English Reference
Noun

psychiatrist

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /səˈkaɪətɹəst/ UK /saɪkˈaɪətɹɪst/ psy·chi·a·trist UK spelling psychiatrist's, psychiatrist's

n.a medical doctor who treats mental health problems. They can talk to you about your feelings and also give you medicine if you need it.

n.a medical practitioner specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Unlike a psychologist, this professional is licensed to prescribe medication and perform medical procedures.


SIMPLE

The psychiatrist prescribed a new medication for her anxiety.

CONTEXTUAL

After several therapy sessions, her GP recommended she see a psychiatrist to discuss a formal diagnosis.

COMPLEX

Modern clinical practice often involves a collaborative approach where the psychiatrist manages the pharmacological intervention while a therapist provides weekly counseling sessions.

Pitfall
I am going to the psychiatryI am going to the psychiatrist

Learners often confuse the person (psychiatrist) with the field of medicine (psychiatry).

The programme, titled The Great ADHD Myth?, was broadcast on Tuesday and its host, NHS psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton, concluded it was "a social construct, not a disorder of the brain".

BBC News· 19 Aug 2026

To prepare for their psilocybin sessions , participants completed a series of calls and in-person meetings with a psychiatrist and a therapist.

Smithsonian Magazine· 11 Aug 2026

From psychiatry + -ist.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated