What license does a psychiatrist need to obtain before they can practice?

A psychiatrist must obtain a medical degree (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree and complete a residency in psychiatry. They must also pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) and obtain a state medical license. In addition, most states require psychiatrists to obtain a separate license or certification in psychiatry from the state medical board.