Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose patients' mental health issues and treat them through medication and various forms of therapy. They analyze and evaluate patient data by gathering and maintaining patient information and records, including social or medical history obtained from patients, relatives, or other professionals, or test findings to diagnose the nature or extent of mental disorder. This information is used to design individualized care plans. While psychiatrists use a variety of treatments in their practice, including psychotherapy, they also can prescribe medication for patients. This position requires an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school with a license to practice medicine in the state where they reside or work.