Psychiatry courses can help you learn diagnostic criteria, therapeutic techniques, and the biological underpinnings of mental health disorders. You can build skills in patient assessment, treatment planning, and effective communication with clients and their families. Many courses introduce tools like psychological assessment instruments and electronic health record systems, that support tracking patient progress and managing treatment plans.

The University of Sydney
Skills you'll gain: Mental Health, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Psychiatry, Positivity, Optimism, Resilience, Behavioral Health, Mental Health Therapies, Psychotherapy, Personal Development, Mental and Behavioral Health, Creativity, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Substance Abuse, Empowerment, Relationship Building, Exercise Therapy
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The University of Melbourne
Skills you'll gain: Mental Status Examination, Psychiatry, Medical History Documentation, Healthcare Ethics, Psychosocial Assessments, Mental and Behavioral Health, Patient Communication, Cultural Sensitivity, Patient Evaluation, Interpersonal Communications, Interviewing Skills, Rapport Building
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Neurology, Physiology, Anatomy, Cell Biology, Psychology, Pathology, Molecular Biology
Advanced · Course · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychological Evaluations, Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Patient Evaluation, Diagnostic Tests, Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Assessments, Cultural Diversity, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Neurology, Demography, Psychology, Pharmacotherapy
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Assessments, Cultural Diversity, Psychology, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacology, Demography
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Child Development, Psychiatry, Mental Health, Human Development, Human Learning, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Sociology, Neurology, Critical Thinking, Scientific Methods, Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Pharmacology, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychotherapy, Psychology, Mental Health Therapies, Patient Evaluation, Neurology, Scientific Methods, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Medical History Documentation, Medical Imaging
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Clinical Psychology, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Trauma Care, Mental Health, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Health, Psychological Evaluations, Pharmacology, Diagnostic Tests, Neurology, Cultural Diversity, Patient Treatment, Epidemiology, Patient Evaluation
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Cambridge
Skills you'll gain: Human Learning, Child Development, Psychology, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Teaching, Decision Making, Learning Theory, Instructional Strategies, Pedagogy, Learning Strategies, Developmental Disabilities, Empathy, Working With Children, Neurology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Medical Imaging, Electrophysiology, Human Development
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Stress Management, Resilience, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychiatry, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Physiology, Trauma Care, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Psychological Evaluations, Behavioral Health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cultural Diversity, Patient Evaluation, Health Assessment, Health And Wellness Coaching, Patient Treatment
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Wesleyan University
Skills you'll gain: Motivational Interviewing, Psychological Evaluations, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Mental Health Therapies, Behavioral Health, Mental and Behavioral Health, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Cultural Diversity, Psychiatric Assessments, Psychology, Experimentation, Health Education, Interpersonal Communications, Culture, Clinical Assessment, Goal Setting
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Triage, Crisis Intervention, Active Listening, Rapport Building, Emergency Response, First Aid, Psychiatric Assessments, Interpersonal Communications, Mental Health, Stress Management, Rehabilitation, Patient Referral, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Community Development
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
"What is psychiatry, and why is it important?
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders. It plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of human behavior and emotional well-being. As mental health issues become increasingly recognized globally, the importance of psychiatry has grown, emphasizing the need for trained professionals who can provide effective care and support."
Careers in psychiatry can vary widely, including roles such as psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, clinical psychologist, and mental health counselor. Additionally, there are opportunities in research, teaching, and healthcare administration. Each role contributes to the overall mental health landscape, offering various pathways for those interested in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges.
To pursue a career in psychiatry, essential skills include strong communication, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Understanding psychological theories and treatment modalities is also vital. Additionally, skills in patient assessment, ethical decision-making, and cultural competence can enhance your effectiveness in this field.
Some of the best online psychiatry courses include Foundations of International Psychiatry and Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical insights into the field, making them valuable for anyone looking to expand their understanding of psychiatry.
Yes. You can start learning psychiatry on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in psychiatry, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning psychiatry can be approached through various methods, including online courses, textbooks, and practical experiences. Start by enrolling in introductory courses to build your foundational knowledge. Supplement your learning with relevant literature and engage in discussions with professionals in the field to deepen your understanding.
Typical topics covered in psychiatry courses include mental health disorders, treatment approaches, psychological assessment, and ethical considerations in mental health care. Courses may also explore the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.
For training and upskilling employees in the mental health sector, courses like Foundations of International Psychiatry and Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health are excellent choices. These courses equip professionals with essential knowledge and skills to enhance their practice and support mental health initiatives effectively.