Revisiting the unmet mental health needs in Canada: Can PAs be part of the solution?

In Canada, unmet mental health care needs remain a major issue despite mental disorders ranking as the second largest source of years lost to disability. As discussions continue on alternative models of healthcare to reduce the long waiting times for mental health treatment, leveraging the skills and resources available from physician associates/assistants (PAs) and NPs becomes imperative. Relatively few PAs in Canada work in psychiatry, despite widespread acceptance in other medical disciplines. Sustainable funding models for the training, recruitment, and retention of PAs in mental health care are vital. More research, policy development, and interprofessional collaboration can enhance the effective integration of PAs into mental health care.