Psychiatrist
What is a Psychiatrist and what do they do?
Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors who specialise in assessing and providing treatment for people with mental, emotional and behavioural disorders.
For more information on what a Psychiatrist does check out the following website links:
http://www.careers.govt.nz/default.aspx?id0=103&id1=J80099
http://www.matatini.co.nz/careers/career_psychiatrist.asp
What does a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist do?
A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist specialises in working with children and young people who have mental health needs and their families/whanau. Psychiatrists identify and direct the right care and support a child or young person with mental health issues needs.
Some of the things Psychiatrists working in this field do are:
- carry out medical tests and examinations to identify a child or young person’s mental and physical health needs, strengths and capabilities
- prescribe and administer medication, psychotherapy and other treatment to support children and young people to overcome or reduce the difficulties associated with mental illness
- help children and young people and their families/whanau to understand mental health needs and what they can do about them
- in partnership with the child or young person with mental health issues, their family/whanau and other health professionals, plan and direct their treatment
- work within a multi-disciplinary team (with people in other roles such as nurses, psychologists etc) and can be the ‘key worker’ for a child or young person
What's great about this job?
Having the opportunity to work in a senior medical role, alongside children and young people, and provide them with the medical support they need to overcome mental health issues they are facing.
“I enjoy the fact that people allow me in to their world….with the idea that somehow that’s going to be helpful and they allow me to serve their needs for that period of time.” Dr Hinemoa Elder, He Kākano Māori Clinical Team, Whirinaki CAMHS, Counties Manukau DHB, Auckland
What personal qualities do you need?
A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist needs to be:
- good at listening and encouraging children and young people to talk freely
- be respectful of people’s cultures and beliefs
- able to work well under pressure
- responsible
- able to take a leadership role when working with other health professionals
Who could you work with?
Depending on where they work, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists can work with all ages of children and young people. An important part of being a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is also working with families/whanau.
What kinds of places could you work in?
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists are usually based in a specialist service with other mental health workers. Psychiatrists can also work as a consultant across several Services or work in private practice.
How much could you expect to earn?
Salaries vary, but Psychiatrists usually earn around $150,000 + per year. Psychiatrists working in private practice or as consultants may earn more than this.
Are there any scholarships you can apply for to help with the cost of studying?
Yes! There are a number of scholarships that you may be able to apply for. Click here for more information.
For information on where you can study to become a Psychiatrist, how long it takes and what you should study at school click here for the Psychiatrist page on the Career Services website.
