Who is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses and emotional problems. Because of their extensive medical training, a psychiatrist understands the body's functions and the complex relationship between emotional illness and other medical illness.

Psychiatrists are physicians and are the only mental health professionals licensed to prescribe medication. Of all the mental health providers in the United States, only psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors (M.D.) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.). As physicians, they can order or perform medical laboratory and psychological tests that provide a comprehensive profile of a patient's physical and mental state. Many years of education and clinical experience enable psychiatrists to evaluate medical and psychological data, make psychiatric and other medical diagnoses, and recommend the most appropriate treatments for patients. 

What level of education and training do psychiatrists have?

Like all medical doctors, psychiatrists must complete an undergraduate college education and four years of medical school. After receiving an M.D. or D.O. degree, a physician must complete an additional 4 years of training in general psychiatry, which includes supervision by senior physicians and instruction in many aspects of psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment.  Psychiatrists are trained to prescribe medications AND provide psychotherapy for all mental illnesses, including addiction disorders. 

Many psychiatrists also seek additional training in adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, forensic (legal) psychiatry, community psychiatry, developmental disabilities, emergency psychiatry, administrative psychiatry, or psychiatric research. 

What are the differences between psychiatrists and other professionals who provide mental health care?

Only psychiatrists are medical doctors who can order medical tests and prescribe medication. Others who care for people with mental illness or provide health services undergo different types of training whose length and fields of study differ.

A psychologist applies psychological principles to the treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders through abroad range of psychotherapies. They hold either a master's degree (M.S.) or doctoral degree in philosophy (Ph.D.) or psychology (Psy. D.)

A Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) is also trained in psychology and helps people deal effectively with a variety of mental health and daily living problems to improve overall functioning. The social worker usually holds a master's degree in social work (MSW).

A psychiatric nurse holds an associate, bachelor's (B.S.) or master's (MS) degree in nursing. Most of their training takes place in a hospital inpatient service, and nurses administer patient care ordered by a medical doctor.