PSYCHIATRISTS

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental disorders, is licensed to practice medicine, and has completed specialty training. A certified psychiatrist has, in addition, practiced and passed the examinations of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Psychiatrists can evaluate and diagnose all types of mental disorders, carry out biomedical treatments and psychotherapy, and work with psychological problems associated with medical disorders.

Of the mental health professionals, only psychiatrists can prescribe drugs and medical therapies. Child psychiatrists specialize in working with children; geriatric psychiatrists concentrate on helping the aged.