Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are licensed physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses across the lifespan.
They care for individuals facing a range of concerns, from everyday problems like anxiety and stress to complex conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders.
Psychiatrists use a combination of medical and therapeutic approaches, including prescribing medications, providing psychotherapy (talk therapy), and coordinating care for patients with co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions.
Education Requirements
A psychiatrist usually needs a bachelor’s degree with science courses, then four years of medical school, followed by at least four years of training in psychiatry (called a residency). Some choose to do additional training (called a fellowship) in a special area like addiction, child/adolescent or forensic psychiatry. Expect 12 years of coursework post-high school.
Work Environment
Academic health centers, private practice, hospitals, primary care clinics, community agencies, courts and correctional facilities, long-term care/assisted living/hospice, industry, government, military settings, schools and universities, substance use programs, and emergency rooms.
Projected Growth & Salary Range
Projected Growth: 14 percent (much higher than average).
Salary Range: $199,600 - $237,140
Specializations, Programs & Required License/Certificate
Specializations:
- Addiction
- Child & Adolescent
- Forensic
- Geriatric
- Psychosomatic
Programs:
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) (MD & psychiatry residency) | Omaha | 402.559.4000 | unmc.edu
- Creighton University (MD & psychiatry residency) | Omaha | 402.280.2700 | creighton.edu
Required License/Certificate:
- Medical License