The field of psychiatry focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. In some cases, people who work in this field may also conduct research involving mental disorders and/or their treatment options. The most common career chosen in the field of psychiatry is that of a psychiatrist. However, if you don’t want to spend as much time in school, you may also choose the related career paths of psychiatric technician, counseling, clinical psychology and psychiatric research/teaching. All of these career choices vary according to their average salary, work environment and other characteristics.

What is an educational program in Psychiatry and Mental Health?

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine concerned with the study, treatment and prevention of mental illness, disorders and psychopathology. It covers a wide range of topics from child and adolescent psychiatry through to older adult mental health, covering all aspects of diagnosis and care. A degree in psychiatry can lead to a career as a psychiatrist, mental health nurse, clinical psychologist, or counsellor. Alternatively, you could work in the field of education, research, or policy.

What does an educational program in Psychiatry and Mental Health cover?

Medical students typically focus on a specific field of practice in their third or fourth year of residency. Residents who opt to pursue a specialization in psychiatry can expect to enroll in classes such as the ones described below. Keep in mind, however, that each curriculum is crafted to support specific educational objectives for students. Because of this, course offerings can vary greatly among schools. Psychiatry residents with a clear idea of the specialization they wish to pursue should examine a school's roster of courses closely to make sure it offers the coursework that supports their area of specialization.

• Behavioral Science

In this course students learn about the biochemical, pharmacological, and physiological aspects of behavior. Students gain a broad perspective on human behavior based on various factors such as emotions, personality, and social interactions. The course gives students the chance to examine specific problems from a biobehavioral standpoint.

• Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience

Through class lectures and laboratory sessions, students gain an in-depth understanding of recent developments in neuroscience. The course gives students the chance to examine the underlying neurological components of cognition and affect: how humans think, remember, process emotions, and make decisions.

• Psychopathology

This course introduces students to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students examine the complexity of various psychological disorders and the conditions of psychopathology, with an emphasis on modern treatment. The material further explores the ethical, legal, and multicultural factors typically present in abnormal psychology.

• Social Context of Mental Health and Illness

The course provides a historical context behind contemporary mental health attitudes and practices. Students learn how social factors influence the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They also examine the availability and quality of mental health services in different social environments.

• Understanding the Brain (Neurobiology)

In this course, students explore functional neuroanatomy in order to develop a clear understanding of how humans perceive and process information from the environment. The course demonstrates the relationship between the nervous system and behavior. Students learn how the human brain functions and the behavioral implications of neural malfunctions.

What types of jobs are available for Psychiatry and Mental Health graduates?

The graduates help people cope and overcome problems in their everyday lives, especially those related to substance abuse and mental health issues. This can be a very rewarding, albeit challenging, career because professionals can see how they are vitally important for keeping their clients from falling through the cracks. This is accomplished through activities like:

• Individual and group therapy sessions

• Case management

• Crisis intervention

• Client advocacy