A psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor who has undergone additional training to specialise in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions.

At CAMHS, a psychiatrist is likely to see patients who are more unwell or have more complicated symptoms. CAMHS psychiatrists may give a formal diagnosis of a young person’s condition and will usually discuss treatment interventions and medication, if that’s appropriate. Psychiatrists will also be able to use a range of psychological approaches that may be helpful as well.

In CAMHS, psychiatrists may specialist in working with under-16s (child psychiatrists),16-17 year olds (adolescent psychiatrist) or both groups.

Dr Alison McCowat explains more about the role of a child psychiatrist at Dorset CAMHS

Qualifications

Five year degree in medicine recognised by the GMC, two-year foundation programme of general training, three years of core training in psychiatry and three years of training in child psychiatry.

Experience

CAMHS psychiatrists must have completed general medicine training, plus training in psychiatry and child psychiatry as listed above. This training will include clinical experience.

Other roles that might be of interest

Experienced psychiatrists may also consider a career within CAMHS in a senior management role.

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