What does a Psychiatrist do?
Psychiatrists evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations, develop treatment plans, prescribe medication, and evaluate treatment results. Psychiatrists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, clinics, and nursing homes.
Psychiatrists are required to complete extensive education. Psychiatrists must have a medical degree from an accredited medical school, complete a residency program in psychiatry, be board certified in psychiatry, and be licensed to practice medicine in the state of practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but usually involve taking an exam that specifically includes regulations unique to the state of practice. The best psychiatrists are very perceptive, have strong listening skills, and are excellent critical thinkers.
- Assess and screen patients by conducting psychiatric evaluations, including interviews, medical histories, phsyical exams, observations, and psychological testing
- Analyze data and results of assessments to diagnose patients
- Prescribe and administer medications according to diagnosis
- Monitor patients to determine efficacy and potential side effects of medications
- Develop a treatment plan, measure progress against the plan, and make adjustments as needed
- Provide crisis intervention as needed
- Complete all necessary clincial documentation in an accurate and timely manner
- Collaborate with a broader team of physicians, psychologists, and nurses to assess and adjust treament plans
- Coordinate and communicate with case managers and other stakeholders about treatment and care
- Current and valid board certification in psychiatry
- Medical degree from an accredited medical school and completion of an approved psychiatric residency
- Licensed to practice medicine in state of practice
- Current DEA registration
- Excellent knowledge and familiarity with current DSM criteria
- Familiar with crisis assessment tools and techniques
- Strong working knowledge of general psychiatric principles and practices
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Psychiatrist Career Path
Learn how to become a Psychiatrist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Psychiatrist Insights
Center for Life Management“It's community mental health so the pay is not the best but it is great compared to some other places”
Iris Telehealth“The work is great and they did a good job of picking a job site I enjoy”
LifeStance Health“Finally excellent compensation structure including stock options ( which is unheard of in this field up until this point).”
Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE“It also feels as though there is no opportunity for career growth at this point.”
Claim Genius“I feel this the best startup one should join super friendly environment never seen before.”
Morley Builders“Bonuses are great when projects and revenues are plentiful.”
Physician Affiliate Group of New York“Good good good good goos”
Land Title Guarantee Company“It was evident almost immediately that Land Title’s leadership lacked any genuine concern for its employees.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Psychiatrist
When working as a Psychiatrist, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Graduate Medical Education, Reviews, Treating, English and Diagnosis.
- Pediatrician
- Primary Care Physician
- Physician
- Internal Medicine Physician
The most common qualifications to become a Psychiatrist is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.