Their training requires mandatory supervision by experienced, qualified psychiatrists and rigorous examinations are conducted throughout their training during which their experience and competence are tested. With this qualification they can achieve recognition as Consultant Psychiatrists and can practise in Australia and New Zealand. There are over 2000 Fellows of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of psychiatrists, and a further 800 doctors who are part way through their specialist psychiatric training. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has developed a Maintenance of Professional Standards Program which requires psychiatrists to take part in a wide variety of ongoing educational activities including attendance at seminars, courses, conferences and workshops, participation in programs of peer review, various quality assurance projects including audits of psychiatric practices and other activities aimed at ensuring that psychiatrists remain up to date and provide the best possible treatment and care for their patients. Psychiatrists work in a variety of settings including general and psychiatric hospitals, universities, community mental health services and public and private clinics.
Many psychiatrists have a predominantly private practice.
Others work mainly in hospitals or in prisons or in a variety of public health facilities. Some psychiatrists work in more than one area, such as combining part time work in a public hospital with a private practice. Psychiatrists are also involved in a broad range of community issues and organisations and are often called upon to assist both government and non-government agencies in the development of mental health policies and services. Some psychiatrists gain additional training and experience within the field of psychiatry. Psychiatrists also act as consultants in drug and alcohol programs and to community services.