The role of the psychiatrist in the practice of psychotherapy.

Historically, psychiatry has played a dominant role in psychotherapeutics, but recently, other mental-health professionals are challenging the role. This paper discusses psychiatrists' different conceptualization of problems and underlines the special contributions they are qualified to make because of their medical training. Patients should be free to choose the type of treatment approach--psychiatric or nonpsychiatric--that best serves their needs.