How do i become a psychiatrist?

What steps should I take to become a psychiatrist?

• My name is Leo and i have always been fascinated on how the mind works and all the disorders as well. I know the basic steps I have to take but in my research I have become very confused. I mean some sources say it doesn't matter whether you go to college or a university to get your bachelors and another source says the opposite. What steps do I need to take to become the best psychiatrist I can be? Do I need a Masters? Ph.D? Help! P.s. how am I goin to pay for all the tuition?

• Answer:

  First of all you need to understand the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. A psychologist has an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Psychology, and studies the way the brain and mind interact, how people learn, and the nature of psychological disorders. Psychologists provide therapy and other interventions to people experiencing psychological problems. However, they do not prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) who has decided to specialize in Psychiatry and has completed a residency in that specialty. In order to become a psychiatrist you have to go to medical school, become a doctor, and then complete your residency in Psychiatry. Psychiatrists, like psychologists, can study behavior and provide therapy, but their main role is to treat major mental illnesses that have a biological component. In other words, they mainly prescribe drugs to treat people with severe brain-based disorders. They work in private practice and also in hospitals. Once you decide whether you want to be a psychologist or a psychiatrist, you then need to decide where to go to school. In either case you'll need to start with a Bachelor's degree, then go on to either a Master's/PhD (Psychology), or an M.D. or D.O. (Psychiatry). It doesn't matter whether you attend a college or a university....just read up on the statistics for the schools you're choosing from, see which school has more graduates who successfully go on for higher degrees, etc. Then make your choice. As far as paying for it goes....no matter what you choose, it's going to cost you an arm and a leg. If your grades are good you can go for a scholarship if there are any available. If not, you can try for financial aid through the school. Talk to your high school guidance counselor about how to explore these options. Chances are you will end up taking at least part of the tuition out in loans that will have to be paid back once you graduate. Good luck!!!