Psychiatrists
Discover the vital role psychiatrists play in mental health care, the rigorous qualifications required to enter this field, and the wide range of opportunities to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals through specialised mental health care.
What is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical professional who assesses and diagnoses mental illnesses and can work with patients to treat them. A psychiatrist understands the connection between a physical ailment and mental health concerns and uses this knowledge to help patients navigate their diagnosis.
By overseeing and analysing different tests, a psychiatrist works to form tailored treatment plans, whether through prescribing medication, arranging hospital appointments or conducting psychotherapy. With a medical background, psychiatrists can integrate biological, psychological and social factors to provide comprehensive care.
Their expertise allows them to treat a wide range of mental health disorders, from depression and anxiety to complex conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Additionally, psychiatrists often collaborate with other health care professionals to ensure holistic treatment for their patients.
Become a Psychiatrist in Queensland
What qualifications do psychiatrists need?
There are several steps you must follow or complete to practise as a psychiatrist in Australia.
First, you must have a medical degree, which can take 4 to 6 years to complete. Once you have finished your degree, you must undergo one year of job training in a hospital to build independence and illustrate an ability to practise medicine.
To begin practising as a qualified psychiatrist, you must then pursue specialised training with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). This training generally takes 5 years to complete as it works to build experience and teach psychiatrists how to apply their knowledge.
Once you have finished training, you must register as part of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. This registration indicates that you now have all the skills and qualifications to practise as a psychiatrist.
Where psychiatrists work
Psychiatrists can work in private and public medical settings, including hospitals, clinics and community mental health services. Likewise, many psychiatrists open and run private clinics to better control their schedules and run their own businesses.
Psychiatrists can also branch into other settings if they do not want to practise. Many psychiatrists work in research centres and universities for study or teaching. Psychiatrists are also known to provide legal advice when needed and work for advocacy organisations or government departments.
The daily life of a psychiatrist in Queensland
The daily life of a practising psychiatrist involves a lot of variety, depending on their schedule. Many initial patient appointments involve assessing the patient’s physical condition, medical history and current wellbeing.
Once assessed, the psychiatrist will order and organise relevant tests for the patient to examine the results and determine the best course of action for treatment. This could involve medication, therapy or physical rehabilitative treatments. Depending on the treatment, the psychiatrist may be more involved, conducting therapy, organising appointments or in-patient treatment stays.
Psychiatrists may also work with other medical practitioners or assist courts to manage patients for legal purposes.
Meet Timothy
Psychiatry Registrar – Child and Youth Mental Health Services, Townsville Hospital and Health Service
“We have the chance to help people when they are most vulnerable, and those who suffer from mental illness are vulnerable (physically and mentally, whether they look it or not). Yet they have stories of their own to share, struggles, dreams and goals.
Working in mental health has given me the privilege to help, learn stories, and give a voice back so people are empowered to share their experiences and find a way through life.”
Common questions about psychiatry
The main difference between psychologists and psychiatrists is their training. Psychiatrists are fully trained as medical doctors and as such can prescribe medications for patients. While psychologists are trained to understand the workings of the brain, they are not qualified as medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.
Entry-level positions in psychiatry often make up to $135,000 a year while experienced psychiatrists can make up to $230, 000 a year or more.
Psychiatrists can work anywhere in the country. However, most regional areas do not have psychiatric practices, as 80% of psychiatrists are found to live in Australia’s capital cities.
Psychiatrists working in the research field are dedicated to the understanding of mental illness and finding new ways to treat it. Research psychiatrists can explore any topics they like, but strive to research crucial or specific questions to secure funding to pursue their goals.
During psychiatric testing, a psychiatrist generally has the patient complete a range of tests, such as questionnaires and standardised assessments, that they have become familiar with through their training.
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