Psychiatrists

What the job really is

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1223
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Counsel outpatients or other patients during office visits.
• Prescribe, direct, or administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
• Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social or medical history obtained from patients, relatives, or other professionals.
• Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
• Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
• Analyze and evaluate patient data or test findings to diagnose nature or extent of mental disorder.
• Examine or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on patients to provide information on general physical condition or mental disorder.
• Advise or inform guardians, relatives, or significant others of patients' conditions or treatment.
• 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.
• Review and evaluate treatment procedures and outcomes of other psychiatrists or medical professionals.
• Prepare and submit case reports or summaries to government or mental health agencies.
• Serve on committees to promote or maintain community mental health services or delivery systems.

Tools and technology

Epic Systems, MEDITECH software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, eClinicalWorks EHR software, ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record, Advantage Software Psych Advantage, Allscripts Sunrise, Blumenthal Software PBSW24, Cerner ProFile

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Pediatricians, General
• Neurologists
• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
• Family Medicine Physicians
• General Internal Medicine Physicians
• Pediatric Surgeons
• Clinical Neuropsychologists
• Neuropsychologists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Psychiatrists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.