Psychiatrist Job Description

What is the job description of a Psychiatrist? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Psychiatrist? What does a Psychiatrist do?

Job description of a Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in diagnosing,assessing and treatment of mental disorders.

This Psychiatrist job description example includes the list of most important Psychiatrist duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Psychiatrist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Psychiatrist Duties and Responsibilities

Psychiatrist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Review patients’ medical history and collect additional information from family members and psychologists as needed
  • Evaluate patients’ emotional, behavioral and mental state through discussion, observation and analysis
  • Identify mental disorders and determine best treatments
  • Develop therapy plans
  • Prescribe medications
  • Analyze medical tests and track patients’ progress
  • Coordinate with healthcare professionals when hospitalization is required
  • Advise patients on how to cope with mental diseases and emotional breakdowns
  • Support patients’ loved ones and inform them about the patient’s condition
  • Research medical issues and new medical treatments to update your knowledge on mental healthcare

Psychiatrist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Psychiatrist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • MD or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Residency program in Psychiatry
  • Work experience as a Psychiatrist
  • In-depth knowledge of various psychotherapeutic methods
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain medical terms and conditions to a non-medical audience
  • Strong observation skills to accurately evaluate patients’ demeanor and identify symptoms
  • A great bedside manner and the ability to remain calm, empathetic and patient while interacting with patients who suffer from severe mental disorders
  • Thoughtful and compassionate

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Psychiatrist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Psychiatrist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Psychiatrist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.