Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, developmental disorders like autism, substance abuse, pain management, and sexual dysfunction.

Psychiatrists have to graduate from both college and medical school, and then they must go through four years of post-doctoral training. This residency includes at least 36 months in training in psychiatry as well as rotations in pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency medicine, and so forth. They are certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and licensed through their states, after they pass certain examinations.

The difference between psychiatrists and psychologists is their level of training. Psychologists have Master's or doctoral degrees in psychology, and they are not graduates of medical schools. Although they can offer counseling and other services to people with mental problems, they cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrists often work with psychologists within a team setting.