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Do you enjoy listening to and helping people who are in distress? Would you like to know the story behind what distinguishes one person from others? Do you believe you can empathize with people’s grief and handle them at their lowest point while remaining calm? This blog will guide you on 4 simple steps on how to become a Psychiatrist, Courses, Colleges, and earning potential across different countries.

Who is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in mental illnesses. People frequently confuse psychologists and psychiatrists; however, the main difference is that psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and while psychologists can only help you through counselling. 

Learn more: How To Become A Neurologist – Detailed Guide

How to become a Psychiatrist (4-step guide)

Step 1: Stream to select

To become a doctor, you must first choose a science stream that includes biology, physics, and chemistry, and then, after completing your 10+2, you must take an entrance exam for medical colleges such as NEET.

Step 2: Certification courses 

The certificate courses listed below will not make you a psychiatrist, but they will improve your knowledge of the field and will come in handy.

  1. Certificate Course in Common Mental Disorders
  2. Certificate Course in Perinatal Mental Health
  3. Certificate Course in Psychiatric Medicine
  4. Certificate Course in Forensic Psychiatry
  5. Certificate Course in Psychiatric Nursing

    Check out Clever Harvey’s JuniorMBA Entrepreneurship and FutureCEO programs to start your own practice

Step 3: Educational Requirements 

To become a psychiatrist, you must complete your 12th grade in science with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and then follow the steps outlined below.

How to become a Psychiatrist after 12th in India 

  • After completing 12th prepare for NEET and earn a seat in medical college to pursue an MBBS. 
  • Post MBBS which is of 5 years, prepare for NEET PG and enrol for MD in Psychiatry which is a 3-year degree. 
  • Diploma courses to pursue psychiatry

These are diploma courses you may consider but MD in psychiatry is mandatory to become a Psychiatrist. 

  • Diploma in Counselling Psychology
  • Diploma in Psychiatry
  • Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing 
  • Diploma in Psychiatric Medicine 
  • Diploma in Clinical Psychology
  • Diploma in Community Psychology
  • Top Colleges for psychiatry in India 
College Location
National Institute of Mental Health Neuro-ScienceBangalore 
AIIMSDelhi 
Christian Medical CollegeVellore 
Sri Ramchandra UniversityChennai
Institute Of Human Behavior And Allied Sciences Delhi 
Maulana Azad Medical CollegeDelhi 
Central Institute of PsychiatryRanchi 
JIPMERPondicherry 
Armed Forces Medical CollegePune 
All India Institute of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationMumbai 

To become a Psychiatrist Abroad 

  • Enrol in the MBBS program, which lasts four years. 
  • Following a year-long internship, you will be required to enrol in a 6 to 8-year Residency Program.
  •  You must be licensed or board certified to start practising as a credible doctor in the state.
  • Top Colleges for psychiatry Abroad 
College Location 
Harvard UniversityUS
Stanford University US
King’s College LondonEngland 
Yale UniversityUS
University of Oxford UK
Columbia UniversityUS
University of Melbourne Australia 
University of Toronto Canada 
University of New South Wales Australia 
University of Cambridge UK

Also read: How to become a Veterinary Doctor- A complete educational guide

Step 4: Job Preparation 

  • Observership 

Observership allows you to sit with a psychiatrist and watch and listen to patients during sessions while taking notes as it is considered an educational experience.

  • Freelance

As a Psychiatrist, you can visit mental health care centres, go on camps and treat patients who have undergone trauma to recover from their conditions.

  • Portfolio Creation 

You should think about taking certification courses to expand your knowledge. You must keep track of the conditions you have assisted people in overcoming. You can help people with mental illnesses by giving seminars, lectures, and workshops. You must network with people within the industry to expand your reach and this will help you advance your career

7 Skills needed to become a Psychiatrist

  • Interpersonal Skills 
  • Detail oriented 
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical reasoning 
  • Emphatic
  • Problem-solving 
  • Management Skills 

Salary of a Psychiatrist

Salary in India 

An average salary in India is around ₹22 lakhs per annum. 

If you want to start your own practice, consider enrolling in JuniorMBA in Entrepreneurship or Future CEO

Salary Abroad 

Countries Salary 
US $240,489
UK £88,019
Australia $133039
Canada $151006
Germany €62000

Know more: How to become an Ornithologist

Top Recruiters in India 

  1. Institute Of Human Behavior And Allied Sciences
  2. Ranchi Institute Of Neuro-Psychiatry And Allied Sciences
  3. Schizophrenia Research Foundation
  4. Dr Vidyasagar Institute Of Mental Health
  5. Dr Rakesh Kumar Paswan Neuropsychiatry Centre
  6. State Mental Health Institute
  7. The Mind Research Foundation
  8. Sukoon Healthcare
  9. Kokilaben Hospital
  10. Father Muller Medical 

Top Recruiters Abroad 

  1.  The Kusnacht Practice
  2. Nescens Clinique de Genolier
  3. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 
  4. Brain Stimulation
  5.  Clinic Les Alpes
  6. Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
  7.  Institute of Mental Health
  8. Privatklinik Meiringen
  9. McLean Hospital
  10. Rehaklinik Seewis

Becoming a Psychiatrist is an arduous journey but it is highly rewarding. If you enjoy helping people overcome their mental battles and being all ears to their sorrow and guiding them on the path of recovery, then become a psychiatrist by following the road map outlined above. Best wishes on your upcoming journey.

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FAQs related to how to become a Psychiatrist

Is MBBS necessary for a Psychiatrist?

Yes, MBBS is required to become a psychiatrist because you will need to pursue an MD in Psychiatry.

How can I become a Psychiatrist after the 12th?

Complete 12th from a science background, prepare for NEET, and then pursue MD in psychiatry to become a Psychiatrist.

Is a Psychiatrist a good career?

The demand for psychiatrists is increasing; it is a rewarding career, but you must be able to manage the stress that may arise while working with patients who have a traumatic history.

Which is better Psychiatrist or a psychologist?

If you want to help people who are suffering from anxiety, stress, and other mental illnesses, a career as a psychologist may be for you. If you want to help people who are suffering from severe mental illnesses, a career as a psychiatrist may be for you.

Is becoming a psychiatrist hard?

It takes 8 years to become a psychiatrist, and you will be dealing with people who have severe mental illnesses, which may disrupt your mental peace.

What exactly does a psychiatrist do?

A psychiatrist is a doctor expert in treating people with severe mental conditions.

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How do I become a Psychologist in India 10 Things students should learn before Psychology Top 10 Skills required to become an HR Changes to the new SAT in 2023
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