Word
psychiatrist
Phoneticspsy·chi·a·trist, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈkaɪətɹəst/
UK/saɪkˈaɪətɹɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The psychiatrist prescribed a new medication for her anxiety.”
“After several therapy sessions, her GP recommended she see a psychiatrist to discuss a formal diagnosis.”
“Modern clinical practice often involves a collaborative approach where the psychiatrist manages the pharmacological intervention while a therapist provides weekly counseling sessions.”
Examples
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 psychiatry
I am going to the psychiatrist
Learners often confuse the person (psychiatrist) with the field of medicine (psychiatry).
Real-World Examples
“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".” “To prepare for their psilocybin sessions , participants completed a series of calls and in-person meetings with a psychiatrist and a therapist.” Etymology
From psychiatry + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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