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The role of the psychiatrist in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

Position statement Last updated: May 2025 Published in Australia Reference: PS #80

A psychiatrist is a specialist medical doctor who assesses and treats patients with mental health problems. Psychiatrists often work in collaboration with general practitioners and other health professionals to best meet the mental health and emotional needs of patients.

Summary

This position statement outlines the roles of a psychiatrist in Australia and New Zealand. The purpose is to inform governments and the wider community. 

Purpose

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has developed this position statement to describe the multifaceted roles that psychiatrists hold in communities. This position statement outlines key roles of psychiatrists to inform patients, governments, and the wider community.

Key messages

Psychiatrists: 

  • Are medical specialists who are highly qualified and able to provide psychiatric expertise founded in concepts of medical knowledge.
  • Have key roles to play in multi-disciplinary teams and should collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide holistic care as needed.
  • Have roles outside of purely clinical and may serve as leaders, scholars, policymakers, health advocates and educators.
  • As a field, is in constant development and has evolved significantly over the last few decades.
  • Face many challenges including workforce shortages, stigmatisation, and barriers to access related to funding.

Introduction

Psychiatrists are specialised medical practitioners dedicated to assessing and treating patients to achieve optimal mental health. Over recent decades, the field of mental healthcare and psychiatric practice has evolved significantly. Advances in early intervention, new medications, and therapies have improved mental health outcomes.[1,2]

In Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, psychiatrists play a crucial role in mental health care. It is essential for psychiatrists to be supported in providing the best possible care within the current healthcare framework. Their role in the mental health sector is outlined in RANZCP’s Position Statement 37: Principles for Mental Health Systems.

1. Psychiatrists as Medical Specialists

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with additional qualifications in psychiatry and is registered by the Medical Board of Australia in conjunction with Ahpra, or the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) [4, 5].

To become a psychiatrist in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, one must complete a basic medical qualification and then undergo specialist psychiatry training. This rigorous training, over the duration of at least five years beyond basic medical education, prepares psychiatrists to deliver high-quality patient care, collaborate with other health professionals, and engage in research to enhance mental health services. Psychiatrists may also pursue subspecialties such as psychotherapy, forensic psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and more. Continuous professional development is required to maintain and update their skills.

2. Roles of Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists support individuals through various mental health challenges, from mild to severe disorders [3]. They conduct thorough assessments to diagnose and create personalised treatment plans, which may include long-term care like psychotherapy.

Psychiatrists work across different settings including hospitals, private practices, and community environments [6]. They engage in teaching, research, and administrative roles, and advocate for mental health system improvements. Effective communication with patients, families, whanau and other healthcare professionals is vital [6]. Psychiatrists must consider social and cultural factors and managing conflicts constructively [3].

As leaders and health advocates, psychiatrists participate in advisory roles for governance and regulatory bodies, guide multidisciplinary teams, and influence systemic and service reforms. They advocate on behalf of patients and contribute to policy and advocacy efforts through their expertise [3, 8]. They are committed to lifelong learning, research, and education, maintaining high ethical standards and handling patient information with integrity as outlined by the RANZCP Code of Ethics [1].

Recommendations

The RANZCP recommends:

  • Consistent funding and resourcing for mental health services to allow psychiatrists to deliver comprehensive care.
  • Initiatives for attracting and retaining psychiatrists, particularly early-career and rural psychiatrists.
  • Campaigns to reduce stigma surrounding mental health disorders and the role that psychiatrists play in improving mental health outcomes.
  • Continued opportunity for professional development in the field of psychiatry, particularly pertaining to best practice and leadership roles.
  • Continued improvement to the accessibility and affordability of mental health services for high priority and low-income populations.
  • Advocating for policy that prioritise improvements in mental health in the community.
  • Initiatives to support psychiatrists’ wellbeing, such as peer support programs, access to mental health resources and interventions to help reduce experiences of burnout.
  • Investments in the advancement of psychiatric research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and management outcomes.

Additional resources

References

1.         Fiorillo A, Volpe U, Bhugra D. Role and responsibilities of psychiatrists Psychiatry in Practice Education, Experience, and Expertise. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press; 2016.

2.         A R. New roles for old: the role of the psychiatrist in the interdisciplinary team. Australasian Psychiatry. 2001;99(2).

3.         Bhugra D, Ventriglio A, Kuzman MR, Ikkos G, Hermans MH, Falkai P, et al. EPA guidance on the role and responsibilities of psychiatrists. Eur Psychiatry. 2015;30(3):417-22. https://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/canmeds/canmeds-framework-e.

4.         Registration: Medical Board of Australia; 2021 [Available from: https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/registration.aspx.

5.         Psychiatry: Medical Council of New Zealand;   [Available from: https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/scopes-of-practice/vocational-and-provisional-vocational/types-of-vocational-scope/psychiatry/.

6.         Herrman H, Trauer T, Warnock J. The roles and relationships of psychiatrists and other service providers in mental health services. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2002;36(1):75-80.

7.         RANZCP member wellbeing: Findings from our 2020 survey: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists; 2021 [Available from: https://www.ranzcp.org/files/temp-folder/member-wellbeing-survey-findings-report-2021.aspx.

8.         Boyce P, Tobin M. Defining the role of the consultant psychiatrist in a public mental health service. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 1998;32(5):603-11; discussion 16.

Disclaimer

This information is intended to provide general guidance to practitioners, and should not be relied on as a substitute for proper assessment with respect to the merits of each case and the needs of the patient. The RANZCP endeavours to ensure that information is accurate and current at the time of preparation, but takes no responsibility for matters arising from changed circumstances, information or material that may have become subsequently available.