Life As a Psychiatrist
Job Description: Physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.
What Do Psychiatrists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Prescribe, direct, or administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
- Advise or inform guardians, relatives, or significant others of patients’ conditions or treatment.
- Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
- Teach, take continuing education classes, attend conferences or seminars, or conduct research and publish findings to increase understanding of mental, emotional, or behavioral states or disorders.
- Prepare and submit case reports or summaries to government or mental health agencies.
- Review and evaluate treatment procedures and outcomes of other psychiatrists or medical professionals.
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Psychiatrist Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Psychiatrists say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Psychiatrist Job Titles
- Adult Psychiatrist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Behavioral Specialist
- Outpatient Psychiatrist
- Physicians and Surgeons
Job Demand for Psychiatrists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 27,500 jobs in the United States for Psychiatrist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,100 new jobs for Psychiatrist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,100 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Psychiatrist are Arizona, Colorado, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Vermont, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Psychiatrists Salary
The typical yearly salary for Psychiatrists is somewhere between $75,590 and $208,000.
Psychiatrists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Psychiatrists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $166,220 |
Alaska | $222,310 |
Arizona | $240,660 |
Arkansas | $153,920 |
California | $255,790 |
Colorado | $234,860 |
Connecticut | $258,200 |
District of Columbia | $167,190 |
Florida | $195,400 |
Georgia | $231,410 |
Hawaii | $269,800 |
Illinois | $251,390 |
Indiana | $243,630 |
Iowa | $211,870 |
Kansas | $226,090 |
Kentucky | $210,680 |
Louisiana | $120,090 |
Maine | $256,270 |
Maryland | $215,000 |
Massachusetts | $194,220 |
Michigan | $212,030 |
Minnesota | $250,550 |
Mississippi | $221,060 |
Missouri | $240,300 |
Montana | $167,370 |
Nebraska | $240,180 |
Nevada | $214,980 |
New Hampshire | $212,710 |
New Jersey | $245,990 |
New Mexico | $255,410 |
New York | $208,750 |
North Carolina | $189,190 |
North Dakota | $196,410 |
Ohio | $194,700 |
Oklahoma | $183,930 |
Oregon | $242,020 |
Pennsylvania | $232,990 |
Rhode Island | $224,440 |
South Carolina | $226,120 |
Tennessee | $195,670 |
Texas | $204,480 |
Utah | $145,700 |
Vermont | $186,400 |
Virginia | $198,810 |
Washington | $245,990 |
West Virginia | $166,400 |
Wisconsin | $186,200 |
What Tools & Technology do Psychiatrists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Psychiatrists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- MEDITECH software
- Epic Systems
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Practice management software PMS
- Texas Medical Software SpringCharts EMR
- Allscripts Sunrise Clinical Manager
- ICANotes
- Cerner ProFile
- Epic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical System
- ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record
- Advantage Software Psych Advantage
- Integrated Systems Management OmniMD
- MEDITECH Behavioral Health Clinicals
- Netsmart Technologies Avatar Clinical Workstation CWS
How to Become a Psychiatrist
What education or degrees do I need to become a Psychiatrist?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychiatrist?
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.