If you want a career as a psychiatrist, here is how competitive the medical specialty is to match into a psychiatry residency. Psychiatry is the branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental disorders.
Statistics on the Psychiatry Match
As of the most recent NRMP data, psychiatry had a total of 2,560 applicants and 2,047 spots. This equates to 1.25 applicants per position. Of the 1,225 U.S. MD seniors who applied, 104 did not match.
| Total Positions | Total Number of Applicants | Number of Applicants per Position |
| 2,047 | 2,560 | 1.25 |
Osteopathic (DO) Students Matching into Psychiatry
The total number of DO Senior Applicants was 435. Of those, 378 matched, for a 86.90% match percentage. This makes psychiatry a Friendly field for osteopathic students.
| Total DO Applicants | Matched DO Applicants | DO Match Percentage | |
| 435 | 378 | 86.90% |
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Matching into Psychiatry
Because there are only 0.65 U.S. MD applicants per 1 program spot, psychiatry is considered to be Very Friendly for IMGs students.
Honors, Research and Awards for Psychiatry Residency Candidates
The average matched U.S. applicant had 8.1 volunteer experiences and 3.6 work experiences. They had 3.1 research experiences and 6.2 abstracts, presentations and publications. That makes this specialty on where the number of publications needed is Low.
| Research Experiences | Abstracts, Presentations and Publications | Work Experiences | Volunteer Experiences |
| 3.1 | 6.2 | 3.6 | 8.1 |
Average Step 2 Scores for Psychiatry
The mean USMLE Step 2 CK score was 241. The overall competitiveness level of psychiatry is Low for a U.S. senior.
How long is a residency in psychiatry? What is the lifestyle like for a psychiatry resident?
Compared to other residencies, psychiatry has a Short training length. As far as lifestyle, psychiatrists generally have a Low stress lifestyle. Of course, lifestyle is very subjective and if you love what you do, it does not matter! And if you hate what you do, it can still be rough no matter what. In medicine, you should find the specialty that makes you enjoy your everyday interactions with patients, staff and colleagues.
What is the average salary for a psychiatrist?
The average salary post-graduation from a psychiatry residency is $268,000, provided one does not go on to sub-specialty training which can change the salary substantially. Academic versus private practice as well as location also play a large role in physician compensation.
What are fellowships one can do from a psychiatry residency?
Following the successful completion of general psychiatry residency, some physicians may choose to continue their graduate medical education with subspecialty training. Board-certified subspecialists complete additional training and qualifying examinations beyond those required for board certification in psychiatry. Currently, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology certifies the following fellowships:
What are the best psychiatry residencies in the country?
The best residency for psychiatry, or any specialty, is very driven by personal preference and situation. How close you are to family, loved ones, the type of training environment, the opportunities available are all things to take into consideration above and beyond name recognition of a program. However, there are some highly regarded names in the world of psychiatry including:
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- UCSF
- MGH
- Yale
- NewYork-Presbyterian (Columbia)
- UCLA
Much of the data above is available from the AAMC Charting the Outcomes report.
FAQ: What Else Can I Learn About Psychiatry Residency?
Q: What makes psychiatry an appealing specialty?
A: Psychiatry is appealing because it focuses on understanding, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. Psychiatrists play a critical role in improving patients’ quality of life by addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The specialty offers opportunities to build long-term patient relationships, explore the complexities of human behavior, and work in a variety of clinical settings.
Q: How many psychiatry residency positions are available each year?
A: Approximately 2,000 psychiatry residency positions are available annually in the United States. Psychiatry has become increasingly competitive as awareness and interest in mental health grow, with programs seeking applicants who have strong communication skills, empathy, and a demonstrated commitment to mental health care.
Q: Do I need research experience to match into psychiatry?
A: Research experience is not mandatory but can strengthen your application, particularly for academic or competitive programs. Projects related to neuroscience, psychopharmacology, or mental health interventions demonstrate a commitment to advancing the field and provide valuable insights into patient care.
Q: How important are away rotations for matching into psychiatry?
A: Away rotations are not essential for most psychiatry programs but can be helpful if you are targeting specific institutions. They provide an opportunity to experience a program’s culture, showcase your skills, and build relationships with faculty, which may lead to strong letters of recommendation.
Q: What should I include in my personal statement for psychiatry?
A: Your personal statement should highlight your passion for understanding human behavior, your ability to connect with patients, and your interest in holistic care. Discuss experiences that inspired your interest in psychiatry, such as clinical encounters, personal challenges, or relevant research, and outline your long-term goals in the specialty.
Q: What types of conditions do psychiatrists treat?
A: Psychiatrists treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They also manage neuropsychiatric conditions such as dementia and traumatic brain injury.
Q: What procedures do psychiatrists typically perform?
A: Psychiatrists perform diagnostic evaluations, prescribe medications, and provide psychotherapy. Some are trained in advanced procedures such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant depression. They also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans.
Q: Are there opportunities for psychiatrists to focus on research?
A: Yes, psychiatry offers extensive research opportunities in areas such as psychopharmacology, brain imaging, behavioral interventions, and genetics. Psychiatrists contribute to advancements in understanding mental health disorders, developing new treatments, and improving access to care.
Q: What subspecialties are available within psychiatry?
A: Psychiatry offers several subspecialties, including:
– Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Treating mental health conditions in children and teenagers.
– Geriatric Psychiatry: Managing mental health issues in older adults.
– Addiction Psychiatry: Focusing on substance use disorders.
– Forensic Psychiatry: Addressing mental health in legal and criminal contexts.
– Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Integrating mental health care in medical and surgical settings.
– Neuropsychiatry: Treating conditions at the intersection of neurology and psychiatry.
– Sleep Medicine: Managing sleep disorders and their impact on mental health.
Q: What does the lifestyle of a psychiatrist typically look like?
A: Psychiatrists often enjoy a balanced lifestyle, with many working in outpatient settings with regular office hours. Those in hospital or emergency psychiatry may have more irregular schedules, but the specialty generally allows for flexibility and a satisfying work-life balance.
Q: What innovations are shaping the future of psychiatry?
A: Innovations in psychiatry include advancements in brain imaging, precision medicine, and neuromodulation techniques such as TMS and deep brain stimulation. The use of digital health tools, such as mobile apps and telepsychiatry, is expanding access to care and transforming how psychiatrists engage with patients.
Q: How does psychiatry intersect with other specialties?
A: Psychiatrists collaborate with primary care physicians, neurologists, social workers, and therapists to provide comprehensive care. They also work with oncologists, endocrinologists, and pain specialists to address mental health concerns in patients with chronic or complex medical conditions.
Q: Are there fellowship opportunities after completing a psychiatry residency?
A: Yes, fellowship opportunities include child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and consultation-liaison psychiatry. Fellowships provide advanced training and prepare psychiatrists for specialized roles in clinical practice or academia.
Q: What role do psychiatrists play in improving mental health outcomes?
A: Psychiatrists are central to improving mental health outcomes by providing accurate diagnoses, evidence-based treatments, and patient-centered care. Their work helps reduce the stigma of mental illness and promotes recovery, resilience, and overall well-being for their patients.
Q: What are the career opportunities for psychiatrists?
A: Psychiatrists can work in private practice, academic medicine, community mental health centers, or hospital-based settings. Many also pursue careers in research, public health, or advocacy, contributing to policy changes and advancements in mental health care.
Q: How do psychiatrists handle complex cases?
A: Psychiatrists use a combination of diagnostic tools, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology to address complex cases. They collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, integrate patient histories, and use evidence-based guidelines to develop personalized care plans.
Q: How do I find shadowing opportunities with a psychiatrist?
A: Contact psychiatry departments at hospitals or academic medical centers. Networking through medical school advisors, mentors, or psychiatry interest groups can also help you connect with psychiatrists who are open to shadowing opportunities.
Q: What professional organizations can I join as a psychiatry student?
A: Students interested in psychiatry can join organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP). These organizations provide mentorship, networking, and access to educational resources and conferences.
Q: How early should I start preparing for a career in psychiatry?
A: Begin early by excelling in courses related to neuroscience, behavioral sciences, and communication skills. Join psychiatry interest groups, engage in research projects, and seek shadowing opportunities. Clinical rotations in psychiatry during medical school are essential for gaining experience and confirming your interest in the specialty.
Did You Know?
- Psychiatry became a formal medical specialty in the 19th century:
Psychiatry emerged as a distinct field in the early 1800s when pioneers like Philippe Pinel in France and Dorothea Dix in the U.S. advocated for humane treatment of individuals with mental illness. The founding of the American Psychiatric Association in 1844 formalized the specialty in the United States.
- Psychiatrists treat more than 300 mental health conditions:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) identifies over 300 mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Psychiatrists are uniquely trained to combine psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions to treat these complex conditions.
- Psychiatry is at the forefront of brain research:
Advances in neuroimaging, such as functional MRI (fMRI) and PET scans, have revolutionized the understanding of mental illness by revealing how conditions like depression and anxiety affect brain activity. Psychiatrists use these insights to develop personalized treatments and explore cutting-edge therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine infusions.
Explore Other Specialties:
| Specialty | Average Step 2 Score (Matched) |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiology | 246 |
| Child Neurology | 246 |
| Dermatology | 256 |
| Diagnostic Radiology | 249 |
| Emergency Medicine | 247 |
| Family Medicine | 238 |
| General Surgery | 249 |
| Internal Medicine | 248 |
| Internal Medicine/Pediatrics | 250 |
| Interventional Radiology | 255 |
| Neurological Surgery | 252 |
| Neurology | 245 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | 248 |
| Orthopaedic Surgery | 255 |
| Otolaryngology | 256 |
| Pathology | 242 |
| Pediatrics | 245 |
| Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | 241 |
| Plastic Surgery | 256 |
| Psychiatry | 241 |
| Radiation Oncology | 250 |
| Vascular Surgery | 247 |
