- Uses a knowledge of biological, psychological, and social factors in working with patients.
- Conducts comprehensive diagnostic examinations to evaluate the current problem with attention to its physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, educational, family, peer, and social components.
- Diagnoses patients
- Shares diagnoses with patients and families.
- Designs treatment plans and discusses recommendations with the child or adolescent and family.
- Conducts individual, group, or family psychotherapy
- Prescribes medication
- Consults with other physicians or professionals from schools, juvenile courts, social agencies or other community organizations.
- Advocates for the best interests of children and adolescents.
- A Bachelor’s degree earned at an accredited college or university. Although no specific major is required, students usually complete undergraduate work in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English.
- Complete medical school
Note* After graduation from medical school, a graduate must pursue a state license to practice medicine (American Psychiatric Association, 2019)
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists must:
- Pass a written examination for a state license to practice medicine
- Complete at least 3 years of approved residency in medicine, neurology, and general psychiatry with adults
- After completing residency training, most psychiatrists take a voluntary written and oral examination given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology to become a "board certified" psychiatrist
- Complete 2 years of specialized training in psychiatric work with children, adolescents, and their families in an accredited residency in child and adolescent psychiatry
- The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. offers certification in the subspecialty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Note* You can find more information about Addiction Psychiatry certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology here: https://www.abpn.com/
The median salary for psychiatrists as of March 2018 is $220,380
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2019). What is child and adolescent psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Medical_Students_and_Residents/Medical_Students/What_is_Child_and_Adolescent_Psychiatry.aspx
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
https://www.abpn.com/
American Psychiatric Association. (2019). Psychiatric training. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291066.htm#(5)
