Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are physicians (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They use a variety of techniques to treat patients with mental illnesses, including psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication, or a combination of these methods. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are MDs and can prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists come in two types: MDs, or Doctors of Medicine, and ODs, or doctors of Osteopathic medicine. Both MDs and ODs use surgery, drugs and any other scientifically validated treatment method. ODs focus more on the musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine and holistic options. ODs are typically primary care specialists, over 50 percent.

It is vital for psychiatrists to be emotionally stable as they deal primarily with the mind, and therefore the emotions. Psychiatrists need a good bedside manner, self-motivation, and a strong desire to help others. Mental and physical stamina to handle the pressure is also important.

Education and Credentials Required
Psychiatrists must complete four years of undergraduate college, four years of medical school, and three to eight years of residency. Some medical schools combine undergraduate and medical school into a six-year program. Competition for admission to medical school is intense. The first two years of medical school focus on anatomy and microbiology; the second two years are spend working in real-world conditions under the supervision of physicians. Every state requires all physicians to be licensed. Upon completion of residency, the prospective physician must pass an examination in a board specialty.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for psychiatrists are expected to rise as fast as average. Opportunities will be best in rural and low-income areas, due to the lower concentration of physicians practicing in these areas.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for psychiatrists was $163,144. Self-employed Psychiatrists can expect to earn significantly more than salaried Psychiatrists. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Self-employed psychiatrists pay for their own health benefits and retirement.