Explore Psychiatric Physician Assistant Jobs Across the U.S.

Becoming a psychiatry physician assistant typically takes 6 to 7 years, including a bachelor’s degree and a 24–27 month accredited PA program. No additional certification is required to work in psychiatric physician assistant jobs, though some experienced PAs later pursue the optional Psychiatry Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) through the NCCPA.

The psychiatric physician assistant salary typically ranges from $120,000 to $150,000 per year, based on NCCPA national compensation data. Earnings for psychiatric PA jobs vary by experience, care setting, and patient volume, with outpatient and telepsychiatry roles often reporting higher compensation due to ongoing mental health workforce shortages.

Physician assistants in psychiatry evaluate patients, diagnose mental health conditions, and manage psychiatric medications under physician supervision. In outpatient settings, they provide ongoing treatment, medication management, and follow-up care. In inpatient settings, they help manage acute psychiatric conditions, coordinate care with multidisciplinary teams, and support patient stabilization. Psychiatric physician assistant jobs are also available in telepsychiatry and other behavioral health care settings.