Mental health needs in the U.S. are rising fast, and the number of psychiatrists available to meet that need is steadily shrinking. Nearly 60 million Americans are living with a mental health condition, and less than half are getting the treatment they need. On top of that, the country is projected to see a 27 percent drop in psychiatrists by 2030. These numbers are driving a shift. More Physician Assistants (PAs) are entering psychiatry, and their role is becoming increasingly important.

According to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the number of PAs working in psychiatry has doubled over the past decade, growing from just 1.1% of the total PA workforce in 2013 to approximately 2% in 2021. Although this number is growing, many PAs are still unable to make the transition into psychiatry due to state regulations and a general lack of recognition for the role PAs can play in psychiatric care.

Even outside of psychiatry, many PAs are addressing behavioral health regularly. According to a recent report from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA):

Psychiatric PAs are also helping expand care through virtual platforms. About 62.7% use telemedicine in their practice, compared to 32.9% of PAs in other specialties. Roughly 15.4% provide virtual care for 40 or more hours each week.

This high level of telehealth participation allows PAs to reach patients in rural areas and underserved regions where mental health professionals are often scarce. In many communities, they may be one of the few providers available to deliver timely psychiatric care.

Psychiatric PAs tend to report high job satisfaction and relatively low burnout. According to NCCPA data:

Despite their expanding role, psychiatric PAs face limitations in some areas. Practice authority varies by state, which can restrict what services they are allowed to provide. In certain states, PAs cannot initiate involuntary psychiatric holds or prescribe treatment for certain conditions. Insurance credentialing can also be a barrier. Some systems do not fully recognize PAs as psychiatric providers, even when they are trained and qualified to deliver care.

The job outlook for psychiatric PAs is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 28% growth in PA employment from 2023 to 2033, which is well above average compared to other occupations. As of May 2024, the average annual salary for a psychiatric PA in the U.S. is  $133,260 with an average hourly rate of around $64. With more providers retiring and fewer psychiatric residents entering the field, the need for flexible, scalable, and qualified psychiatric care providers is growing.

Thinking about a career as a psychiatric physician assistant? Explore our open opportunities here.


Sources:
Physician assistants. (2025, April 18). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm

Kozikowski, A., Hooker, R. S., Puckett, K., National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc., National Center for Health Statistics, & CDC. (2022). Characteristics and Contributions of Physician Assistants/Associates Practicing in Psychiatry. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc. https://www.nccpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Characteristics-and-Contributions-of-PAs-Practicing-in-Psychiatry.pdf