Essential Information
In an addiction psychiatry program, fellows complete hands-on training through real-life experiences at a teaching hospital or similar medical facility. They participate in rotations with faculty to evaluate and treat patients exhibiting a variety of addiction-related disorders. Fellows also participate in seminars covering topics such as neurobiology and therapeutic modalities. This training prepares them for board certification in addiction psychiatry.
Students must complete a fellowship program in addiction psychiatry to become board-certified addiction psychiatrists. Because this is a medical sub-specialty, applicants to fellowship programs must be licensed medical doctors. Applicants are also typically required to be board-certified psychiatrists or eligible to be board certified and have completed their residency program in psychiatry to enter these two year or less programs.
Fellowship programs and clinical rotations must be approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
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Addiction Psychiatry Doctoral Licensure
A fellowship program delivers education through clinical rotation, seminars, and research activities. Rotations may include experiences in nicotine, psychotherapy, school-based prevention, and rehabilitation. Seminars may cover addition topics such as:
- Neurobiology
- General addiction
- Therapeutic modalities
- Administrative issues
- Pharmacology
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted job growth for physicians and surgeons, including psychiatrists, to increase by 14% from 2014-2024 (www.bls.gov). According to the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, there is a need for qualified professionals to treat those with substance abuse problems (www2.aaap.org). The median salary for psychiatrists in May 2015 was equal to or greater than $187,200 annually, as reported by the BLS.
Certification and Continuing Education Information
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Inc., which is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, offers certification in addiction psychiatry. Certification generally includes completion of an approved fellowship-training program. Applicants must also have been board-certified in psychiatry for at least a year before applying for addiction psychiatry credentials, as well as pass a certification exam. The American Society of Addiction Medicine also has a certification exam for psychiatrists in addiction medicine.
Through addiction psychiatry fellowship programs, doctors can broaden their skills and help a wider variety of patients with their problems. Professional certification is available for those who complete these programs.
