What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

Answer:
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry.

Psychiatrists have been to medical school and have a medical degree. After medical school, they receive further training in psychiatry, the branch of medicine which deals with emotional disorders and mental illness.

Psychiatrists differ from other therapists such as psychologists and social workers because they can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists do occasionally provide therapy. However, it is more common for a patient to see a psychiatrist for issues regarding medication and a different therapist for counseling.

Psychiatrists work in many different settings, including hospitals, clinics, criminal psychiatric facilities, and in private practice. One of the major responsibilities of a psychiatrist is to diagnose mental illness. After the diagnosis, the psychiatrist decides upon the best course of treatment. It is important that psychiatrists deal with possible medication interactions as well as side effects that may occur.