Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are physicians who evaluate patients to determine whether their symptoms are the result of a physical illness, a combination of physical and mental ailments or strictly mental issues.

Sometimes a psychiatrist works within a multi-disciplinary team, which may comprise clinical psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and nursing staff. Psychiatrists have broad training in a biopsychosocial approach to the assessment and management of mental illness.

Role Characteristics

Counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach.
The ability to understand people’s reactions.
Excellent verbal communication skills
Sensitivity and understanding

Skills

Active listening
Advice giving
Communication
Decision-making
Empathy
Managing people
Observation
Planning
Team work
Working under pressure

Day in the life

In this role you could:

assess your patient's condition by asking them about their thoughts
recommend treatments like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy
get information from other sources like GPs, social workers or relatives
carry out blood tests or scans to rule out other health conditions
carry out psychiatric tests and prescribe medication

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

How to become

To become a psychiatrist you'll need to complete a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council. a 2-year foundation programme of general training, 3 years core training in psychiatry, specialist training which can take up to 3 years.

A medical degree normally takes 5 years to complete. Some courses have the option to include an extra year if you want to study a subject further. This is called an intercalated year.

You might be able to study a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances or if you have not studied enough sciences. Check with the admissions department where you want to study.

If you already have a degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine. There’s lots of competition and entry requirements vary, so check with the admissions department where you want to study.

To practice as a Psychiatrist, you must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)

Where can this role lead

With experience you could:

become a senior consultant, once you're on the General Medical Council Specialist Register
lead a team or manage a unit or department
move into teaching trainee doctors and other healthcare professionals

Location

Armed Forces
Care Homes
Community Settings
GP Practices
Hospitals
Peoples Homes
Prisons

Working hours

Casual Hours
Flexible Hours
Full Time
Irregular Hours
Nights
Overtime
Part Time
Weekdays
Weekends

Leeds Opportunities

Support

Becoming a Psychiatrist

Information for people considering a career in psychiatry, as well as advice on what to do if you've already made your decision and want to know more.

Organisation: Royal College of Psychiatrists

View opportunity

Access to university

MBChB Gateway to Medicine

A programme designed to support people from different backgrounds, this programme includes an additional foundation year leading into the full Medicine and Surgery degree.