Psychiatrist Job Description

Psychiatrist Job Description: Psychiatrists are the primary caregivers in the area of mental health. They assess and treat mental illnesses through a combination of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication. Psychotherapy involves regular discussions with patients about their problems; the psychiatrist helps them find solutions through changes in their behavioral patterns, the exploration of their past experiences, or group and family therapy sessions. Psychoanalysis involves long-term psychotherapy and counseling for patients. In many cases, medications are administered to correct chemical imbalances that cause emotional problems. Psychiatrists also may administer electroconvulsive therapy to those of their patients who do not respond to, or who cannot take, medications.

Included in the Psychiatrist Job Description: Psychiatrists frequently work as part of a multi-disciplinary team composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, nursing, and other disciplines to provide holistic or comprehensive medical and counseling services to patients.

Psychiatrists are physicians who serve a fundamental role in our society and have an effect upon all our lives. They diagnose mental illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. Physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive health care.

There are two types of physicians: M.D.—Doctor of Medicine—and D.O.—Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. M.D.s also are known as allopathic physicians. While both M.D.s and D.O.s may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, D.O.s place special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care. D.O.s are more likely than M.D.s to be primary care specialists although they can be found in all specialties. About half of D.O.s practice general or family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics.

Working conditions are usually pleasant with the work environment being indoors in well lighted exam rooms and hospitals.  Hours of work frequently exceed 60 hours a week in the busier practices. This typically can result in being awakened at all hours of the night and/or being asked to come in at irregular times to evaluate a patient.  Psychiatrists have a slightly higher than average risk of having to deal with aggressive or violent patients. 

Training and Qualifications - what you have to do to be a Psychiatrist

Formal education and training requirements for physicians are among the most demanding of any occupation—4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency, depending on the specialty selected. A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 rather than the customary 8 years.

Premedical students must complete undergraduate work in physics, biology, mathematics, English, and inorganic and organic chemistry. Students also take courses in the humanities and the social sciences. Some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain practical experience in the health professions.

Licensing and Credentialing

In all 50 states and the U.S. Territories Physicians are regulated. The usual method to be a credentialed and licensed family or general psychiatrist is:
1) Possess the amount of training and/or a degree from an accredited school of medicine
2)Complete an accredited program of psychiatry
3) Pass a national exam
4) Apply for licensure in the state you wish to practice in.

Significant Points

• Many physicians and surgeons work long, irregular hours; over one-third of full-time physicians worked 60 or more hours a week in 2004.
• Formal education and training requirements are among the most demanding of any occupation, but earnings are among the highest.
• Job opportunities should be very good, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
• New physicians are much less likely to enter solo practice and more likely to work as salaried employees of group medical practices, clinics, hospitals, or health networks.

Advancement - chances for promotion

The outlook for psychiatrists is projected to be very good.  Significant shortages exist in most areas of the country.  The trend towards group practices will provide opportunities for more doctors to hold positions of leadership and authority.  This still remains one of the best paying professions in the healthcare industry. 

Anesthesiologist Job Description , Athletic Trainer Job Description , Audiologist Job Description , Cardiologist Job Description , Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Job Description , Chiropractor Job Description , Dental Hygienist Job Description , Dentist Job Description , Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Job Description , Dietetic Technicians Job Description , Dietitians and Nutritionists Job Description , Esthetician Job Description , Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedic Job Description , Family and General Practitioners Job Description , Healthcare Administrator Job Description , Internist Job Description , Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Job Description , Massage Therapist Job Description , Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Description , Medical Coding Job Description , Medical Records Clerk and Health Information Technician Job Description , Neurologist Job Description , Neurosurgeon Job Description , Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Description , Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Anesthesiologist Job Description , Obstetrician and Gynecologist Doctor Job Description , Occupational Health and Safety Specialist and Technician Job Description , Occupational Therapist Job Description , Dispensing Optician Job Description , Optometrist Job Description , Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Job Description , Orthodontist Job Description , Orthotist and Prosthetist Job Description , Pediatrician Job Description , Pharmacist Job Description , Pharmacy Technician Job Description , Phlebotomist Job Description , Physical Therapist Job Description , Physician Assistant Job Description , Podiatrist Job Description , Prosthodontist Job Description , Psychiatric Technician Job Description , Psychiatrist Job Description , Psychologist Job Description , Radiation Therapist Job Description , Recreational Therapist Job Description , Registered Nurse Job Description , Respiratory Therapist Job Description , Speech-Language Pathologist or Speech Therapist Job Description , Surgeon Job Description , Surgical Technologist Job Description , Veterinarian Job Description , Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Description