How to Become a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.) who becomes specialized to effectively treat mental health issues. If you're wondering how to become a psychiatrist, there are a few vital steps to take.

Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent emotional and behavioral disorders. To do this they will 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 though.  Any degree with the appropriate pre-requisites will suffice.  Academic advisors can help develop a program of classes to keep you on track.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors, so it is necessary to start with the MCAT (medical college admissions test), get admitted to a MD or DO Program.  After graduating medical school (4 years), begins 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.

While in college and during residency, the individual usually settles on a specialty in which he or she wishes to practice.  The classes and clinical work should focus on those areas.  The choices include:

• Behavioral Science – This focuses on human behavior involving emotions, personality, and social actions.  It involves biochemical, pharmacological, and physiological personality actions and traits.
• Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience – This deals with neurological components that explain how people think, remember, make decisions, and deal with emotions.
• Psychopathology – This deals with serious disorders and how they can be treated.  It also explores the legal and ethical elements of the treatments.  Frequently it delves into multicultural influences

Psychiatrists work with patients either in private practice, in a hospital, or other institutional setting.  Away from the patient, they review and record notes and assure that treatment protocols are being followed.  They may meet with patients' families, support groups, or other interested parties.

Specialization can involve illnesses like anxiety or sociopathy, or with a demographic element like children, older adults, or veterans.  In some cases the working hours are very regular, but it is not unusual for psychiatrists to work extended hours in some settings.
  
There are a number of historical issues that influence the treatment and those who are seeking help.  Psychiatrists help dispel myths and stigmas and promote healthy mental and physical outlooks for their patients.

The psychiatrist 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.

Communication skills are particularly important in psychiatry.  How someone explains their symptoms and digging out the details can make a big difference when it comes to making the correct diagnosis.  Better care is often provided after a thorough evaluation.