location, and the type of healthcare facility.

Extra certifications in psychiatry may also affect the salary.

 

Psychiatry Physician Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Psychiatry Physician Assistant need?

A Psychiatry Physician Assistant should have strong listening and communication skills to understand patients’ concerns and discuss treatment options effectively.

They must also have a deep understanding of psychiatric disorders, medical procedures, and medication usage.

Additionally, they need to have strong decision-making skills, attention to detail, and empathy to deal with patients effectively.

 

What qualifications does a Psychiatry Physician Assistant need?

A Psychiatry Physician Assistant must have a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program.

They must also be licensed in the state they plan to practice in, which typically requires passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

They should also have completed a psychiatry rotation during their training or have work experience in psychiatry.

 

What should you look for in a Psychiatry Physician Assistant resume?

Look for a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program and proof of state licensure.

In addition to these basic requirements, any additional training or certifications in psychiatry, such as a Psychiatry Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ), can be beneficial.

Experience in a mental health setting or with specific patient populations can also be advantageous.

 

What qualities make a good Psychiatry Physician Assistant?

A good Psychiatry Physician Assistant should have empathy and compassion, as they deal with patients struggling with mental health disorders.

They must have excellent interpersonal skills to build trust with patients and work effectively with a healthcare team.

Good Psychiatry Physician Assistants are also proactive in continuing their education and staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric treatment and medication.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Psychiatry Physician Assistant?

Yes, it can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

The candidate must have specific training and experience in psychiatry, which narrows down the pool of qualified candidates.

Therefore, it’s essential to offer competitive salaries and benefits, along with a supportive work environment, to attract and retain Psychiatry Physician Assistants.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of what it means to be a Psychiatry Physician Assistant.

Surprised?

It’s not merely about prescribing medications.

It’s about weaving the fabric of mental wellbeing, one patient at a time.

Armed with our indispensable Psychiatry Physician Assistant job description template and practical examples, you’re well equipped to make your next move.

But why pause here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to pinpointing precise listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Bear in mind:

Every patient interaction contributes to a larger narrative.

Let’s create healthier minds. Together.

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