PACC Mental Health Services

How does doctoral-level training influence diagnosis and treatment in complex outpatient mental health care?

In outpatient mental health care, the level of clinical training guiding diagnosis and treatment can significantly influence how complex cases are understood and managed over time. Doctoral-level psychologists receive extensive preparation in psychological assessment, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment formulation—expertise that becomes particularly important when working with complex or long-standing mental health conditions.

While many outpatient practices operate with mixed-credential clinical teams, PACC Mental Health Services has structured its care model differently. The organization delivers all psychological care exclusively through licensed doctoral-level psychologists, embedding advanced clinical expertise throughout every stage of treatment.

Why was PACC structured to provide consistent doctoral-level psychological care for complex cases?

The practice began taking shape while Amy Karamyan was completing her PhD, when her clinical work highlighted a gap in consistent doctoral-level outpatient care. Many patients entering treatment had complex clinical histories requiring deeper diagnostic evaluation and sustained clinical attention. In response, she established PACC with a structure designed to support long-term therapeutic engagement and comprehensive psychological oversight.

“What stood out to me was how many patients were presenting with complex clinical histories that required deeper and more sustained attention,” says Karamyan, president. “PACC was designed so patients could receive consistent doctoral-level care and continuity over time.”

How does PACC structure evaluations and treatment planning for patients with complex mental health conditions?

At PACC, care begins with a comprehensive psychological evaluation conducted by a doctoral-level clinician, followed by an individualized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s diagnosis and clinical needs. Evidence-based interventions are integrated into unified care plans that address symptoms, behavioral patterns, and relevant relational factors. Patients are typically seen weekly—or as clinically necessary—allowing for ongoing assessment and measurable progress in functioning, emotional regulation, and interpersonal stability.

A defining feature of the practice is its willingness to work with patients across the full spectrum of mental health diagnoses, including severe, complex, and long-term conditions. As a result, PACC frequently receives referrals from hospitals, community providers, insurance networks, and a growing number of veterans entering care through the VA system. When insurance coverage permits, the practice is structured to engage patients promptly rather than placing them into extended intake delays.

PACC also provides integrated autism services within the same clinical setting as its mental health treatment programs. Behavioral specialists offer in-home and center-based services for children and families, while licensed doctoral psychologists provide psychotherapy when autistic individuals, caregivers, or family members require psychological support. Maintaining these services within a coordinated clinical framework allows behavioral and mental health needs to be addressed together when appropriate.

Today, PACC delivers care through in-person and flexible service formats designed to maintain continuity of treatment while meeting patient needs. The organization continues to emphasize sustained therapeutic relationships and structured clinical oversight throughout the course of care.

To preserve its clinical standards as it grows, PACC maintains a doctoral-led supervision structure, where senior psychologists oversee diagnostic decisions, treatment planning, and mentorship of early-career clinicians within the organization. This approach supports diagnostic accuracy, treatment consistency, and continuity as services expand.

The model has earned industry recognition, with PACC being named Top Mental Health Care Clinic.

Looking ahead, the organization is preparing to extend its doctoral-led model into additional states. Credentialing is currently underway in Arizona, with expansion focused on preserving the same clinical framework so patients in new regions receive consistent, high-level psychological care.

In a field where outpatient care models can vary widely, PACC’s approach centers on a clear principle: that sustained psychological progress often depends on deep clinical expertise and continuity of care. By embedding doctoral-level psychologists throughout the entire treatment process, the organization seeks to support long-term stability for patients navigating complex mental health challenges.