A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment as well as prevention of mental illness and emotional disorders. They have completed medical school and a residency program in psychiatry which typically takes four years in total. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate patients for mental health issues, prescribe medication and provide psychotherapy or counselling services.

Psychiatrists can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, private practices as well as research institutions. Moreover, they may also work with other mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers and counsellors in order to provide comprehensive care for patients.

• Students need to pass 10+2 with at least 50% marks in science stream from any recognised board. 
• Aspirants can either opt for MBBS or MD.
• A diploma in Psychiatric Medicine (DPM) which is for 2 years is an appropriate option for candidates. 
• A national level entrance exam is also conducted for UG or PG Program. 

Apart from working as a psychiatrist, there are several other job profiles that a person with a background in psychology can pursue. Some of these job profiles include:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
• Addiction Psychiatrists
• Forensic Psychiatrists
• Geriatric Psychiatrists
• Neuropsychiatrists
• Emergency Psychiatrists
• Adult Psychiatrists

Employment Sector

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Rehabilitation Centres
• NGOs
• Private Practises

There are many recruiters from leading companies who enlist potential medical students. Following are some Recruiters from where students can find an employment opportunity in India: 

• Fortis Hospitals
• Apollo Hospitals
• Max Hospital
• AIIMS
• Artemis
• Indian Armed Forces Medical Services

The salary range may vary from company to company, but the salary of a Psychiatrist is very impressive in India.

• Empathy
• Compassion
• Analytical Approach
• Scientific Approach
• Lateral Thinking
• Patience
• Excellent Communication skills

The career scope of a psychiatrist is quite broad as these medical professionals are highly trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses as well as behavioural disorders. Psychiatrists may work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, private practices, universities and research institutions. They may specialise in different areas such as child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry or neuropsychiatry.

The demand for psychiatrists is expected to grow in the coming years as more people are seeking mental health services and the stigma surrounding mental illness continues to decrease. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for psychiatrists in the United States was $220,380 in 2020.

• Opportunity to help others
• Career satisfaction
• Professional growth
• Job stability
• Competitive salary

• Challenging work
• Long training and education
• Limited insurance coverage
• Risk of burnout