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. Within hospitals they are commonly involved in liaison with other areas of medicine and surgery, for example as consultants to pain clinics. Unlike a psychologist, a psychiatrist is a fully qualified medical specialist who has completed at least 13 years of medical education in all aspects of medicine, surgery and psychiatry. Psychiatrists have a unique perspective in being able to diagnose, manage and care for people with mental illnesses and emotional problems whilst keeping both their emotional and physical states in perspective. In addition, psychiatrists are able to offer expert psychological and medical help in the balance required for the individual patient.