Career profile Β· live from the Careermash careers engine
Career profile

Psychiatrist

In South Africa, psychiatrists are increasingly recognised for their essential role in mental health care. With a growing focus on mental well-being, this profession offers a fulfilling career path for those passionate about helping others. Psychiatrists work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and community health organisations, making their expertise highly sought after.
Degree usually required
AI impact: low££££ payUni route
0
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Ottalie Β· your guide
Curious about being a psychiatrist? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.

What you'd actually do

Psychiatrists in South Africa are crucial in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, working across various healthcare settings. They conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide therapy or medication management to patients. With the increasing emphasis on mental health, psychiatrists are in high demand, making this a promising career for those looking to make a positive impact.
1Conducting thorough patient assessments.
2Creating and implementing treatment plans.
3Prescribing medications and monitoring patient outcomes.

Career progression & pay

01
Getting in

Junior Psychiatrist

R600,000 ZAR
MBChB or equivalent degree
As a junior psychiatrist, you will work under supervision, gaining valuable experience in patient care and treatment.
02
Building up

Mid-Level Psychiatrist

R1,200,000 ZAR
Fellowship of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa
In this role, you will manage a diverse patient caseload and may specialise in areas such as child or adolescent psychiatry.
03
At the top

Senior Psychiatrist

R2,000,000 ZAR+
Extensive experience and expertise
As a senior psychiatrist, you will lead teams, mentor junior staff, and contribute to advancements in mental health care.

Degrees that lead here via Medicine and Dentistry

Apprenticeships that lead here

No apprenticeship standard maps directly yet - the university or college route is the main way in.

Organisations in this field

NHS
The National Health Service provides comprehensive mental health services across the UK.
Priory Group
A leading provider of mental health care in the UK.
Cygnet Health Care
Specialises in mental health services and supports recovery.

How to get in - your routes

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Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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