Understanding the role
What Is a Consultant Psychiatrist?
Consultant Psychiatrist
MRCPsych · CCST in General Adult & Addiction Psychiatry
Dr. Chandrappa's role
A doctor specialising in mental health
Dr. Nirvana Swamy Kudlur Chandrappa is a Consultant Psychiatrist. That means he is a fully qualified medical doctor who has completed specialist postgraduate training in psychiatry and is qualified to work at the most senior clinical level.
He is a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) and holds a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) in General Adult Psychiatry and Substance Misuse (Addiction) Psychiatry.
General adult psychiatry is the specialty concerned with mental-health conditions in adults — including mood, anxiety, psychotic and personality-related difficulties. Addiction psychiatry focuses on alcohol, drug and behavioural addictions, and on the mental-health conditions that often occur alongside them.
Because psychiatrists are doctors, they can consider how physical health, medication and mental health interact, arrange or interpret investigations, and prescribe treatment where appropriate — always following an individual assessment.
Training
The path to becoming a consultant psychiatrist
- 01
Medical degree
Five to six years of medical school, qualifying as a doctor (for Dr. Chandrappa, an MBBS from the University of Mysore).
- 02
Foundation & core training
Supervised practice as a doctor, followed by core psychiatric training across a range of mental-health settings.
- 03
Royal College membership
Passing the Royal College of Psychiatrists' examinations to become a Member (MRCPsych).
- 04
Higher specialist training
Several years of advanced training in a chosen specialty, completed with a CCST/CCT that makes a doctor eligible for consultant posts.
- 05
Consultant
A senior doctor who takes overall clinical responsibility for patient care and usually leads a multidisciplinary team.
How roles differ
Psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist?
Consultant Psychiatrist
- Medically qualified doctor
- Diagnoses mental-health conditions
- Can prescribe and review medication
- Considers physical health, investigations and neuromodulation
Clinical Psychologist
- Doctorate in clinical psychology
- Psychological assessment and formulation
- Delivers evidence-based psychological therapies
- Does not prescribe medication
Counsellor / Psychotherapist
- Trained in talking therapies
- Provides counselling or psychotherapy
- Supports emotional and relational difficulties
- Does not diagnose medically or prescribe
Understanding psychiatry
What Does a Consultant Psychiatrist Do?
A consultant psychiatrist is a medically qualified doctor who has completed specialist training in mental health. Because psychiatrists are doctors, they can consider how physical health, medication and mental health interact — and can prescribe treatment where appropriate.
An assessment can consider
- Mental health symptoms
- Physical health
- Medication
- Previous psychiatric history
- Family history
- Lifestyle and circumstances
- Psychological and social factors
Treatment may involve
- Medication where appropriate
- Psychological therapies through appropriate professionals
- Lifestyle and behavioural recommendations
- Specialist referrals
- Neuromodulation treatments where clinically appropriate
- Ongoing psychiatric follow-up
There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Any treatment is recommended only after an individual assessment, and is discussed with you so that decisions are made together.
Is seeing a psychiatrist right for me?
You don't need to know the answer before getting in touch. If you are unsure, describe your situation in the enquiry form and the practice will advise on next steps.
Take the Next Step
Whether you are seeking an initial psychiatric assessment, specialist advice or ongoing care, the first step is a conversation.