Definition of a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of mental illness. They are fully licensed medical doctors who can prescribe medication and may use a combination of treatments including psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, behavioral counseling and in-patient care.

Individualized Treatment

• Unlike physical disorders that often have standardized methods of treatment, mental disorders can arise from many causes. Psychiatrists diagnose the cause of patients' illnesses, and then formulate and provide treatments according to individual needs.

Private Practice

• Many psychiatrists have their own practices, or work in small group practices. This provides patients with a sense of security and privacy.

Institutional Psychiatrists

• Psychiatrists may also work for hospitals and institutional care providers including mental health facilities, substance abuse recovery programs and correctional institutions.

Treatment Options

• A psychiatrist uses individual counseling techniques, including psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, and may combine them with prescription medication, behavioral modification and group therapy. A psychiatrist may hospitalize patients perceived to be dangerous to themselves or others.

More than a Couch

• As specialized medical doctors, psychiatrists spend many years in training, and continue to update knowledge and skills throughout their careers.