A Psychiatrist is a medically trained doctor, who specialises in the assessment and treatment of mental illness or psychological disorders. Amongst mental health practitioners it is generally the psychiatrist who is responsible for making diagnoses and for prescribing medication if that is required. Often it is the psychiatrist in the team who would be expected to manage situations where there is the highest risk, or where there are complex interactions between physical or brain-based illness and behviours.

Some AMBIT teams may have a psychiatrist as part of the team; others will not, but may require input from a psychiatrist at times.

You can read about How to speak to a DOCTOR for further advice on Mentalizing the position and dilemmas of a Psychiatrist...