Our Commitment to Care
Chris Dietrich, PA-C, DSc, CAQ-Psych
Founder & CEO, Summit Psychiatry Associates
Christopher Dietrich is a nationally recognized psychiatric physician associate, healthcare leader, and policy advocate dedicated to expanding behavioral health access across Alaska, Montana, and beyond. As the Founder and CEO of Summit Psychiatry Associates, he leads a multi-state practice committed to compassionate, evidence-based, and technology-enabled mental healthcare.
He holds a Doctor of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry, with clinical specialties in trauma, ADHD, veteran mental health, and substance use disorders. He actively incorporates innovative assessment tools and neurocognitive testing into practice, blending traditional care with modern solutions.
Christopher has served as President of the Alaska Collaborative for Telemedicine & Telehealth (AKCTT) and the Alaska Academy of PAs (AKAPA). In these roles, he championed multiple legislative efforts to expand PA scope of practice and telemedicine access across the state. His healthcare policy leadership was featured on C-SPAN as part of their Alaska series, where he discussed digital innovation and healthcare equity.
In 2023, Christopher was part of the founding team that helped open Banyan Alaska, a veteran-focused substance use treatment center in Wasilla. His advocacy for veterans and commitment to underserved communities was profiled by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), highlighting his role in connecting behavioral health resources to those most in need.
He was also featured in Clinical Advisor in an article which explored the experiences of healthcare professionals who bring lived experience and empathy to behavioral health leadership.
At Summit Psychiatry Associates, Christopher continues to drive forward a model of care rooted in access, clinical excellence, and patient-centered innovation.
Heather Dunford, PA-C, DMSc, CAQ-Psych
Founder & CFO, Summit Psychiatry Associates
Heather Dunford brings heart, humor, and deep expertise to the world of behavioral health. As a nationally certified psychiatric PA with licensure in multiple states, she’s passionate about making mental health care accessible—whether you’re in a small town in Alaska or a city in Utah. With a thoughtful ear and a strategic mind, Heather focuses on more than just symptoms—she helps patients craft personalized plans for healing today and lasting wellness tomorrow. From telehealth visits to in-person care, Heather believes in meeting people where they are, both geographically and emotionally. Her mission? To listen, to connect, and to help others thrive—one patient, one plan, one day at a time.
Heather is board-certified in psychiatry as a physician assistant with a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Psychiatry. With advanced degrees including a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Heather blends academic excellence with real-world compassion.
She is also the founder and Chief Financial Officer of Summit Psychiatry Associates, our innovative, multi-state behavioral health practice committed to delivering high-quality care across geographic and cultural boundaries.
Jameson
Jameson has spent countless hours alongside our clinical team, quietly supporting patients through their hardest days. With a calm presence and steady paws, he’s sat in on more appointments than most licensed professionals — always ready to offer comfort, calm, or sneak into your snacks.
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Psychiatric Health Practitioner
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Meet Our Experts
Discover the dedicated professionals committed to your mental health.
Collaborative Care & Provider Integration
Summit PAs are Physician Assistants that are highly skilled psychiatric providers who deliver full-scope care within a collaborative model. In states requiring practice agreements, Summit maintains active, compliant collaboration plans on file with our compliance office and at any office we are working in. These can also be verified through each state’s licensing board.
Importantly, Summit upholds this collaborative standard even in states that do not require it, reflecting our commitment to high-quality, team-based care.
All providers—PAs, NPs, and psychiatrists—practice at the top of their license, with psychiatrists available at all times for real-time consultation amongst our group.
Frequently Asked Questions
HIPPA Privacy Policy for Patients
This section houses PDFs that can be downloaded for new patient enrollment, current patient updates, release of information for record requests, HIPAA Privacy Policy, and Patient Care Agreement.
These telehealth links are HIPAA secure and will be sent to patients via text and email when scheduling appointments. They are based on the provider and won’t change. For example, the link for PA Dietrich is:
This is the best way to update records, request medication renewals, and ask questions that may require an appointment: Patient Portal
