Psychiatrists

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This occupation is part of the Healthcare Practitioner and Technical cluster

About the Job

Physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.

It is also Called

  • Addiction Psychiatrist
  • Attending Psychiatrist
  • Behavioral Analyst
  • Behavioral Specialist
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • Child Psychiatrist
  • Clinical Psychiatrist
  • Consulting Psychiatrist
  • Doctor
  • Forensic Psychiatrist

What They Do

  • Prescribe, direct, or administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
  • Analyze and evaluate patient data or test findings to diagnose nature or extent of mental disorder.
  • Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
  • Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
  • Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social or medical history obtained from patients, relatives, or other professionals.
  • Counsel outpatients or other patients during office visits.
  • Examine or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on patients to provide information on general physical condition or mental disorder.
  • Advise or inform guardians, relatives, or significant others of patients' conditions or treatment.
  • Teach, take continuing education classes, attend conferences or seminars, or conduct research and publish findings to increase understanding of mental, emotional, or behavioral states or disorders.
  • Review and evaluate treatment procedures and outcomes of other psychiatrists or medical professionals.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: ISA.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Investigative interests, but also prefer Social and Artistic environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Achievement, but also value Recognition and Relationships in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
  • Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
  • Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Education Required

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $179,270.00 with most people making between $60,180.00 and n/a

Outlook

1.46%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 4,800 people in California. It is projected that there will be 5,500 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 70 openings due to growth and about 100 replacement openings for approximately 170 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

Industries that Employ this Occupation

Industry breakdown is not available for this occupation

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