Psychiatrist

Your Fit

Income

$299K

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

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Psychiatrist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$121K per year	NA per year	$299K per year	NA per year	$613K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $234K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

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

In Canada, becoming a psychiatrist typically involves completing four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Graduates then complete a five-year residency in psychiatry, resulting in approximately 13 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:

Volunteer in healthcare settings or mental health organizations.
Join or form mental health awareness clubs.
Engage in activities that develop empathy and communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Complete an undergraduate degree, often with a strong foundation in the sciences.
Graduate from medical school with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Complete a psychiatry residency program, typically five years in length.
Pursue optional fellowship training in subspecialties such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or addiction psychiatry.
Obtain certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and register with the provincial medical regulatory authority to practise.

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.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.