How to Become a Psychiatrist
Psychiatry focuses on mental health. Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent emotional and behavioral disorders such as anxiety attacks, depression, and hallucinations. Psychiatrists employ a variety of treatment modalities including psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and medication.
This guide includes information on how to become a psychiatrist, including educational requirements, licensure, salary expectations, specialty areas, and much more. Although many psychiatrists establish a private practice, they work in a variety of settings, depending on their area of expertise.
Becoming a psychiatrist takes years of rigorous study. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, which means they go to medical school after earning their undergraduate degree. They have to complete a residency, undergo two or more years of supervised practice, and meet other requirements for licensure, which vary among states.
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
精神科医生每天工作的大部分时间都与病人在一起。在远离患者的情况下，他们审查治疗方案，并对患者的进展进行细致的记录。
Psychiatrists working in medical hospitals routinely consult with other professionals to ensure a patient's treatment plan is being followed, or to adjust the plan as needed. Psychiatrists in rehabilitation clinics often meet with a patient's family members and support group to keep them apprised and to actively involve them in treatment.
你知道吗?
精神病学，源自中世纪拉丁语psychiatric，字面意思是“灵魂的治愈”。精神病学的实践可以追溯到古印度。
Psychiatrist Salary and Job Growth
According to theBureau of Labor Statistics, psychiatrists earned a mean annual salary of $220,430 in 2019. However, several factors impact salary levels.
Psychiatrists who work for local governments (excluding schools and hospitals) receive the highest compensation ($255,070). Other top-paying industries include home health care services ($253,090), outpatient care centers ($250,230), and residential care facilities ($240,630).
Experience greatly influences a professional's earning potential.PayScalereports that early career psychiatrists (less than one year of experience) typically earn an average salary of $194,486. More experienced practitioners (5-9 years of experience) earn $205,504. Seasoned professionals (over 20 years of experience) earn significantly higher salaries, pegged in 2019 at $237,315.
精神病医生执业的州也会影响他们的年度报酬。The following states pay the highest annual mean salaries for psychiatrists:
| State | Wage |
|---|---|
| Maine | $273,900 |
| Arizona | $270,890 |
| North Dakota | $264,770 |
| Indiana | $264,260 |
| Nebraska | $262,570 |
4 Steps to Becoming a Psychiatrist
Becoming a psychiatrist involves several steps. The profession requires a significant investment of time and money, considerable planning, and an ongoing commitment to continuing education. Read the steps below for a realistic perspective on how to become a psychiatrist.
到目前为止，还没有一所美国大学提供医学预科专业。然而，一些机构也提供医学预科课程，包括纽约城市理工学院、佩珀代因学院和乔治敦大学。In lieu of a pre-med track, popular undergraduate majors for would-be psychiatrists include psychology,biology, and chemistry. Academic advisors typically suggest a program with intensive laboratory sessions, relevant internship opportunities, and comprehensive classroom instruction in subjects like human anatomy, the neurological system, and pharmacology.
Courses taken during medical school vary widely depending upon the program, but students studying psychiatry can expect to take the following, among others:
Preparing to Become a Psychiatrist:
Schools and Programs
Lists from reputable websites typically evaluate key factors such as accreditation, acceptance rates, MCAT scores, and specialty areas. Many students begin their search for the ideal psychiatry program by investigating the schools included in such a list.
The cost for attending medical school continues to climb, and many students need some type of financial assistance to afford enrollment. Several universities administer financial assistance programs including fellowships, scholarships, and research grants. For example, the University of Florida awards a forensic psychiatry fellowship, giving recipients the opportunity to conduct forensic evaluations involving competency, guardianship, and criminal responsibility. Professional medical organizations also award financial assistance packages such as the American Medical Association'sPhysicians of Tomorrow Awards.
Courses in Psychiatry Programs
Medical students typically focus on a specific field of practice in their third or fourth year of residency. Residents who opt to pursue a specialization in psychiatry can expect to enroll in classes such as the ones described below. Keep in mind, however, that each curriculum is crafted to support specific educational objectives for students. Because of this, course offerings can vary greatly among schools. Psychiatry residents with a clear idea of the specialization they wish to pursue should examine a school's roster of courses closely to make sure it offers the coursework that supports their area of specialization.
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Behavioral Science
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In this course students learn about the biochemical, pharmacological, and physiological aspects of behavior. Students gain a broad perspective on human behavior based on various factors such as emotions, personality, and social interactions. The course gives students the chance to examine specific problems from a biobehavioral standpoint.
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Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience
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Through class lectures and laboratory sessions, students gain an in-depth understanding of recent developments in neuroscience. The course gives students the chance to examine the underlying neurological components of cognition and affect: how humans think, remember, process emotions, and make decisions.
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Psychopathology
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This course introduces students to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students examine the complexity of various psychological disorders and the conditions of psychopathology, with an emphasis on modern treatment. The material further explores the ethical, legal, and multicultural factors typically present in abnormal psychology.
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Social Context of Mental Health and Illness
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本课程提供了当代心理健康态度和实践背后的历史背景。学生学习社会因素如何影响精神疾病的诊断和治疗。他们还调查了不同社会环境中精神卫生服务的可获得性和质量。
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Understanding the Brain (Neurobiology)
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In this course, students explore functional neuroanatomy in order to develop a clear understanding of how humans perceive and process information from the environment. The course demonstrates the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Students learn how the human brain functions and the behavioral implications of neural malfunctions.
Accreditation for a Psychiatry Program
TheU.S. Department of Education(ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the school and programmatic accreditation process. Accreditation refers to the process of evaluating an institution's educational programs to determine its quality and adherence to established academic standards. Accreditation is a voluntary process in the U.S.
Nonprofit public and private colleges and universities typically seek regional accreditation. Vocational for-profit schools (including sectarian institutions) often seek national accreditation. Accreditation not only attests to the quality of education, it also plays an important role when applying for student aid. Federal financial assistance is only through accredited institutions.
ED and CHEA recognize the医学研究生教育认证委员会(ACGME) as the primary accrediting body for medical programs. ACGME accredits institutions, residency and fellowship programs, and specific sub-specialties under general medical practice.
Psychiatry Specialties
Psychiatry students can select a subspecialty after completing their residency. Most subspecialties require an additional year of fellowship, although some require longer. For example, fellowships in child/adolescent psychiatry typically require the completion of a two-year fellowship. At the end of a fellowship program, graduates earn a certificate in their subspecialty.
ACGME currently recognizes eight psychiatric subspecialties, including addiction medicine, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and hospice and palliative medicine. Although psychiatrists can practice without a sub-specialty, many choose to invest an additional year or two of study and training into a subfield that holds their professional interest.
A subspecialty allows psychiatrists to work with a specific population or in a particular work environment. They keep up with the latest advances in treatment options and pharmacological solutions that work best with patients within their field of specialization. Psychiatrists with a subspecialty can still treat patients outside their specialized arena, which enhances their employability and expands their client base.
Components of a Successful Psychiatrist Career: Skills, Credentials, Tools, and Technology
Psychiatrist Required Skills
精神科医生需要对病人表现出真正的同情和同情，同时保持专业的风度和客观。他们还必须能够创造一个没有威胁的身体和情感空间，以获得病人的信任和开放。精神科医生需要良好的批判性和分析性思维技能来帮助患者度过精神、情感，有时甚至是身体上的挣扎。
Recent advances in the study of the human brain and its functions have contributed to the practice of psychiatry, including the enhancement of treatment protocols and increasing pharmacological options. States require psychiatrists to enroll in continuing education courses to maintain or renew their license. This ensures that psychiatrists are well aware of the most recent developments and applications in their field.
Psychiatrists can now take advantage of advanced medical software developed specifically for the mental health profession. For example, the SoftPsych Psychiatric Diagnosis helps psychiatrists compile a thorough psychiatric history, formulate a diagnosis, craft treatment options, and maintain accurate medical records.
Please describe your educational path to becoming a psychiatrist.
In high school, my interests were always more intellectual than physical. My deepest curiosities tended to be more philosophical, but my practical abilities showed most promise in the applied sciences. I was told, and it made sense to me, that I should become an engineer.
I entered the Northwestern University Technological Institute. At that time, there was no Department of Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern, but I was able to graduate with a degree in chemical engineering with an option in biomedical engineering. Having moved into biomedical engineering, in my last years in college I took courses in physiology and biochemistry such that I ended up having sufficient prerequisites to apply to medical school.
I was formally accepted to Northwestern Medical School. Arriving at NUMS, not having been “a pre-med” I was a fish out of water – and I absolutely hated my first year. Memorizing Latin terms in anatomy class was the furthest thing from taking on challenging engineering problems. The more I learned about psychiatry, the more interested I became. I had the good fortune to be able to work with excellent teachers and mentors in psychiatry.
What does your day-to-day work entail?
Currently, my time is split between three areas. I have been involved in the California workers' compensation system as a qualified medical examiner for over 25 years, performing medical-legal evaluations and providing treatment.
我大约有三分之一的时间是在其他环境下的一线治疗中度过的，主要是在精神病院提供心理治疗和精神药理学干预。在我职业生涯的这一点上，我并没有寻求一个完整的医院实践，我做过“临时”任务，从两周到四个月不等。我剩下的时间都花在与我的精神病学实践相关的个人项目上。
Do you have any advice for students interested in becoming a psychiatrist?
Observe. Study. Question. Challenge. Integrate the best of “old” ideas with the advantages of new theories and understanding. But most importantly – discover how to talk to patients — all patients — even those who are psychotic. Explore, respect and honor the opportunity to get to know and relate to people from every walk of life with every type of circumstance and challenge, and through that process, making a positive difference in the person's life. It is an opportunity that is available in few if any fields other than psychiatry.
Psychiatrist Professional Organizations
Professional organizations give psychiatrists the chance to learn the most recent research findings and developments in the field. They also provide excellent networking and mentoring opportunities. Through membership in professional organizations, psychiatrists provide and receive support to and from colleagues locally, nationally, and globally.
| American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | AACAP members benefit from the organization's extensive resources, including an online learning portal, continuing medical education opportunities, and malpractice insurance information. Members can also access the AACAP Toolbox for Clinical Practice and Outcomes, which includes downloadable instruments such as medical history, record requests, and medication monitoring. |
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| American Association of Suicidology | AAS的成员包括心理健康专家、危机中心志愿者、研究人员和其他对自杀预防感兴趣的非专业人士。该组织提供法医自杀学、心理解剖和危机干预方面的认证。AAS与国家组织紧密合作，共同倡导为会员提供培训和志愿者机会。 |
| American Psychiatric Association | APA provides a variety of resources for practicing psychiatrists, residents, and fellows. These resources include continuing education courses, review and exam preparation, residency training programs, and fellowship opportunities and application requirements. Members can also access APA's Learning Center, which contains books and journals on the latest research findings in the field. |
| National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors | Members include psychiatrists, social workers, rehabilitation center administrators, and other professionals whose work revolves around helping clients living with an addiction. Now known as The Association for Addiction Professionals, the organization provides industry-recognized certifications, clinical training, and educational opportunities for mental health practitioners. |
| National Association for Rural Mental Health | NARMH provides a forum for psychiatrists committed to the promotion of rural mental health. The organization sponsors an annual conference and several regional workshops throughout the year. NARMH maintains a strong advocacy focus to influence state and national policies regarding rural mental health. |
FAQ on Becoming a Psychiatrist
精神病医生是做什么的?
精神科医生擅长诊断和治疗一系列心理健康障碍，包括焦虑、抑郁和自杀意念。作为医生，精神科医生可以开药并提供各种治疗方案，包括心理疗法和电休克疗法。
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and psychologist?
心理学家不像精神科医生那样在医学院接受培训。他们通常处理心理问题，如学习困难和行为问题。精神科医生通常处理更复杂的生理和精神疾病，如精神分裂症、双相情感障碍和严重抑郁症。
Is a psychiatrist a therapist?
A therapist refers to a mental health professional who practices mainly talk therapy. A therapist can be a counselor, psychologist, or psychotherapist. For psychiatrists, talk therapy is only one of several treatment tools at their disposal.
What do psychiatrists do in a day?
Psychiatrists gather information on new patients, maintain detailed records on existing ones, and craft individualized treatment protocols that can include psychotherapy, medication, or behavior modification techniques.
Resources for Psychiatrists
American Journal of Psychiatry
AJP is the official journal of the American Psychiatric Association. A peer-reviewed monthly publication, AJP contains the latest developments and research findings in the field. The journal covers topics that impact psychiatric practice throughout the country and around the world.National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Among the many resources freely available on the ANAD website is a comprehensive list of national and international organizations that focus on eating disorders. Mental health practitioners can also access online support groups, a series about eating disorders, and informative webinars on this issue.National Association of Behavioral Healthcare
NABH represents more than 1,800 inpatient behavioral hospitals, outpatient care programs, and residential mental health facilities throughout the United States. Mental health professionals can access their membership directory to find current contact information for key personnel in behavioral healthcare systems throughout the country. The information can assist them in making appropriate and timely referrals.National Institute of Mental Health
As the leading federal agency for research on mental disorders, NIMH provides a variety of resources and information for mental health professionals. Psychiatrists can find funding opportunities for clinical research and training in their subspecialty, current data on treatment facilities, and take part in a study or initiative that can inform and improve their practice.Related Careers at a Glance
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