Pediatric Psychiatrist

Child psychiatrists are those who specialize in consultancy, the study of behavioral problems of children and provide support to them. A child psychiatrist undergoes a degree, four years of medical school and three to eight years of residence followed by the award.

Duties and Responsibilities of Child Psychiatrists

Child psychiatrists working with children who pass through behavior problems and help resolve the same by solving emotional and educational for them. Some of the methods used by psychiatrists are medications, psychotherapy and even hospitalization, if necessary. Child Psychiatrists engage patients to initiate discussions with them and using assessment methods such as psychoanalysis, etc. They diagnose and determine treatment plans for patients.

Some doctors concentrate their knowledge on specific age groups such as infants, children, adolescents, etc. while others diagnose and treat specific types of behavioral disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, pediatric depression, abuse drugs, etc. However, it is not hard and fast rule to specialize as you can play a number of roles effectively together. Child Psychiatrists may work in private practice or may choose to work as directors, consultants or supervisors.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS - www.bls.gov), the demand for doctors, including psychiatrists is expected to increase by 14% between the period 2006-2016, a rate much faster compared to the national average. In 2006, the median annual income of psychiatrists in general was as high as $ 173,992.

According to the American Academy of Psychiatry and young adults (www.aacap.org), the application child psychiatrist is on a rise due to the new federal law encouraging employment.

Job Requirements and Education

Those with an inclination towards child psychiatry need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling or a comparable degree before going ahead with a medical degree. Students must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a graduate program accredited medical school and pursue a residency training for three years and two-year fellowship in child psychiatry. It is required to satisfy the requirements of the state for certification of child psychiatrists.