Our Psychiatry Resident Doctor
A psychiatrist is a mental health physician who helps assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions and supports a person’s day-to-day functioning. In our appointments, we address, among other concerns, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum characteristics, and personality disorders, providing thorough and professional assessments. The evaluation process includes a clinical interview and a review of medical history, and—when needed—additional tests conducted by psychologists to ensure an accurate and reliable assessment. When necessary, the psychiatrist develops an individualized treatment plan, which may include medication as well as collaboration with other specialists (psychologist, family therapist, couples therapist, other physicians). In addition, the doctor may request certain tests or procedures before prescribing medication. For example, blood tests or an ECG may be arranged through your family doctor, while some investigations are carried out in other organizations where they are available (including CT scans). Ordering and performing these tests or procedures is not included in our price list. We also provide psychiatric assessments for various official permits and medical certificates in accordance with applicable laws and requirements. During the assessment, the psychiatrist and the psychologist evaluate a person’s cognitive abilities and/or personality traits, which is why the psychiatrist may refer you for a personality assessment or a cognitive functioning evaluation. The psychologist conducts the assessments, and the psychiatrist prepares the medical summary and makes the diagnosis. If needed, additional information may be requested regarding previous treatment or health records in order to make an objective and professional decision. If the assessment is positive, a medical certificate is issued for use in the relevant application process. Our goal is to provide a confidential, trustworthy, and legally compliant service while supporting every person’s mental health and well-being. A psychiatry resident is a licensed medical doctor who has completed medical school but continues training to specialize in psychiatry. Residency is a practical and theoretical training program that provides in-depth knowledge and skills for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A psychiatry resident works under the supervision of a qualified specialist psychiatrist—at our clinic, this supervising psychiatrist is Dr. Anton Peltonen. The resident sees patients, performs assessments, participates in treatment planning, and may prescribe treatment within their scope of practice and according to applicable guidelines. More complex cases and decisions are discussed with the supervisor when needed. In Estonia, residency typically lasts several years, and after successful completion the doctor becomes a specialist psychiatrist. In other words, a resident is a qualified physician receiving additional specialized training in psychiatry. A doctor is not responsible for treatment outcomes if they have acted correctly and according to good medical practice, because medicine cannot always guarantee a specific result. A doctor is also not responsible for the natural course of an illness or complications that are not caused by a medical error. The doctor cannot be held responsible if the patient provides incorrect or incomplete information (for example, fails to mention medications, allergies, or previous conditions), or if the patient does not follow medical advice, does not take medication correctly, or misses follow-up appointments. In addition, the doctor is not responsible for unforeseen and unavoidable situations (such as a very rare, unexpected reaction to medication) or for the decisions or errors of another specialist outside the doctor’s control.