| Psychiatry |
| Candidates in the specialty of psychiatry are those in the field of psychiatry, who are seeking ABPN Board Certification. Psychiatry is a specialty that involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders and adjustment disorders. Biologic, psychological, and social components of illnesses are explored and understood in treatment of the whole person. Tools used may include diagnostic laboratory tests, prescribed medications, evaluation and treatment of psychological and interpersonal problems with individuals and families, and intervention for coping with stress, crises, and other problems. Subspecialties in psychiatry include; addiction psychiatry, brain injury medicine, child and adolescent psychiatry, clinical neurophysiology, forensic psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, hospice and palliative medicine, pain medicine, psychosomatic medicine, and sleep medicine. All candidates will need to complete and submit an application in order to qualify for an examination. Each application will be reviewed by the credentials department. Candidates become diplomates after passing their examination. Diplomates will then begin the process of maintenance of certification. Apply for an examination | ABPN Physician Folios site | Visit the Pearson VUE Website |
Initial Certification in Psychiatry
The purpose of the ABPN’s initial certification examinations is to test the qualifications of candidates in psychiatry, neurology, or both. As these medical disciplines constitute part of the broad field of general medicine, the Board requires proficiency in neurology on the part of those it certifies in psychiatry and vice versa, but examines the candidate in accordance with the certificate he or she seeks. Each examination shall cover such subjects as the Board may determine. [more]
Maintenance of Certification in Psychiatry
The ABPN MOC Program reflects the Board’s commitment to lifelong learning throughout one’s profession. The mission of the ABPN's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program is to advance the clinical practice of psychiatry and neurology by promoting the highest evidence-based guidelines and standards to ensure excellence in all areas of care and practice improvement. The MOC program requires diplomates to participate in sanctioned self-assessment performance measures, identify perceived weaknesses in their knowledge, pursue learning activities tailored to areas that need to be strengthened, and develop quality improvement programs based on their clinical practice. The goal is for diplomates to reflect on their personal knowledge and performance and commit to a process of improvement and reevaluation of performance measures over a specified time frame that will ultimately lead to improved care for their patients. [more]