
Erin is a Certified PA and Managing Member in private practice at Oasis LifeCare in State College, Pennsylvania, where she provides outpatient medication management services for individuals with mental illness. She is a graduate of Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant Studies program and now serves as a guest lecturer for the program. Over her career, she has provided psychiatric care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Heavily involved in the community, she is working to remove barriers and educate professionals and community members on mental health issues. She serves as a promotional speaker and is the co-founder and President of the Pennsylvania Mental Health Initiative (PAMHI). She was elected to the NCCPA Health Foundation Board of Directors in 2017, was reelected in 2020, and presently serves as the Board’s Chair Elect. In addition, she serves as the chair of the PArtners in Mental Health Steering Committee, a cross organizational effort that includes PA organization leaders and PA champions committed to continuing to equip all PAs to address mental health and substance use disorder.
Breaking the Barrier: The PA’s Role and Mental Health
Objectives:
- Recognize the importance of mental health as part of overall health.
- Explain the role and contributions of certified PAs to screen, manage, and, when needed, coordinate and refer for mental health care.
- Describe tools and resources to enhance PA readiness to provide mental health services and to support integration of mental health in practice.
- Discuss current and emerging issues related to the health professions and mental health.