Hi. I’ve been a psych PA for 5 years. Definitely don’t just do a PA career for psych. I think any career can be great, but any career also has its ups and downs. Right now the big issue is PMHNP’s independent practice - If this happens in your state, it will be a dark day for psych PAs because it will be incredibly difficult to find a job. I like psych, but I also don’t mind difficult personalities and getting screamed or cursed at. I also have another PA career if psych does not work out. I am actually laid off from my psych job right now due to budget. Every two years it seems that psych practices have their ups and downs, and this year my position has been directly affected.

Also, regarding the therapy vs. psych position - Therapists (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.) pay much much less. Psychologists (Psy.D vs. Ph.D) are paid equal to or exceed psych PA salaries. My former practice referred to psychologists for such things as ADHD and autism testing. As a PA you can be paid to do therapy, but not as much as a therapist or psychologist. Getting an extra degree to be a therapist is really not that helpful to a PA because you are paid only a little bit more. Now if you are already a therapist and you want to be a PA, it may help you get a job, but you still have to manage the patient’s medication. I haven’t met anyone who does therapy on the side of their psych practice, but that is an option.

Best of luck.