text: best place to work? how many years in college? how much is the salary? as a psychiatrist? right now i'm 17 and has really took an interest in the field of psychiatry . . .  i just wanna know . . .  how many years in college do i have to take to become a psychiatrist (including the undergraduate program) . . . what is also the best undergraduate program to take to become a psychiatrist?  where is the best place to work as a psychiatrist?  and how much is the salary of a psychiatrist? with experience and without (newly graduate)? the best place to work depends on what you are interested in and what specific field of psychology/psychiatry you want to work. there are endless places: hospitals, rehabs, private clinics, schools, various businesses, with the govt., as a professor, researcher, with adults only, with children, families, couples, etc.   you better really want to do it, or you won't make it through school. usually about 10 years all together and that is without experience. 4 years for bachelor degree, typically unless it takes you longer. then can go to grad school for masters, 2 years at least or go straight for doctorate, another 4-5 years depending on the curriculum. if you don't want a doctorate, you can stop at a masters but you are limited to where you can work and what you can do. so, get "psyched" up for it!   the best program would probably be in california, chicago, or ny. depends on where you are willing to go and how much you are willing to pay. professional colleges/univ. are more expensive. keep in mind, that you do not have to go to any of those mentioned for one of the best educations. there are many places in the us to get just as good an education. the apa organiztion (american psychological association) lists colleges/univ. that are accredited; you need to go to one of those or your education won't matter. unless, you want the more counseling side of it, then it can be accredited by the aca (american counseling association) and they have a list of schools on their website too! the school needs to be accredited!   as for different salaries, they are paid very well and if you get in a private clinic...sometimes they make their own  salary. but go to  for more specific salaries. and the apa.org can help you there too.