Psychiatry focuses on mental health. Psychiatrists diagnose, treat, and help prevent emotional and behavioral disorders such as anxiety attacks, depression, and hallucinations. Psychiatrists employ a variety of treatment modalities including psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and medication.

This guide includes information on how to become a psychiatrist, including educational requirements, licensure, salary expectations, specialty areas, and much more. Although many psychiatrists establish a private practice, they work in a variety of settings, depending on their area of expertise.

Becoming a psychiatrist takes years of rigorous study. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, which means they go to medical school after earning their undergraduate degree. They have to complete a residency, undergo two or more years of supervised practice, and meet other requirements for licensure, which vary among states.