Unlike a psychologist, a psychiatrist is a fully qualified medical specialist who has completed at least 12 years (In India this is 9 years) of medical education in all aspects of medicine, surgery and psychiatry. Psychiatrists have a unique perspective in being able to diagnose, manage and care for people with mental illnesses and emotional problems whilst keeping both their emotional and physical states in perspective. In addition, psychiatrists are able to offer expert psychological and medical help in the balance required for the individual patient.