Psychiatrist

Your Fit

Income

$269K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

6.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Psychiatrist?

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They combine psychological and physiological approaches to address the mental health needs of their patients.

Sample job titles:

Child Psychiatrist, Outpatient Psychiatrist, Psychiatrist, Staff Psychiatrist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Psychiatrist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Psychiatrist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$77K per year	$141K per year	$269K per year	NA per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $220K above the national average.

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What does a Psychiatrist do?

Work environment

Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and academic institutions. They may work in outpatient or inpatient settings and often collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses.

Quick task list

Diagnoses and evaluates mental and emotional disorders.
Develops treatment plans, which may include medication, psychotherapy, or other interventions.
Provides individual or group therapy.
Monitors patient progress and adjusts treatments as necessary.
Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Focusing on the mental health of children and teenagers.
Geriatric Psychiatry: Specializing in the mental health of elderly patients.
Addiction Psychiatry: Treating patients with substance abuse and addiction issues.
Forensic Psychiatry: Working in legal settings to assess and treat individuals involved in the legal system.
Neuropsychiatry: Focusing on psychiatric disorders related to neurological conditions.

Description

Psychiatry is a complex and rewarding medical field that requires a deep understanding of the human mind and behavior. Psychiatrists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, offering hope and healing to individuals battling mental illnesses. Their work involves a blend of science and empathy, requiring not only medical knowledge but also a profound understanding of psychological theories and therapies.

The profession demands excellent communication skills, as psychiatrists must build trust with their patients to effectively diagnose and treat them. This involves listening to patients, empathizing with their experiences, and providing guidance and support through their mental health journey. Psychiatrists need to stay updated with the latest research and developments in mental health treatments and medications.

A career in psychiatry can be incredibly fulfilling, as it offers the opportunity to make a significant difference in patients' lives. Psychiatrists often witness profound transformations in their patients, which can be deeply rewarding. However, the job can also be emotionally demanding, dealing with severe mental health crises and chronic conditions.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a tangible difference in the mental and emotional well-being of patients.
Continuous learning and intellectual stimulation from a rapidly evolving field.
The opportunity to form meaningful therapeutic relationships with patients.
Being part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to comprehensive healthcare.

You might make a good Psychiatrist if you are...

Fascinated by the workings of the human mind and behavior.
Compassionate, patient, and possess strong listening skills.
Interested in a career that combines medicine and psychology.
Resilient and capable of handling emotionally challenging situations.
Committed to lifelong learning and staying abreast of medical advancements.

Pros:

Rewarding and impactful work improving mental health.
High earning potential and job security.
Diverse work environments and patient populations.

Cons:

Lengthy and expensive educational path.
Potential for high-stress situations and emotional burnout.
Navigating complex ethical and treatment decisions.

How to become a Psychiatrist

Typical education

To become a Psychiatrist, one must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, and a 4-year psychiatric residency. This amounts to approximately 12 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to prepare for a pre-medical track.
Psychology to gain an understanding of human behavior.
Mathematics and Statistics for medical research literacy.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in healthcare settings or mental health organizations.
Joining or forming mental health awareness clubs.
Engaging in activities that develop empathy and communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Obtaining a bachelor's degree, preferably with a focus on pre-medical studies.
Completing medical school to receive a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO).
Undergoing a residency in psychiatry.
Obtaining a license to practice medicine and board certification in psychiatry.

More resources

American Psychiatric Association (APA) - Offers resources and information for psychiatrists and psychiatry residents.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Provides a wealth of information on mental disorders and psychiatric research.
Psychiatry Online - Features books, journals, and resources for psychiatric practice.
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) - Information about board certification and maintenance in psychiatry.
Medscape Psychiatry - Offers news, treatment updates, and case studies in psychiatry.

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