Psychiatrists

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

SOC: 29-1223.00

Common Job Titles

Child PsychiatristOutpatient PsychiatristPsychiatristStaff Psychiatrist

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate psychiatric symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment outcomes using evidence-based assessment tools and clinical interviews with diverse patient populations.
  • KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive treatment plans integrating psychopharmacology and psychotherapy independently in clinical settings, considering patient history, comorbidities, and safety concerns.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze complex biopsychosocial factors contributing to mental illness across multiple domains including neurobiology, psychology, and social determinants of health.
  • MindsetIntegrate therapeutic alliance principles with psychiatric assessment when establishing trust and rapport with patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises.
  • MindsetModel ethical practice standards and professional boundaries in complex clinical situations involving patient autonomy, involuntary commitment, and confidentiality.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize current psychiatric research and neuroscience findings to inform clinical decision-making and maintain evidence-based practice.
  • KnowledgeDesign psychopharmacological interventions monitoring therapeutic effects and managing medication side effects across psychiatric medication classes.
  • MindsetAdvocate for patient-centered mental health care when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, families, and community resources.
  • KnowledgeAssess suicide risk and violent ideation in acute care settings, implementing appropriate crisis intervention and safety protocols.
  • Hands-onPerform comprehensive mental status examinations documenting findings accurately in electronic medical record systems.
  • MindsetBalance patient autonomy with safety imperatives when negotiating treatment adherence and involuntary intervention decisions.
  • KnowledgeInterpret laboratory results, neuroimaging, and psychological testing to differentiate psychiatric conditions from medical etiologies and comorbid conditions.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Psychiatrists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

24,800

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$77,360
10% of workers earn the following or more$239,200+
Workers on average earn$269,120

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Therapy and Counseling4.9/5
  • Psychology4.9/5
  • Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
  • English Language4.3/5
  • Biology3.8/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Epic SystemsMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordeClinicalWorks EHR software

Technology Skills

ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health RecordAdvantage Software Psych AdvantageAllscripts SunriseBlumenthal Software PBSW24Cerner ProFileComputer Assisted Diagnostic Interview CADI softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareEpic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical System

Tools & Equipment

Desktop computersElectronic blood pressure unitsLaptop computersManual blood pressure unitsMechanical stethoscopesPersonal computersPersonal digital assistants PDATablet computers