How to Become a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who specialized to treat mental health issues. In the United States, there are also doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) which can also become psychiatrists. If you're wondering how to become a psychiatrist, this article is about what you need to know.

Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent emotional and behavioral disorders. To do this they use a number of techniques or methods including therapy, interventions, and medication.
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What Schooling Do You Need to Become a Psychiatrist

​To become a psychiatrist, you must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. These degrees are often in the pre-med area, psychology, sciences, or a combination.  The degree does not have to be science related.  Any degree with the appropriate pre-requisites will suffice.  G.P.A. matters, so you want to choose a major that will allow you to thrive.  Some degrees like engineering are particularly difficult, and admissions committees have been known to give those degrees more leeway.  Academic advisors can help you develop a program of classes to keep you on track.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, so you'll need to complete the MCAT (medical college admissions test) before applying for a MD or DO school.  After graduating medical school (4 years), you'll begin years of clinical residency.  For psychiatry, the standard general residency is four years.  Many psychiatrists will work additional years to sub-specialize.  

In order to practice any type of medicine, physicians must be licensed in the state(s) in which they will work.  This includes psychiatrists.  This license must be maintained in good standing which will include continuing medical education credits and renewal.

Psychiatrists work with patients in private practice, hospitals, and other institutional settings.  Away from the patient, they may review notes and complete much documentation.  They may meet with patients' families, lead support groups, and may coordinate with therapists.

Specialization can involve illnesses like anxiety or psychosis, or a demographic element like children, older adults, or veterans.  In some cases, the working hours are regular 8-5 type hours, but it is not unusual for psychiatrists to work extended hours in some settings. Some psychiatrists are regularly on-call for emergencies or admissions.
  
Psychiatrists help dispel myths and stigmas and promote healthy mental and physical outlooks for their patients.

Psychiatrists will also need to understand the brain and how it works.  People perceive and process information in different ways and the interrelationship of the nervous system and behavior becomes critical in many cases. Psychiatry and Neurology are close specialties.  The governing board is the same - American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Communication skills are particularly important in psychiatry. Residency training programs consider communication skills to be of high importance with how they rank applicants.