The main difference between a psychiatrist and a consultant psychiatrist lies in their experience and qualifications. While both are medical doctors specializing in mental health, consultant psychiatrists have completed additional training and hold a higher level of expertise.
- Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed medical school and a residency program in psychiatry. They are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing medication.
- Consultant psychiatrists are psychiatrists who have completed a further period of specialized training, typically lasting several years. This training focuses on a particular area of mental health, such as child and adolescent psychiatry, or adult psychiatry.
Consultant psychiatrists are often considered experts in their chosen field and are frequently involved in teaching, research, and leadership roles within the mental health system.
