High School Diploma or GED

achelor's Degree

Graduate from medical school

Complete an internship

Pass a state licensing exam

Complete a three-year residency program in psychiatry

Pass additional exams to become board certified

Work 40 hours a week.

May work on-call, which means they are available to work on short notice to handle emergencies.

May work nights or weekends at hospitals and in-patient clinics.

PSYCHIATRISTS will:

Help clients deal with mental illnesses such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, or depression.

Periodically meet with clients to make sure the treatment plan is working properly.

PSYCHIATRISTS frequently:

Differ from psychologists and doctors because they have training in both psychology and medicine.

Review the client's medical history and family background to look for a biological cause of the problem.

Consult with other mental health specialists who have worked with the client.

It is important that PSYCHIATRISTS be able to:

Must be very exact in their work. Errors or omissions could seriously endanger the health and safety of patients.

Talk about issues with clients to help solve problems.