A psychiatrist is someone who specializes in the field of psychiatry, the division of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of many mental illnesses. The most common type of psychiatrist practicing today is a psychiatrist with a medical degree specializing in psychopharmacology. There are also psychiatrists with a psychology degree and/or a social science degree who specialise in specific areas of psychology such as bipolar disorder or eating disorders. For a full list of qualified psychiatrists, you can check with your local government offices.
The duration of a psychiatrist’s training depends on many factors, including the doctor’s specialty, the university, and the medical school they graduated from, as well as the length of time they plan to practice. For example, if you went to a prestigious medical school like Harvard and now plan on becoming a psychiatrist with a clinical practice, your education will typically last four years. During this time you will receive extensive psychiatric training and be required to participate in ongoing clinical experience as well as taking general medical courses. After your education is complete, you will enter medical school and begin your PsyD program.
In order to qualify as a full-fledged psychiatrist, you must be licensed in your state and obtain a Master’s degree from an accredited medical school. This degree will typically be comprised of a large number of sub-specialties, including cognitive behavioural therapy, family and community therapy, psychology, pharmacology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, statistics, and research methodologies.
Once you have completed your medical school, you will then need to complete a residency in either an alcohol or drug abuse facility or a mental health centre. To be eligible for a psychiatrist residency, you must demonstrate that you have the specific qualifications needed to diagnose and treat individuals with severe mental health disorders. You may not choose to participate in a psychiatrist residency if you don’t feel you have what it takes.