Psych PAs On Call

This week on Psych PAs on Call, we’re talking ADHD — but not just from a textbook. ⬇️🎙️

Join host Mariah and special guest Cassie Spalding, PA-C, for a fun, transparent, and insightful conversation on what it was like to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults, what got missed growing up, how ADHD shows up in women, and how they've learned to manage it in work and life.

Whether you’re a provider, a student, or someone who thinks you might have ADHD… this one’s for you!

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, visit our website here.

What exactly happens when a person loses touch with reality?

In this episode of Psych PAs on Call, Mariah and Daniela tackle one of the most complex and frequently misunderstood topics in psychiatry: the psychosis spectrum.

Whether you are a student prepping for the PANCE or EOR, a practicing clinician looking to refine your diagnostic skills, or simply a curious mind, this episode moves beyond rote memorization. We break down the clinical nuances of schizophrenia and its related disorders in a way that is high-yield, practical, and deeply human.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The Core of Psychosis: Defining what it means to lose touch with reality across perception, thinking, and behavior.
• Differential Diagnosis: How to distinguish between various disorders on the spectrum in a real-life clinical setting.
• Clinical Confidence: Insights to help you feel more prepared and empathetic when treating patients in clinic.

Tune in to transform the way you see the psychosis spectrum—from a list of criteria to a clear, actionable clinical framework.

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.

In this episode of Psych PAs on Call, we break down the different types of bipolar disorder in a way that’s clear for both PA students and non-medical listeners.

We explain the differences between Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder, including how to recognize mania versus hypomania and why accurate diagnosis matters. Through short case examples, we highlight how bipolar disorder presents in real life and discuss the risks of untreated illness.

Whether you’re studying for exams or just want a better understanding of bipolar disorder, this episode offers practical, compassionate insight into a complex condition.

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.

In this heartwarming and science-packed episode of Psych PAs on Call, Mariah and Byeolah explore the deep connection between humans and their pets and how that bond impacts our mental health. From lowering cortisol and boosting oxytocin to helping patients combat loneliness, pets are more than just companions — they’re co-therapists in fur. The hosts break down the neuroscience behind the “love hormone,” highlight studies on animal-assisted therapy in PTSD, depression, and autism, and discuss how pets can serve as powerful protective factors in psychiatric care. They also touch on the emotional challenges of pet ownership, from grief and financial stress to burnout among animal care professionals.

Whether you’re a clinician, a pet parent, or just curious why your dog seems to sense your bad days, this episode blends heartfelt stories with hard science, reminding us that sometimes, healing doesn’t come from words, but from a wag, a purr, or a tiny paw on your lap.

Resources Mentioned:

• Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI.org)
• Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program
• ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline Science
• (Nagasawa et al., 2015): Oxytocin-Gaze Positive Loop Between Humans and Dogs

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.

In this episode of Psych PAs on Call, Mariah and Byeolah catch up on life changes, including Byeolah’s recent wedding, before shifting into an important conversation about Suicide Awareness Month.

They discuss why suicide prevention matters, share key statistics, break down myths versus facts, and highlight the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors we should all be aware of. As providers and people, they reflect on how early intervention, supportive conversations, and community connection can truly save lives.
 
This episode emphasizes that suicide is preventable and that each of us can play a role, whether by checking in on a friend, offering a listening ear, or connecting someone to professional help.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime, day or night. https://988lifeline.org
• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. https://www.crisistextline.org
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – Education, advocacy, and support resources. https://afsp.org
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Support and education for individuals and families. https://www.nami.org
• The Trevor Project – Suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth. https://www.thetrevorproject.org

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.

Burnout isn’t just “feeling tired” - it’s a complex mix of emotional exhaustion, brain chemistry, and mental health struggles that impact even the most passionate providers.
In this episode of Psych PAs on Call, co-hosts Mariah and Byeolah dive into the science behind burnout, exploring how chronic stress affects the brain, body, and our ability to care for others. Mariah opens up about her personal journey with PTSD and trauma, sharing how it amplified her own experience of burnout while working in psychiatry.
 
Together, they discuss:

• The neuroscience of burnout and why it’s more than just “work stress.”
• The link between trauma, PTSD, and compassion fatigue.
• Real strategies that providers can use to prevent and recover from burnout.

• Honest stories from the frontlines of mental health care.

   

This conversation is both scientific and deeply personal, offering validation and practical tools for anyone who has ever felt emotionally drained, overworked, or stuck in survival mode.

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Psych PAs on Call, Mariah is flying solo (we miss you, Byeolah!) and joined by a very special guest — Jessie Cockerham, LCSW, trauma therapist and founder of The Wolf’s Refuge: Counseling and Healing Services.

Mariah and Jessie reflect on their time working together at Apogee, where they built a close friendship — and a hilarious “work spouse” dynamic — that’s lasted beyond the workplace. Now, Jessie shares his powerful journey into the world of therapy, how he created a decolonized and affirming healing space, and why he chose to specialize in EMDR, DBT, and Ecotherapy.

Together, they dive into the healing potential of EMDR, the impact of trauma on both mind and body, and how collaboration between therapists and psychiatric providers can transform patient care. Whether you're a provider, a client, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of mental health care, this episode offers honest conversation, clinical wisdom, and plenty of heart.

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.

In this special episode of Psych PAs on Call, we’re joined by our incredible coworker and former classmate, Daniela Marques, PA-C. The three of us—Mariah, Byeolah, and Daniela—all started this journey together at the University of South Florida, and now we’re working side by side in the world of psychiatry. Join us as we share our unfiltered experiences through PA school: the challenges, the wins, the late-night study sessions, and what it really took to get where we are today.

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.

Behind every white coat is a person with a story. In this episode, Dr. Dennis Klein opens up about leadership, parenthood, and the personal challenges that shaped his approach to medicine.

In this deeply personal and professionally insightful episode, we sit down with Dennis Klein, DO — Chief Physician Executive and Division 1 President at Apogee Physicians. A former Navy physician and family medicine doctor, Dr. Klein shares his powerful journey through military medicine, private practice, and leadership across 13 states. But beyond the titles, this episode explores the vulnerable side of medicine: what it means to face your own child’s mental health struggles while also being the one others look to for care. Dr. Klein opens up about how his daughter’s challenges changed his perspective on psychiatry, family medicine, and the way we support both patients and providers. Join us as we discuss stigma, empathy, leadership, and how personal experience can shape professional purpose.

We also explore:

• Why practicing medicine is both an art and a science
• Dr. Klein's secret to success
• The shift in family medicine over the years
• Why this generation of kids struggle with their mental health

Whether you're a clinician, healthcare leader, parent or simply someone who believes in the importance of mental health and empathy in medicine, this episode offers a grounded, honest conversation about what it really means to lead in healthcare today.

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.

In this episode, we open up an honest and inclusive conversation about what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community—and how to be a true ally. From exploring mental health challenges and the importance of gender-affirming care, we dive into the lived experiences behind the letters. Whether you're part of the community or learning how to support it better, this episode offers insight, empathy, and real ways to show up. Pride isn’t just a month—it’s a movement.

This episode also highlights how healthcare providers can support patients on their journey without dictating it—recognizing that coming out and transition are deeply personal experiences.

To learn more about Apogee or to schedule an appointment at Apogee Behavioral Medicine, ⁠visit our website here⁠.