How to become a psychiatrist in Harris County

To become a psychiatrist in Harris County, one must first complete a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, biology, or pre-med. After completing the undergraduate degree, one must then attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. During medical school, students will take courses in psychiatry, neurology, and other related fields. After completing medical school, aspiring psychiatrists must complete a residency program in psychiatry, which typically lasts four years. During the residency, psychiatrists will receive hands-on training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. After completing the residency, psychiatrists must obtain a license to practice medicine in the state of Texas. This involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Finally, psychiatrists may choose to become board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) by passing an exam. Once all of these steps are completed, one can begin practicing as a psychiatrist in Harris County.