PA Mindset Matters

Reshaping Mental Health: A PA's Mission to Heal and Transform I Sarah Tatko

Join Mercedes Dodge, PA-C, and Jessica Spissinger, PA-C, in this inspiring Mindset Matters episode featuring Sarah Tatko, a psychiatric PA who has carved her own path from speech therapy to advanced psychiatric care. Together, they explore the art and science of ketamine therapy, blending clinical precision with human vulnerability. Hear Sarah’s reflections on integrating CBT with ketamine-assisted treatment, navigating the emotional challenges of the PA profession, and building mentorship-driven, compassionate care. Whether you’re a clinician or simply curious about the future of psychiatry, this episode delivers insight, authenticity, and hope.

Navigating the Ketamine Landscape: History, Uses, and Myths I Mini Mindset Matters

In this episode of The Mindset Matters Podcast, psychiatric PAs Mercedes Dodge and Jessica Spissinger dive into the fascinating journey of ketamine—from its origins as a battlefield anesthetic during the Vietnam War to its modern role as a rapid-acting antidepressant transforming mental health care. They unpack the differences between racemic ketamine and esketamine (Spravato®), discuss their use in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain, and examine the evidence behind ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The conversation explores how this once-controversial drug evolved from party stigma to clinical promise, highlighting mechanisms of action, dosing routes, safety considerations, side effects, and regulatory frameworks that guide its use today. You’ll also hear insights on combining ketamine with therapy to enhance long-term outcomes, myths and misconceptions, and what clinicians need to know before integrating ketamine into practice. Whether you’re a PA, clinician, or mental-health enthusiast, this episode offers a balanced, practical, and evidence-based look at one of psychiatry’s most exciting frontiers.

Navigating the Intersection of Psychiatry and Practice Ownership with Kathryn Werner

Two psych PAs—Mercedes Dodge, PA-C, CAQ-Psych and Jessica Spissinger, PA-C—sit down with Kathryn Werner, PA-C, owner of White Pine Mental Health & Wellness and senior consultant at CPACteam.com, to explore her journey from disliking her psychiatry rotation to building a purpose-driven practice that thrives on clinical depth and compassion. Kathryn shares how the PA generalist mindset sharpens psychiatric assessment, why niche marketing can transform a private practice, and how to deliver OCD care that truly works through proper dosing, exposure-response alignment, and patient education. The conversation also covers practical strategies for polypharmacy decision-making, navigating state-by-state legislative and payer challenges, and creating a sustainable approach to self-care—from boundary setting to Kathryn’s now-famous “enriched bathroom break.”

Lifestyle Psychiatry Foundations: 6 Essential Pillars for Better Mental Health | Mindset Matters

Join Jessica Spissinger and Mercedes Dodge as they dive into the emerging science of Lifestyle Psychiatry — where evidence-based medicine meets everyday habits. In this episode, they unpack the six pillars of lifestyle psychiatry: physical activity, nutrition, restorative sleep, stress management, toxic exposure reduction, and social connectedness. Discover how these pillars can transform care for conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. You’ll also hear insights into related fields like nutritional and metabolic psychiatry, plus key studies and practical strategies for integrating lifestyle interventions into mental health practice.
 
Tune in for an engaging, research-informed discussion that highlights holistic, person-centered approaches to mental wellness — designed for both clinicians and anyone passionate about mental health.

Discovering Balance: An Interview with Kat Astrup on Career and Financial Wellness

In this engaging episode of Mindset Matters, we are joined by Kat Astrup, a dedicated PA with extensive experience in family medicine and psychiatry. Kat also hosts her own podcast, 'PA the FI Way,' where she discusses medicine, finances, and living a balanced life. Kat shares her journey from learning about the PA profession after an ACL injury to her educational path at Des Moines University and her transition from family medicine to psychiatry. Kat opens up about experiencing burnout, discovering financial independence, and the importance of self-care. Tune in to learn about her insights on dealing with mental health in busy professional lives, the importance of supportive professional networks, and practical tips for achieving a focused, fulfilling career in healthcare.

Unveiling the Journey of MAOIs in Clinical Practice

Join us in this mini-mindset episode as we dive deeply into the history, development, and modern-day relevance of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) in clinical practice. From their origins in the 1950s as accidental discoveries from hydrazine compounds to their niche use today, we explore the myths, misconceptions, and clinical implications of these 'relics' of psychiatry. Learn about the various MAOIs, their discovery stories, pharmacological effects, and the impact they had—and continue to have—on the field of psychotropic medications. Whether you're a healthcare professional or a curious learner, this episode sheds light on the importance of understanding the history and evolution of psychiatric medications.

Psychiatry Across Borders: A PA's Tale from Florida to Italy

Join us as we speak with Rita Rose, PA-C, a child & adolescent psychiatry PA whose journey spans multiple states and now Italy. She shares her path from novice to advocate, insights on parenting, lifestyle’s role in mental health, and advice for aspiring PAs. Hear how she stays active in advocacy and education despite distance, and why fostering independence, creativity, and mindfulness matters.

Understanding Burnout: A Deep Dive into Causes, History, and Solutions | Mini Mindset

Burnout is more than exhaustion—it’s a crisis in medicine. Mercedes Dodge and Jessica Spissinger dive into its roots, dimensions, and impact, sharing lessons from COVID-19 and Dr. Lorna Breen’s story. They challenge the myth of balance, explore integration, and offer real strategies for change. Tune in for insight, inspiration, and tools to protect your well-being and transform how we approach mental health in healthcare.

Overcome Challenges and Embrace Your True Passion with Sherlonda Adkins

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, telepsychiatry PA and life strategy coach. She shares her journey from psych PA to coaching and public speaking, highlighting self-advocacy, lifelong learning, and community support. Dr. Adkins offers tips on balance, journaling, and flexibility—showing how to harness your strengths and thrive in both career and life.

Deep Dive into Tricyclic Antidepressants: History, Uses, and Mechanisms | Mini Mindset

Welcome to the debut of Mini Mindset, a quick companion to Mindset Matters. We unpack tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): what they are, how they work, when to use them, and how to keep patients safe. From depression and anxiety to pain and insomnia, learn why TCAs still matter today in a fast, practical listen for clinicians and curious minds.