Essential Questions to Ask in Psychiatry Residency Interviews

Psychiatry residency interviews are not just about programs assessing you—they are equally about you assessing them. The questions you ask programs are one of the most powerful tools you have to understand culture, training quality, and day-to-day reality. Thoughtful, well-placed questions can also demonstrate your insight into the field and your fit with psychiatry.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through what to ask, who to ask, and how to tailor your questions to get the most out of your psychiatry residency interviews and open houses. Whether you’re an MS4, IMG, or re-applicant, you’ll leave with a curated list you can adapt for any psych match conversation.

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Why Your Questions Matter in Psychiatry Residency Interviews

In psychiatry, how people talk and interact often tells you as much as what they say. The same is true on interview day. Your questions serve several purposes:

• Gather information beyond the website and brochure
• Reveal program culture through how honestly and specifically people respond
• Signal your priorities (e.g., psychotherapy training, research, community psychiatry)
• Show insight into psychiatry as a specialty, not just residency in general
• Create a two-way dialogue rather than a one-sided interrogation

Residency interviews can blend together quickly, especially during the busy psych match season. Structured, thoughtful questions will help you compare programs later and prevent you from relying solely on vague “feelings” about a place.

Approach every interaction (faculty, PD, residents, coordinators) with a mental framework:

1. What do I need to know to thrive here?
2. What can only be learned by asking, not by reading the website?
3. How do their answers align with my personal priorities and career goals?

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Core Domains: What You Should Always Ask About

No matter where you apply, there are certain topics you should almost always cover during a psychiatry residency interview. These are not just “good to know”—they’re fundamental to understanding whether the program fits you.

1. Clinical Training & Case Mix

Psychiatry is incredibly broad: emergency psychiatry, inpatient, outpatient, consults, addiction, child and adolescent, geriatric, forensics, community psychiatry, CL, neuromodulation, and more. You want to understand how your training will be distributed and what your “bread and butter” cases will look like.

Questions to ask residency programs about clinical experience:

• “Can you describe the typical case mix residents see on inpatient psychiatry and in outpatient clinics?”
• “How are rotations structured across the four years, and which rotations do residents find most formative?”
• “How much exposure do residents have to severe and persistent mental illness versus more common conditions like anxiety and depression?”
• “How are child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction, and geriatric psychiatry integrated into the core curriculum?”
• “What opportunities are there for exposure to subspecialties like forensics, CL psychiatry, neuromodulation (ECT, TMS), or women’s mental health?”

Pay attention to:

• Concrete examples versus vague “you see a bit of everything”
• Whether residents feel over- or under-exposed to certain populations
• How much autonomy residents have in managing complex cases

2. Supervision, Teaching, and Feedback

In psychiatry, how you are supervised strongly shapes your professional identity. You need robust, supportive, and thoughtful supervision—especially during emotionally complex cases.

Questions to ask faculty or program leadership:

• “How is supervision structured on inpatient and outpatient rotations?”
• “What is the typical supervisor-to-resident ratio in continuity clinic?”
• “How often do residents receive formal feedback, and in what format?”
• “How is psychotherapy supervision arranged (e.g., individual vs. group, frequency, modalities)?”

Questions to ask residents:

• “Do you feel you get enough supervision early on? Does it change as you become more senior?”
• “Are attendings approachable when you have difficult clinical or ethical situations?”
• “How is feedback delivered—supportively, constructively, or more punitively?”

Look for:

• Specific supervision structures (e.g., “weekly 1:1 supervision per therapy case”)
• A culture that balances autonomy with backup
• Evidence of ongoing, not just end-of-rotation, feedback

3. Call Schedule, Workload, and Wellness

Wellness is not just a buzzword in psychiatry; it’s central to the specialty. Yet, residents can still experience significant stress, moral injury, and burnout, especially around high-acuity cases and limited system resources.

Key questions to ask about call and workload:

• “How is call structured across PGY years? What does a typical call shift look like?”
• “How many patients does a resident typically carry on inpatient or CL services?”
• “Have there been any changes to the schedule or call system based on resident feedback?”
• “How does the program monitor and address resident burnout or emotional strain from challenging cases?”

Wellness-specific questions:

• “What formal wellness resources exist (e.g., resident support groups, therapy, protected time)?”
• “Are residents supported in seeking mental health care themselves (e.g., scheduling, confidentiality)?”
• “Can you share an example of how the program supported residents after a difficult event (e.g., patient suicide, safety incident)?”

You are not just asking whether a wellness committee exists—you’re probing for how they respond when things go wrong.

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Tailored Questions for Different People: Program Director, Faculty, and Residents

You’ll interact with multiple stakeholders on interview day, and it helps to tailor your questions to each group. “What to ask program director” is different from what you should ask interns at lunch.

What to Ask the Program Director (PD)

The PD can speak to big-picture vision, curriculum, and outcomes. This is where you explore program direction, leadership style, and how the residency responds to change.

High-yield questions to ask the program director:

1. Program Vision and Change

   • “How has the program evolved over the past 3–5 years, and where do you see it going?”
   • “What recent changes have you implemented in response to resident feedback or broader changes in psychiatry?”

2. Educational Priorities

   • “What aspects of resident education are you most proud of?”
   • “Is there a particular skill set you want every graduate of this program to have mastered?”

3. Psychotherapy and Biological Psychiatry Balance

   • “How do you balance training in psychotherapy with psychopharmacology and newer modalities like neuromodulation?”
   • “Are there specific psychotherapy competencies you expect by graduation (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, DBT)?”

4. Graduated Responsibility and Safety

   • “How do you approach graduated responsibility, and how do you ensure residents feel supported as they transition to more independence?”

5. Career Outcomes and Support

   • “What do your graduates typically go on to do (fellowships vs. general practice, academic vs. community)?”
   • “How does the program support residents applying for competitive fellowships or academic positions?”

What to look for in PD answers:

• Transparency about challenges (e.g., “our CL volume is high, but we’ve added an extra attending”)
• Specific examples of change based on resident feedback
• A clear educational philosophy aligned with what you want from your psychiatry residency

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What to Ask Faculty Interviewers

Faculty can speak to day-to-day teaching, departmental culture, and mentorship. They may not know granular call details, but they know how the program functions clinically and academically.

Targeted interview questions for them (faculty):

• “How would you describe the culture between residents and faculty in this department?”
• “In what ways do you work with residents clinically (e.g., supervision style, shared patients)?”
• “How does the department support residents who want to get involved in research, QI, or educational projects?”
• “What unique opportunities are available here that might not exist at other psychiatry programs?”
• “How receptive is the department to resident input on clinical workflows or educational content?”

Consider also asking faculty about their own paths:

• “What made you choose to work at this institution, and what has kept you here?”

Their answers often reveal what’s genuinely special (or problematic) about the environment.

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What to Ask Residents

Residents are your best source for uncensored, on-the-ground insight. During social events or resident-only sessions, dig into reality, not marketing.

Vital questions to ask residency residents:

1. Daily Life & Culture

   • “What does a typical day look like for a PGY-1? PGY-3?”
   • “How would you describe the resident culture—collaborative, competitive, close-knit, more independent?”

2. Wellness, Support, and Safety

   • “Do you feel the program cares about your well-being in a meaningful way?”
   • “How does the program handle safety issues on inpatient and emergency psychiatry (e.g., staffing, security protocols)?”

3. Workload & Realism

   • “Is the workload manageable? Are there rotations that feel especially overwhelming?”
   • “How often do you feel you’re able to leave on time?”

4. Teaching & Supervision Quality

   • “Who are the best teachers or supervisors here, and what makes them effective?”
   • “Do you feel comfortable approaching attendings when you’re uncertain or overwhelmed?”

5. Responsiveness to Feedback

   • “Have residents advocated for changes, and did the program respond? Can you give an example?”

6. Program Weaknesses

   • “What are the biggest weaknesses or growing edges of this program?”
   • “If you could change one thing, what would it be?”

Notice not only what they say, but how they say it—hesitation, defensiveness, or a unified “party line” may signal red flags.

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Psychiatry-Specific Domains You Should Explore

Psychiatry has unique dimensions that may not be adequately addressed by generic “questions to ask residency” lists. Tailor your questions to these core domains.

Psychotherapy Training

One of the defining features of psychiatry residency is psychotherapy education—but how robust and balanced it is varies widely.

Questions about psychotherapy:

• “What formal psychotherapy curriculum do you have (structure, starting year, modalities taught)?”
• “How many psychotherapy cases does a typical resident carry, and what types of therapy are most commonly used?”
• “How is psychotherapy supervision structured—individual, group, videotaped sessions?”
• “Do residents feel they graduate with enough psychotherapy experience to practice comfortably?”

Probe for:

• Specific expected competencies (e.g., CBT for depression, supportive therapy, elements of psychodynamic work)
• Whether psychotherapy is prioritized or squeezed between medication management visits
• Balance between therapy and high-volume med-check clinics

Biological and Interventional Psychiatry

Modern psychiatry increasingly involves integrated biological approaches: complex psychopharmacology, neuromodulation, and collaboration with neurology and primary care.

Questions to ask:

• “What exposure do residents have to ECT, TMS, ketamine/esketamine, or other neuromodulation techniques?”
• “How is training in complex psychopharmacology (e.g., treatment-resistant depression, clozapine management) integrated into rotations?”
• “Are there opportunities to work in specialty clinics (e.g., early psychosis, mood disorders, psychopharmacology consult clinics)?”

Community Psychiatry and Systems of Care

Psychiatry is deeply tied to social determinants of health, community resources, and policy. Many programs have strong community rotations and public psychiatry experiences.

Questions to explore systems-level training:

• “What opportunities are there for community psychiatry or working in public mental health settings?”
• “How are residents exposed to social determinants of mental health and collaboration with social workers, case managers, and community resources?”
• “Are there integrated care experiences (collaborative care in primary care, telepsychiatry, school-based mental health)?”

Safety, Risk, and Complex Situations

Psychiatry residents frequently encounter patients with high suicide risk, aggression, or severe self-harm behaviors. You should know how you’ll be supported.

Key questions:

• “How does the program train residents to manage suicidal or violent patients, especially early in training?”
• “What support is available after sentinel events like patient suicide or severe incidents on the unit?”
• “How do you ensure physical and emotional safety for trainees in high-risk settings (e.g., PES, certain inpatient units)?”

Listening for specific protocols and real-world examples here is crucial.

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Strategy: How to Use These Questions Effectively

Having a list of interview questions for them is helpful—but how you deploy them matters.

1. Do Your Homework First

Avoid asking anything obviously answered on the website (“Do you offer a child fellowship?”). Instead, build off what you’ve read:

• “I saw on your website that PGY-3 residents spend a significant portion of time in outpatient clinic. How does that compare to your inpatient experience in terms of supervision and autonomy?”

This shows preparation and maturity.

2. Prioritize 3–5 Core Themes Per Program

You can’t ask everything. Before each interview day, identify your top priorities, such as:

• Strong psychotherapy training
• Flexible electives and research
• Supportive culture & wellness
• Community psychiatry exposure
• Preparation for fellowship vs. general practice

Then choose 1–2 focused questions per person that align with those themes.

3. Tailor to the Person You’re Speaking With

• PD: Vision, curricular structure, outcomes, big changes.
• Faculty: Teaching style, subspecialty experiences, mentorship.
• Residents: Reality of rotations, support, interpersonal culture, unfiltered pros/cons.
• Chief residents: Logistics, advocacy, communication between residents and leadership.

4. Use Open-Ended, Comparative, and Example-Seeking Questions

Instead of:

• “Is the program supportive?” (yes/no)

Try:

• “Can you share an example of a time when the program supported residents during a challenging situation?”
• “How does your call system compare between PGY-1 and PGY-2 in terms of autonomy and backup?”

Questions asking for examples often yield the most honest insights.

5. Take Notes Immediately After Each Session

During psych match season, programs blur together. After each interview day:

• Write down key points under headings like “Strengths,” “Concerns,” “Culture,” “Gut feeling.”
• Note exact phrases that stood out (“We’re always open to change,” “You’re really on your own at night,” etc.).
• Capture answers to your top “deal-breaker” questions for later comparison.

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Putting It All Together: Sample Question Sets by Priority

Below are example bundles of questions you might use depending on your top priorities in psychiatry residency.

If You Prioritize Psychotherapy and Comprehensive Psych Training

• “What specific psychotherapy competencies do you expect from graduates, and how do you ensure residents meet them?”
• “How early do residents start carrying their own therapy cases, and how is that balanced with other clinical duties?”
• “Do residents feel they have enough time and supervision to meaningfully practice psychotherapy rather than just brief med management?”
• “Are there opportunities for advanced training in specific modalities (e.g., DBT programs, psychodynamic long-term therapy, group therapy)?”

If You Prioritize Work-Life Balance and Wellness

• “How often do residents feel they can leave on time on most rotations?”
• “Which rotations are considered the most demanding, and have any adjustments been made to support residents?”
• “What are some concrete wellness initiatives the program has started in the last 1–2 years?”
• “How easy is it to schedule personal appointments or mental health care within the residency schedule?”

If You Prioritize Community Psychiatry and Underserved Populations

• “What percentage of your patient population comes from underserved or public mental health settings?”
• “How are equity, diversity, and inclusion incorporated into daily clinical work and formal teaching?”
• “Do residents have opportunities to rotate at community mental health centers, VA, public hospitals, or mobile crisis teams?”
• “Are there tracks or concentrations in public/community psychiatry?”

If You’re Aiming for Fellowship or Academia

• “What support does the program provide for research—protected time, mentors, or project guidance?”
• “Do residents have a faculty mentor assigned, and how is that process structured?”
• “How competitive have your residents been for fellowships in [child/adolescent, addiction, CL, forensics, etc.]?”
• “What proportion of recent graduates have gone into academic vs. community practice?”

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Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Asking Questions

Be intentional not only about what you ask, but how:

• Avoid confrontational or judgmental phrasing
  Instead of: “I heard your call is brutal. Is that true?”
  Try: “How do residents experience the call schedule, and have there been any recent changes based on feedback?”

• Don’t lead with compensation or moonlighting questions
  These are reasonable topics, but better saved for later in the conversation or for residents, not as your first question to the PD.

• Skip what’s easily searchable
  You’ll appear underprepared if you ask about basic facts clearly listed on the website.

• Don’t ask “What are your weaknesses?” in a way that invites a rehearsed answer
  Try: “What are some areas the program is actively working to improve over the next few years?”

• Avoid asking zero questions
  Opting out can signal lack of interest or insight. Even one thoughtful, tailored question is better than none.

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FAQs: Questions to Ask Programs in Psychiatry

1. How many questions should I ask in each interview?

Aim for 1–3 thoughtful questions per interview, depending on time and how conversational the interaction is. It’s better to ask a few well-chosen questions and have a rich discussion than to fire off a long list. Also save some questions specifically for residents during socials or breakout rooms.

2. Is it okay to ask residents about salary, moonlighting, or unionization?

Yes—but be strategic. These are best asked in resident-only spaces, not in front of program leadership, and not as your opening question. For example:

• “Do residents have moonlighting opportunities, and at what PGY level?”
• “How do you feel about the salary and cost of living here?”
• “Are residents part of a union, and how has that impacted your experience?”

3. Can I ask about red flags I’ve seen on online forums?

You can, but do so neutrally and respectfully, and usually with residents rather than the PD first. For example:

• “I’ve read online that call used to be very heavy here. Has that changed in recent years, and how do residents experience it now?”
  You’re looking for openness and a clear narrative of change, not defensiveness.

4. What if I feel like all programs sound the same when they answer my questions?

This is common. To differentiate:

• Ask for specific examples (“Can you give an example of a resident-initiated change?”)
• Focus on how they answer: detail, transparency, and affect
• Take structured notes immediately after each interview day
• Reflect on whether their answers align with what you want from a psychiatry residency, not just what “sounds good” in general

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Used thoughtfully, your questions are one of the strongest tools you have in the psych match process. They help you determine not just where you will match, but where you can grow into the psychiatrist you hope to become.