What is it like being a psychiatrist?

Would you make a good psychiatrist? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers.

Take the free career test Learn more about the career test

A student will typically get into the field of psychiatry because it is almost like a calling to them. Psychiatry can be quite stressful sometimes, especially if one chooses to work with more acutely ill patients. But for the most part, the culture of this career tends to be more laid back than others. People who have psychiatric illnesses often need quite a bit of time in order to make positive changes and will tend to have a longterm relationship with their psychiatrist. Therefore, a psychiatrist needs to be patient and have a relaxed attitude, knowing that he or she will be having a long, intense relationship with the patient.

There are many choices of career paths within the psychiatric field, so one can choose a calm, predictable outpatient practice, or a busy acute inpatient unit or ER. One can construct a schedule as busy or as calm as one may like.

Psychiatrists are doctors who are dedicated to providing the best treatment and care for mental disorders with compassion and patience. They usually work in hospitals, psychiatric clinics or other mental health institutions.

Related Careers

Psychologist

Psychologist

Your Match?
Avg Wage
$86k
Growth
+19.7%
Satisfaction
3.5 / 5

A psychologist is someone who studies mental processes and human behaviour by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and the environment.

Social Worker

Social Worker

Your Match?
Avg Wage
$55k
Growth
+8.3%
Satisfaction
2.9 / 5

There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioural, and emotional issues.