Psychiatrist

                           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 addition to completing the requirements for a degree in allopathic or osteopathic medicine, psychiatrists must complete an intensive three year residency in psychiatry.