Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and study of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. It combines knowledge of neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, and social factors to understand and treat conditions affecting mental health. What Psychiatrists Do A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who can: Diagnose mental health conditions Prescribe medications Provide or coordinate psychotherapy Order and interpret medical tests Manage complex cases involving both physical and mental health