Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist Job Description
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat patients with mental health disorders. These physicians serve as primary caregivers at all levels of mental health treatment. Licensed psychiatrists are authorized to practice medicine, test for mental illnesses, perform psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, and prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist Salary Statistics as of 2015
Average annual salary for a Psychiatrist is $177312 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $252758. The lowest salary reported was $86499. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Median hourly wage for a Psychiatrist is $81.845 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $153.83. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $9.86. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.
Bonuses for a Psychiatrist are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $983 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $2250 from people with under 1 year of experience.
These are the highest paying states for a Psychiatrist. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $88,257 – $244,071
Georgia – $64,783 – $233,997
Illinois – $45,302 – $223,491
New York – $56,171 – $214,877
Ohio – $48,322 – $218,907
Pennsylvania – $142,950 – $225,377
Texas – $77,281 – $250,466
These are the highest paying cities for a Psychiatrist. These numbers are based of the median annual salary as of 2015.
New York, New York –
Chicago, Illinois –
Atlanta, Georgia –
Los Angeles, California –
Houston, Texas –
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania –
Boston, Massachusetts –
This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Psychiatrist from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $177312 while in 2007 it was just $164436.04
Specialized Fields of Psychiatry
Biological psychiatry
These medical professionals diagnose patients with biological disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, or dissociative identity disorder. Biological psychiatrists combine disciplines in neuroscience, genetics, and anatomy in order to treat patients.
Geriatric psychiatry
Geriatric psychiatrists work with ederly patients who suffer from mental disabilities, such as dementia or depression. These psychiatrists often work with other geriatric physicians to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Child and adolescent psychiatry
Child psychiatrists work with toddlers, children, preteens, and adolescents to address developmental issues and mental illnesses. These psychiatrists assess the behavioral and emotional state of children before prescribing psychotherapy or counseling plans. Youth psychiatrists work with hospitals, schools, juvenile homes, and advocacy agencies.
Addiction psychiatry
These psychiatrists study and treat the pathology of addiction and substance abuse. They provide assessment, counseling, and inpatient or outpatient care for substance abuse victims.
Forensic psychiatry
Forensic psychiatrists work with law enforcement and criminal investigation services on the assessment of mental illnesses. These psychiatrists determine the role of mental illness in a crime and serve as expert witnesses in criminal, civil, and guardianship cases.
Social psychiatry
Social psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental disorders related to patient interaction with social groups. These professionals provide psychotherapy and counseling for conditions such as social stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, relational disorder, and mental distress disorder.
Emergency psychiatry
These medical professionals provide psychiatric treatment during emergencies. This may include suicide, psychosis, hallucination, and depression. Emergency psychiatrists may also address immediate post-traumatic conditions such as mental shock.
Work Environment
Psychiatrists work directly with patients to discuss problems and offer solutions. These medical professionals also work with a team of psychologists, nurses, and other health practitioners to provide collaborative patient solutions. Psychiatrists may work in physicians’ offices, substance abuse hospitals and rehabilitation centers, outpatient care centers, and general surgical hospitals. They may also work in government agencies, corporate services, and individual health and family services. Psychiatrists must have the mental stamina to work in challenging environments and with potentially troubled patients.
How To Become a Psychiatrist (Requirements)
To be a psychiatrist, candidates should must complete an undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school. After earning the M.D., candidates must complete four years of residency. Following residency, candidates must take final oral and written National Board Exams. In order to specialize in a specific area, candidates typically need to complete a 1-2 year fellowship in the area of specialization. The amount of time between the start of post-secondary education to begin work as a psychiatrist is approximately 12-14 years. All psychiatrists must become licensed in the state in which they wish to practice. For more information, candidate should contact their state’s medical board. Psychiatrists can also apply for additional certification through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in order to boost career opportunities. Professionals should update their credential with Maintenance of Certification every ten years.
Required
– Four years of college
– Four years of medical school
– Four years of residency
– One to two year fellowship program
– State license to practice psychiatry
Optional:
– Volunteer at hospital or outpatient care facility for additional experience
– Additional certification from American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
– Research participation in peer-reviewed psychiatry publications
– Additional training in psychoanalysis and group psychotherapy
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook for psychiatrists is expected to grow faster than average. Demand for medical professionals who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses will increase due to the medical needs of the growing population. Psychiatrists who specialize in disadvantaged areas or elderly patients will enjoy great job prospects as demand for these professionals increases in the United States.
Gender Statistics |
Related Jobs |
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59%
41%
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Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 59% of Psychiatrists were males while 41% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.
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Past Jobs Resident Medical Officer |
Future Jobs Physician, Child Psychiatrist |
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