Psychiatrists are the primary mental health-care givers. They assess and treat mental illnesses through a combination of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication. Psychotherapy involves regular discussions with patients about their problems; the psychiatrist helps them find solutions through changes in their behavioural patterns, the exploration of their past experiences, or group and family therapy sessions. Psychoanalysis involves long-term psychotherapy and counselling for patients. In many cases, medications are administered to correct chemical imbalances that cause emotional problems.

Tasks:

1. To analyse and evaluate patient data and test or examination findings
2. To prescribe, direct, and administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications
3. To collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals
4. To gather and maintain patient information and records.
5. To counsel outpatients and other patients during office visits.
6. To design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments
7. To examine or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on patient
8. To advise and inform guardians, relatives, and significant others of patients' conditions and treatment.
9. To review and evaluate treatment procedures and outcomes of other psychiatrists and medical professionals.
10. To teach, conduct research, and publish findings

Key skills for psychiatrist:

• Excellent diagnostic skills
• Good listening skills
• Ability to communicate well
• Empathy without internalizing
• Pharmaceutical Knowledge

Average salary (2014):

The United Kingdom: £49,454 per year
The United States of America: $201,799 per year
Australia: AU$131,382 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Formal education and training requirements for physicians are among the most demanding of any occupation—4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency, depending on the specialty selected. A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 rather than the customary 8 years.
Premedical students must complete undergraduate work in physics, biology, mathematics, English, and inorganic and organic chemistry. Students also take courses in the humanities and the social sciences. Some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain practical experience in the health professions.