A Psychiatrist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional disorders the psychiatrist is able to understand the biologic, psychologic, and social components of illness and therefore is uniquely prepared to treat the whole person. A psychiatrist is qualified to order diagnostic laboratory tests and to prescribe medications; evaluate and treat psychologic and interpersonal problems; and to intervene with families who are coping with stress, crises, and other problems in living