Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving field of mental health, the role of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists has become increasingly critical.

As our understanding of mental health expands, so does the need for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between psychiatry and other medical specialties.

But what exactly does a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker exploring the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect job description,
• Or simply curious about the complex field of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Duties and Responsibilities

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists work at the intersection of medicine and psychiatry, typically in a hospital setting.

They are responsible for diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in patients who are also suffering from complex medical conditions.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients for psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses
• Consulting with medical teams to provide insights on patients’ psychiatric conditions and their potential impact on physical health and treatment plans
• Providing short-term therapy and crisis intervention for patients with acute psychiatric symptoms
• Teaching and supervising medical students and residents in the field of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
• Conducting and interpreting psychiatric assessments and mental status exams
• Managing pharmacological treatments for patients, considering the interactions between psychiatric and medical medications
• Working closely with other mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers to provide comprehensive care
• Helping patients and their families understand and cope with the psychological aspects of their medical conditions
• Documenting patient evaluations, treatments, and follow-ups in medical records, maintaining confidentiality and following ethical guidelines

 

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and qualified Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist to join our team.

Your role will include diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders, providing consultation to medical and surgical inpatients, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to enhance patient care.

Our ideal candidate is highly skilled in understanding the psychological aspects of medical conditions, providing psychiatric care in a medical setting and is committed to delivering quality patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing patients’ mental health status and diagnosing disorders
• Providing consultation to medical and surgical inpatients with co-existing psychiatric conditions
• Developing and implementing patient treatment plans
• Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals
• Providing crisis intervention as necessary
• Documenting patient progress and updating treatment plans
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and complying with all federal and state health information privacy laws
• Staying updated on the latest developments in psychiatry

 

Qualifications

• Board Certified or Board Eligible in Psychiatry
• Previous experience in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry
• Strong understanding of the psychological aspects of medical conditions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Ability to collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary team
• MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school
• Successful completion of a psychiatric residency and fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Mental Health Support

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist
• Work Environment: Hospital or Medical Center. Some on-call responsibilities may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief of Psychiatry or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $220,380 minimum to $303,234 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Do?

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists are specialized medical professionals who provide psychiatric care to individuals who are dealing with complex medical issues.

They typically work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities where they collaborate closely with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive mental health care.

Their main role involves assessing and diagnosing psychiatric disorders and symptoms in patients with complex medical conditions.

They often assist in managing these patients and provide consultations to other healthcare professionals about the psychiatric aspects of their patient’s condition.

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists may also provide brief psychotherapy, prescribe medications, and recommend other psychiatric treatments as needed.

They are particularly skilled in recognizing the relationship between mental and physical health, and how one can impact the other.

They play a crucial role in educating the healthcare team and the patient’s family about the psychiatric aspects of the patient’s medical condition, and how it can influence their overall health and recovery.

They might also participate in research and teaching related to their specialty.

 

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Qualifications and Skills

A Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Medical knowledge and understanding to diagnose and treat psychiatric conditions, and to understand how these conditions might interact with other medical issues.
• Problem-solving skills to assess and diagnose complex cases where mental and physical health issues may interact.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary team of other healthcare professionals.
• Communication skills to clearly explain diagnoses, treatment plans, and medications to patients, families, and other healthcare providers.
• Empathy and compassion to understand and address the emotional needs of patients dealing with both mental and physical health issues.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple patients, keep track of their progress, and coordinate care with other healthcare professionals.
• Resilience and stress management skills to cope with the pressure and emotional demands of the job.
• Research skills to keep updated with the latest research findings and treatment approaches in the field of psychiatry.

 

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Experience Requirements

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists typically need a robust educational background, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Medical Degree.

This is usually followed by a 4-year residency in Psychiatry to gain the practical experience required.

The first few years of the residency program will usually focus on general psychiatry.

However, in the later years, the psychiatrist will be able to specialize in consultation-liaison psychiatry, giving them experience in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders in patients who are experiencing complex medical conditions.

After the residency program, some psychiatrists may choose to pursue a fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry.

This will typically take one to two years and will provide more specialized, in-depth experience in this particular field.

Furthermore, many Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists are also Board Certified, which requires meeting additional experience and examination requirements.

In terms of practical experience, many positions require at least 2 to 5 years of post-residency experience in a hospital or medical clinic setting.

However, more senior roles may require upwards of 7 to 10 years of experience, with some of these years in a leadership or managerial role.

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists also need to have experience working in interdisciplinary teams, as they often work alongside other healthcare professionals such as physicians, psychologists, and social workers.

This experience allows them to provide a more holistic approach to patient care.

Overall, the journey to becoming a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist involves extensive education, rigorous training, and a significant amount of practical experience.

 

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist involves extensive study and training.

It starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree, usually in a science or health-related field.

This is followed by four years of medical school to obtain an M.D. or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree.

In medical school, students take courses in pharmacology, pathology, anatomy and other medical sciences, followed by the completion of clinical rotations.

After graduation, individuals must complete a residency program in psychiatry, which typically takes about four years.

During this time, residents treat patients in hospital settings under the supervision of experienced physicians.

They learn about different psychiatric conditions, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to handle complex psychiatric cases.

A further step is to complete a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.

This additional training, usually of 1-2 years, provides specialized knowledge and skills in the psychiatric care of patients who are being treated for medical or surgical conditions.

Finally, to practice as a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist, individuals must obtain a medical license, which requires passing a series of written and practical exams.

Some psychiatrists also pursue board certification in psychiatry and/or consultation-liaison psychiatry to demonstrate their expertise, although this is not mandatory.

Continued education is essential to keep up with the latest advancements in the field, and many psychiatrists decide to participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities throughout their careers.

 

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Salary Expectations

A Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist can expect an average salary of approximately $220,380 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, specialized training, and the region of practice.

 

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist need?

A Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they work with a diverse range of patients and collaborate with medical professionals from different disciplines.

They should be experienced in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, particularly in patients with complex medical conditions.

They must be detail-oriented and able to handle stress well, given the high-stakes environment in which they work.

 

What is the educational requirement for a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist?

To become a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by a medical degree.

After that, a residency in psychiatry is required, which typically lasts four years.

Some psychiatrists then choose to pursue a subspecialty fellowship in consultation-liaison psychiatry, which can take an additional one to two years.

 

What should you look for in a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist’s resume?

In a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist’s resume, look for a medical degree from an accredited institution and completion of a psychiatry residency program.

If they have completed a consultation-liaison psychiatry fellowship, it’s a strong plus.

Ensure that they have the necessary licensure to practice.

They should also demonstrate experience in a hospital setting, working with patients with co-occurring medical and psychiatric disorders.

 

What qualities make a good Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist?

A good Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist is empathetic and patient, as they work with individuals going through difficult times.

They must be excellent listeners and communicators, able to convey information to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals effectively.

They should be adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.

 

What is the typical work environment for a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist?

Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrists typically work in hospitals, where they consult on a wide range of patients in various departments, from emergency rooms to intensive care units.

Their role is often collaborative, working alongside other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex medical and psychiatric needs.

Their work can be demanding and high-stress, given the critical nature of their patients’ conditions.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricacies of what it truly means to be a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist.

And you know what?

It’s not just about diagnosing and treating patients.

It’s about weaving the fabric of mental health care, one patient interaction at a time.

With our reliable Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this impactful role.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to precisely tailored job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction contributes to the broader picture of mental health care.

Let’s improve mental health. Together.

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