What is a Psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists strive to promote mental wellbeing, and have a crucial role in helping people who are struggling with mental health difficulties. Psychiatrists are trained to assess and diagnose mental health disorders. They also support indivuals with their mental health recovery by advising medication, talk therapy or other interventions depending on the patients specific needs. Psychiatrists often work with other doctors to ensure both the physical and mental wellbeing of their clients. Psychiatrists collaborate with other professionals to provide an integrated service to restore the person’s mental wellbeing both in and out of hospital. The team usually includes psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and relatives. The team strives to collaborate with professionals whom the client feels may contribute to their recovery. The central member of the team is of course the client who in collaboration with their carers has a crucial role in shared decision making about their care.

Non-Clinical Work

Psychiatrists take a proactive role in promoting mental wellbeing. This is done through educational endeavours, such as conferences, lectures and interviews and by means of social media. Another important aspect of a psychiatrist’s job is to conduct research and to participate in developing knowledge in the field. Life-long learning is encouraged so as to keep updated with the latest treatment options. Finally, psychiatrists also play an imperative role in service development; finding ways of bettering the service provided, and collaborating with policy makers. The Maltese Association of Psychiatry (MAP) and the Malta Association of Psychiatric Trainees (MAPT) are voluntary organisations representing psychiatrists and psychiatric trainees.

Psychiatry Subspecialties

General Adult Psychiatry

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Learning Disability Psychiatry

Perinatal Psychiatry

Old Age Psychiatry

Complex Care and Rehabilitation Psychiatry

Addiction Psychiatry

Forensic Psychiatry

Eating Disorders

Liaison Psychiatry (for medical inpatients)

How does one become a Pyschiatrist?

To become a psychiatrist, one has to complete the medical course and graduate as a doctor. Specialisation training begins once a doctor’s licence is obtained. Specialisation training includes having the opportunity to work in various psychiatry subspecialties, sitting for exams, conducting research and also having some training in talk therapy.