Psychiatrist

Duties and tasks

• Arrange and schedule treatment methods including prescribing medication and referring patients to psychotherapy, physical treatments, hospital admission and residential treatment programs
• Authorise involuntary treatment programs for patients who appear to pose a threat to themselves or others according to mental health laws
• Collaborate with other Medical Professionals and Health workers to provide holistic patient treatment
• Evaluate patients mental and physical condition to diagnose emotional, mental or behavioural disorders, taking into consideration medical and psychiatric history and preparing files and reports on patients
• Provide in-patient treatments and work on behalf of courts and law enforcement to administer medication, manage patients and evaluate state of mental health, testifying on results
• Refer patients for additional tests such as lab work, neuro-psychological assessments and diagnostic screening
• Use patient appointments, lab and diagnostic results, history and observations to offer treatment options and recommend most advantageous treatment approach

Skills required

• Analytical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Excellent Observation and Perceptiveness
• Problem Solving

Working conditions

Psychiatrists typically meet with patients Mondays to Fridays, but may be required to work evenings or weekends in the case of an emergency. They typically work in medical or office environments evaluating patients, administering treatments and traveling locally to different settings.

Professional associations / Industry information

Institute of Australasian Psychiatrists Inc

The Medical Board of Australia 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) 

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