Psychiatry
The fastest growing specialty in the NHS
As the medical specialty dealing with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness as well as emotional and behavioural disorders - it is the fastest growing specialty in the NHS offering competitive salaries, career progression, specialty training and CCT & CESR.
Requirements for an overseas psychiatrist to work in the UK
- IELTS or OET
- MRCPsych (UK) or PLAB
- GMC registration
- EEA applicants will only require GMC registration and IELTS or OET
IMG Library Find out more on IELTS or OET, GMC Registration, PLAB, MRCPsych or to understand the Route to the UK for an Overseas Psychiatrist.
What should I know about Psychiatry in the UK?
NHS psychiatrists may see in-patients in a hospital setting, or work within the community. Psychiatrists work across a range of services, such as specialist hospital units, schools, residential care homes, or a combination of settings. However, most work in community mental health teams, out-patient departments and hospital wards.
There are six psychiatry specialties: adult psychiatry, psychiatry of old age, child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, psychiatry of intellectual disability, and psychotherapy. It is possible to sub-specialise in adult psychiatry - in liaison, perinatal, substance misuse or addictions, neuro-psychiatry, eating disorders, rehabilitation and social psychiatry.
What can you expect to do as part of a typical working week in the NHS?
Psychiatrists in the UK often follow a regular Monday-Friday daytime pattern. On call work, especially at associate specialist or consultant level, is generally less onerous than other medical and surgical specialties. The regular work pattern enables an excellent work-life balance.
Hospital work can include ward rounds for acute or long-term patients as well as outpatient clinics. New patients may have appointments lasting an hour, considerably longer than appointments given in other medical specialties. Follow-up appointments may last around 20 or 30 minutes.
Most consultant psychiatrists have around ten hours allocated each week for non-clinical activities including research and audit.
Psychiatrists sometimes see patients on their own in an out-patient clinic. More often, they work as part of a team with colleagues from other professions such as nursing, social work, psychology and occupational therapy.
Did you know? The Mental Health Act (1983) is the main piece of legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health disorder in the UK.
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to a General Adult role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.
The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.
Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%
General Adult Psychiatry Department & Team
The inpatient service features 17 adult acute beds, including an extra-care area, for individuals aged 18 to 65 with severe mental illness requiring admission. The goal is to promote recovery and well-being, helping service users achieve their potential. The service caters to a diverse population with complex needs. The multidisciplinary inpatient team includes doctors (two part-time consultants, staff grade/clinical fellow, and F2), a clinical psychologist, nurses, a social worker, occupational therapists, an art therapist, healthcare assistants, and administrative staff.
The Home Treatment Team functions as a step-up, step-down service to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and facilitate early discharge. They attend ward reviews, support patients on leave, and assist with discharge planning, also gatekeeping inpatient beds. The team includes two part-time consultants, a 0.5 FTE team manager, two FTE senior practitioners, 5.5 FTE nurse practitioners, one FTE social worker, three FTE senior HCAs, and one FTE occupational therapist. Covering all adult ages, there is an arrangement with an Older Adult Consultant for additional support if needed.
Continued Professional Development
This position offers further training and accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. The organization supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in three years and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.
Living in the Area
Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Adult Psychiatry
- Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
EEA candidates:
- Experience in Adult Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Consultant experience in Adult Psychiatry
The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.
Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.
The post holder will be expected to take on the full range of duties including the routine and emergency diagnosis and management of children and young people with significant mental health problems (up to the age of 18), the support of other team members, and providing consultation and advice to other agencies. Successful applicants will be encouraged to develop a special interest and take a clinical lead in one of the following areas: Eating Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, or Transition.
The Health Service
Working for this service is professionally rewarding, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. Their clinicians lead in developing and managing services, supported by strong links with UK specialists. With a generous study leave budget, doctors are encouraged to pursue further education. Exciting developments include a new general hospital and a new mental health inpatient unit. They foster strong relationships between mental health, primary, and secondary care, promoting joint learning and teaching in their modern education centre.
Department & Team
The Mental Health Service is staffed by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, supported by secretarial and administrative staff. The service provides comprehensive assessment, treatment, and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric issues in children and young people up to their 18th birthday.
Currently, CAMHS manages 1,627 open cases. In 2022, 926 new referrals were received, with 752 new referrals to date in 2023. The current locum postholder\'s caseload is approximately 90, with most cases having an allocated care coordinator. While most new assessments are conducted by other members of the multi-disciplinary team, some will require an initial medical assessment. On average, there are 1-2 new assessments and 15-20 follow-up appointments per week, depending on case complexity and other commitments.
Continued Professional Development
The health service offers further training & accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. Health & Community Services supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in 3 years, and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.
Living in the Area
Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- European Specialist Qualification
- MRCPsych
- Consultant experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
A prime opportunity awaits a dedicated Specialty Doctor in Psychiatry to join the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) for a NHS job in the UK, with CESR support. Located at Eaglestone Health Centre on Milton Keynes Hospital Campus, you\'ll provide top-tier assessment, consultation, and treatment for individuals in mental health crises, with office space and administrative support.
As part of a medical team with a Consultant Psychiatrist and Trainee Doctor, you\'ll demonstrate motivation, energy, and a fervent commitment to exceptional patient care. Strong teamwork, organizational skills, initiative, effective communication, and empathy are key. Operated by an NHS Foundation Trust that is known for excellence locally, nationally, and internationally, this role offers professional growth opportunities for EU-trained specialists and experienced IMGs seeking CESR completion.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
Established in 2002 through the merger of several trusts, this NHS Foundation Trust is among the UK\'s largest. With about 7,000 staff, they serve a third of London\'s population and extend services to areas like Milton Keynes, Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire.
Their focus is on delivering patient-centered, safe, and effective care across various settings, from hospitals to community clinics and even patients\' homes. They emphasize community-based services, aligning with the NHS\'s modernization goals. They prioritize recruiting exceptional individuals who support patients and colleagues alike, offering opportunities for career development. The role entails participating in clinical supervision sessions with the team\'s consultant psychiatrist.
What is the Department & Team like?
The Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Team (CRHTT) comprises a multi-disciplinary group of mental health professionals delivering a 7-day service for individuals in acute psychiatric crises. They offer intensive community-based interventions as an alternative to hospitalization and support early discharge, facilitating the transition back to the community. The team triages referrals, deciding on home treatment or admission, aiming to provide less restrictive alternatives to hospitalization when feasible.
The Team is composed of:
- 1.0 wte Consultant Psychiatrist
- 1.0 wte Specialty Doctor
- 1.0 wte Core Trainee / equivalent
- 1.0 wte Team Manager
- 3.0 wte Senior Practitioner Band 7
- 14.5 wte Mental Health Practitioner Band 6
- 2.6 wte Occupational Therapist Band 6
- 2 wte Therapy Support Staff Band 4
- 6.6 wte Support Worker Band 3
- 3 wte Medical Secretary and Team Administrator Band 4
The post holder is expected to make an assessment, diagnosis, formulation of risks and development of a management plan for new referrals, re-referrals and patients under the care of the team. The post holder is expected to identify need for referrals to other services such as referrals for psychological interventions and review treatment plans and risk assessments of patients in the service.
Career Development & Opportunities Available
There is real opportunity to progress through CESR at pace at this trust, with a strong desire for newly-qualified consultants to develop their specialty areas of interest and undertake in various cancer trials and research projects where possible. Research is encouraged here, particularly when this is appropriate to professional development and to the service development of the department.
If you are a new consultant you will receive mentoring and support from medical leads as well as access to a large peer group of enthusiastic and high-caliber Consultants.
Life in South East
South East, a vibrant urban area in Buckinghamshire, offers a blend of city amenities and rural charm. Residents enjoy scenic parks & perfect for outdoor activities. The area boasts excellent schools and universities. Transportation links are convenient, with easy access to major cities like London and Birmingham via train and nearby airports like Luton and Birmingham. Housing options range from modern apartments in the city center to spacious suburban homes, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Am I eligible for this role?
UK based candidates:
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry - Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry - Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team
- MRCPsych
- Experience in General Adult Psychiatry - Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team
An NHS Trust in the Midlands is in search of a Consultant Psychiatrist in Eating Disorders. The role is open to overseas consultants with experience or interest in Eating Disorders alongside UK middle grade doctors with S12 who have experience or interest in Easting Disorders.
This role will primarily focus on the severe pathway. The appointed candidate will offer direct clinical care and clinical leadership to a diverse team, comprising specialist nurses, therapists, psychologists, dietitians, therapists, social workers, and peer support workers. Additionally, there will be occasional cross-cover duties for the inpatient consultants stationed at a 15-bed inpatient unit.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
The NHS Trust serves a population of approximately 850,000 across several towns, provides comprehensive Mental Health Services. Alongside Learning Disability services for a significant region of the West Midlands, it offers tertiary services in Forensic and Child Psychiatry. Furthermore, it extends its reach to Community Health Services within its region. As a teaching Trust, it has strong ties with a university medical school, offering placements for medical students and engaging professionals in teaching and training. The Trust provides higher education facilities for continuous professional development and collaborates closely with the Academic Department of Psychiatry for research opportunities.
What is the department & team like?
The Eating Disorders Service is a specialist, tertiary service staffed by 4.2 WTE Consultant Psychiatrists, 2.4 WTE specialty doctors, 1.0 WTE ST 4-6, 1.0 WTE CT3, and 1.0 WTE F2 doctor. This multidisciplinary team manages a range of complex cases, including patients with a BMI below 15, those with complex medical or psychiatric comorbidities, pregnant patients, and diabetic patients. Treatments provided encompass individual therapy based on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, and systemic approaches. The service also offers specific pathways for patients transitioning from CAMHS, pregnant patients, and SEED patients, alongside a dedicated Clinic for Eating Disorders and Diabetes, with plans for an ARFID clinic.
Facilities include both an outpatient service and a 15-bed regional inpatient unit, all housed in a self-contained unit on a general hospital site. Annually, the service is expected to handle a caseload of approximately 230 patients, with around 360 new referrals. The team works closely with the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Teams, the Crisis and Home Treatment Team, and the Gastroenterology Departments at the NHS Trust. This comprehensive service, supported by significant investment through the Community Mental Health Transformation Plan, aims to deliver high-quality, specialized care to patients with eating disorders across the town they service.
Career Development & Opportunities Available
The NHS Trust offers extensive career development opportunities, including CESR support for international doctors seeking specialist registration and access to specialty training. The Trust encourages the development of sub-specialties in areas like eating disorders and psychodynamic therapy.
The Trust is committed to service improvement and innovation through its transformation plan, which includes significant investment in services such as the new Community Eating Disorders Service. This dedication to growth and quality improvement creates an exciting environment for professionals aiming to contribute to meaningful changes in healthcare delivery.
Life like in the area
The town is an urban area with nearby rural settings, offering a diverse living environment for doctors. The city provides a mix of cultural activities, historic sites like a Cathedral, and scenic spots in the countryside. The area boasts a range of quality schools and universities. Excellent transportation links connect the city to major cities like Birmingham and London, with easy access to airports such as Birmingham Airport. The area offers a variety of housing options, from modern city apartments to charming rural homes, catering to different lifestyle preferences.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Eating Disorders Psychiatry (Desirable)
- Board Certified Specialist in Adult Psychiatry
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Specialist / Consultant experience in General Adult Psychiatry
- Experience of working in Eating Disorders Psychiatry (Desirable)
- MRCPsych (Desirable)
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Eating Disorders Psychiatry (Desirable)
- S12 (Desirable)
Requirements
MRCPsych - preferred
S12 - preferred
12 years post graduate experience with 6 years in psychiatry
What is the NHS Trust like?
The NHS Trust provides a range of high-quality specialist mental health, learning disability, and neurodiversity services, in the South West region. The Trust is passionate about promoting good mental health and wellbeing, striving to use the expertise and resources within the organization, and through partnerships, to deliver safe, high-quality services focused on people\'s recovery.
With an annual income exceeding £206 million, the Trust employs around 3,600 staff. Each year, it receives approximately 74,000 referrals and supports around 26,000 people every month. This passion and commitment shape the Trust\'s vision, mission, and strategy. The staff are pivotal in all activities, and the Trust is committed to fully involving them in the development of the organization and its services.
General Adult Psychiatry Department & Team
The Community Mental Health Services provide secondary care interventions for individuals referred by Mental Health Assessment workers and other teams, such as acute and inpatient services. The community teams manage caseloads that include individuals with a wide range of mental health difficulties and complexities, from those requiring intensive long-term care to those receiving short-term psycho-social interventions. The team collaborates constructively with various agencies within Torbay to ensure a coordinated approach to managing risk issues.
The team comprises a full-time Clinical Team Leader, Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Support Time and Recovery Workers. All three Community Mental Health Teams share an Accommodation Officer, a Personality Disorder Lead, and a Carers Support Team. The team employs a strong multidisciplinary approach, working cohesively to provide an effective and safe recovery-focused service to those referred.
Life in South West
The South West of England offers both rural and urban settings, providing diverse living options. The region features stunning landscapes, including the Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor, and Exmoor, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. There are high-quality schools and renowned universities, such as the University of Exeter and University of Bristol. Excellent transportation links include major motorways, rail services to London and other cities, and airports in Bristol and Exeter. Housing options range from urban apartments and suburban homes to countryside cottages, catering to a variety of lifestyles and preferences.
Am I eligible for this role?
MRCPsych - preferred
S12 - preferred
12 years post graduate experience with 6 years in psychiatry - necesary
This international psychiatry sponsorship scheme offers opportunity for experienced psychiatrists qualified abroad, who have already achieved higher postgraduate qualifications in psychiatry to be employed in a unique NHS job, and advance their career while employed within the NHS. Subject to GMC criteria this NHS Trust will sponsor eligible candidates for GMC registration and successful candidate will be employed on a health and care visa.
The programme is an innovative and structured sponsored scheme that supports suitably qualified international medical graduates (who do not have GMC registration) to be sponsored by the NHS Trust for GMC registration with a license to practice, and then be supported to advance their existing clinical and professional skills and receive valuable clinical experience with excellent supervised support.
Depending on your experience, interest and commitment, you will agree a personalised plan to support you to meet your training and development needs. This may be through supporting you to gain further qualifications like MRCPsych, entering UK higher training programme or pursuing CESR (Portfolio Pathway) route to gain specialist registration etc
You will be working at Specialty Doctor level and there are various opportunities across the Trust in specialties such as General Adult, Child & Adolescent (CAMHS), Learning Disabilities, and Older Adult Psychiatry. You will have the opportunity to work in either inpatient or community psychiatry clinics, and rotations can be arranged in various locations across the NHS Trust.
This programme is focused on doctors who do not have current registration with the GMC of the UK; however, it is not meant for doctors who have tried but have been unsuccessful in passing PLAB examination.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- hold a primary medical qualification (PMQ) recognised by the UK General Medical Council (GMC).
- acknowledge that, if I am successful in my application to join the EPUT Advanced Fellowship in Psychiatry scheme, you will need to seek verification of this primary medical qualification by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) before the Trust can sponsor your registration to join the GMC medical register.
- following undergraduate training, you completed an acceptable programme of practical training/internship (or equivalent) in Medicine of no less than 12 months.
- you will have achieved a minimum overall score of 7.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test, and at least 7.0 in each category OR have achieved a B in every category of the medical version of the Occupational English Test (OET).
- have obtained a postgraduate qualification (PGQ) in psychiatry
- Pass in papers A and / or B of MRCPsych examination
Experience
Essential
- Hold significant post-graduate experience in psychiatry, this will have been through specialist psychiatry training, and working at a speciality doctor or consultant level.