How Many Psychiatrists In South Africa

What is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (an M.D. or D.O.) who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders.

How Many Psychiatrists In South Africa?

In April 2019, there were 850 qualified psychiatrists actively practicing in the country, and based on the national population figure of 55.6 million people (2016 Census), the psychiatrists per 100 000 ratio was 1.53. This indicates no improvement between 2016 to 2019.

How long does it take to become a psychiatrist in SA?

Specialist Psychiatrists in South Africa typically study for about 10 years. The first 6 years are spent on theoretical training to obtain a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and the other four years in post-grad studies to obtain a Master of Medicine in Psychiatry degree.

What is the highest degree in Psychiatry?

A doctorate degree in Psychiatry is the highest degree in the psychiatry field. If one wants to practice as a psychiatrist in the US, they have to earn an MD degree (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO degree (Doctor of Osteopathy). There is a difference between the two degrees.

What does a psychiatrist do in South Africa?

A psychiatrist is a specialist who is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and is skilled to assess and treat mental health-related symptoms and disorders with a range of treatment interventions including prescription medication.

Can a psychiatrist prescribe medication in South Africa?

Psychiatrists are also responsible for diagnosing mental disorders and managing medications, as their expertise focuses on the chemical imbalances within the brain. Similar to any other physician, they can write prescriptions.