Psychiatrist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the problems of mental illness.  As physicians, they are licensed to use a vary wide variety of treatment and may write prescriptions.  Psychiatrists may work for the government, have their own private practice, or work in hospitals, clinics, or universities.  Their duties include: 

• Designing treatment programs. 
• Conducting psychotherapy sessions.
• Prescribing potent mental illness drugs.
• Supervising electrotherapy treatments.
• Conducting research.
• Leading a team of mental health care providers.

Average Salary:  $90,000 - $200,000

Educational Requirements:

In addition to completing the requirements for a degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine,  psychiatrists must complete an intensive three year residency in psychiatry.