What Does a Clinical Psychiatrist Do?

Through therapy, behavior modification, and medication prescription, a clinical psychiatrist works with patients to help them overcome social, mental, and behavioral disorders. Individuals interested in this field must earn a master’s degree in medicine and complete a residency program focused on the treatment of mental illnesses. A private practice, a hospital, or a research university might hire someone in this position.

A four-year university degree in biology pre-medicine and completion of secondary school are usually required for training to become a clinical psychiatrist. Following the completion of these entry-level requirements, the prospective student may pursue a medical degree. The student must then complete four years of residency in a medical mental health program to advance from practicing general medicine to focusing solely on psychiatry. Psychiatrists can then specialize in one area of mental health, such as pediatrics, adolescents, or geriatrics, and work for an additional two or more years in that field.

Because of his medical degree, a clinical psychiatrist is usually able to prescribe medications to his patients. In this regard, psychiatrists differ from psychologists in that psychologists typically focus on behavior changes and are unable to require their patients to take medication. Psychiatrists use a variety of therapy techniques and behavior modifications, but they can also supplement these treatments with medication if needed.

A clinical psychiatrist must have a medical license and a local mental health certification to practice in a specific area. A regional governing medical authority, such as a state or national board, is usually where a medical license is obtained. Local certification to practice psychiatry is available from national organizations that are recognized and accepted by the employer. In the United States, for example, practicing psychiatrists must be certified by the American Psychiatric Association.

Psychiatrists have the option of working independently or as part of a larger mental health organization. Doctors who specialize in different areas of mental health frequently open a practice together. They may also use a variety of techniques to engage their patients, such as individual or group therapy sessions. Psychiatrists benefit from working in this type of environment because they can refer patients to one another if it becomes clear that a patient’s needs are outside their area of expertise.

Doctors have the option of working in both research and university settings. Many research clinics are funded by larger universities through which they are affiliated. Psychiatrists in this position may be responsible for a variety of tasks, including meeting with individual patients, lecturing students in psychiatric university courses, and conducting research. Behavioral studies in specific disorders to chemical interactions for new behavior modification drugs are all possible research topics.