FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Recovery Club

What's a Consultant Psychiatrist?

Unknown userMember

What's a Consultant Psychiatrist?

Hi all. Admins/moderators, feel free to move this to an appropriate thread if this isn't the right one just let me know please. I wasn't sure what topic it would go under, apologies.

My apologies for this silly question. But my Psychiatrist who I see on Skype (I'm not sure if he sees patients in person but we're both in different states) is great. He's a Consultant Psychiatrist, but I'm not sure what this means.

Can someone please explain it to me? I was thinking that it means they perhaps watch/supervise other Psychiatrists or teach them? Or perhaps just have their own private practice, or used to?

All I know about Psychiatrists is that they can prescribe medication, admit people, etc. And my Psychiatrist gives me therapy (including coping strategies, etc) since he knows he's the only support I have (long story), although I changed GPs.

Thanks, sorry again for the silly question. It's no big deal I'm just curious as to what it means and what the job title consists of.

2 replies

1 - 2 of 2
1

In response to: What's a Consultant Psychiatrist?

Unknown userMember

Re: What's a Consultant Psychiatrist?

@Former-Member

The term "consultant" is another word for a specialist.

Specialists have the same basic training as a GP but then do additional training in a specific field, in the case of your pdoc - psychiatry.

Becoming a specialist can take a good 6+ years of study and while a doctor is a specialist in training they are referred to as a "registrar". Registrars work in training hospitals. As they are qualified doctors they can also prescribe medication but work under supervision in their chosen speciality until they are fully qualified.

This info applies to all specialists - orthopaedic surgeons, gynaecologists, neurologists, anaesthestics etc.

Hope this helps.

In response to: Re: What's a Consultant Psychiatrist?

Unknown userMember

Re: What's a Consultant Psychiatrist?

Thanks @Former-Member . No big deal, I was just curious for some reason, not sure why

1 - 2 of 2
1

SANE Forums is published by SANE with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

SANE Forums does not provide crisis support.
If you need immediate assistance, please see available crisis services.

Learn more about SANE and SANE services at sane.org

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

Back to top
SANE logo
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care NSQDMH Accreditation logo

Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

SANE is a public company limited by guarantee and registered tax-exempt charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status.

Charity ABN 92 006 533 606. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. SANE, PO Box 1226, Carlton VIC 3053.