Day #55

Psychiatrist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the problems of mental illness. As physicians, they are licensed to use a very 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 additions to completing the requirements for a degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine, psychiatrists must complete an intensive three year residency in psychiatry.