The journey to becoming a psychiatrist begins with a strong letter of intent. This document serves as your first handshake with residency program directors. Many medical students feel stuck when writing this crucial document. You want to stand out while staying professional. You need to show passion without sounding fake.
Getting this letter right can make all the difference in your application. The words you choose tell program directors who you are as a person and future doctor. Ready to see what makes a great psychiatry residency letter of intent? Let’s look at 15 examples that worked.
Sample Letters of Intent for Psychiatry Residency
These letters showcase different approaches to expressing your interest in psychiatry residency programs.
1. The Personal Journey Letter
Dear Dr. Melissa Thompson,
As a child who grew up watching my grandmother battle bipolar disorder without proper treatment in rural Kentucky, I developed an early understanding of how mental health care access can change lives. This personal connection sparked my interest in psychiatry, which has now grown into a passion through my medical education at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
During my psychiatry rotation at Baltimore Community Mental Health Center, I worked with patients across diverse backgrounds, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of psychiatric care. My research on treatment approaches for underserved populations with Dr. James Lin has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to your program’s commitment to community mental health.
Your residency program at University of Washington stands out due to its emphasis on integrated care models and strong community partnerships. These align perfectly with my goal to practice psychiatry that bridges treatment gaps for vulnerable populations.
I would be honored to discuss how my background and aspirations fit with your program’s mission. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson, MD Candidate
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Class of 2026
sarah.johnson@jhu.edu
555-123-4567
2. The Research-Focused Letter
Dear Dr. Robert Chen,
My research on the neurobiological markers of treatment-resistant depression at Stanford Medical School has shown me how critical translational research is to advancing psychiatric care. This work, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research last year, reinforced my desire to train at a program that values both clinical excellence and scientific inquiry.
Through my clinical rotations, particularly my time at the VA Hospital working with veterans with PTSD, I have seen how research findings directly impact patient outcomes. This experience taught me the importance of evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs.
Columbia University’s psychiatry residency offers the unique combination of strong research mentorship and diverse clinical training that aligns with my career goals. Your department’s work on novel treatment approaches for mood disorders particularly resonates with my research interests.
I look forward to potentially joining your program and contributing to your tradition of excellence in psychiatric research and patient care.
Respectfully,
Michael Zhang, PhD, MD Candidate
Stanford University School of Medicine
Class of 2026
m.zhang@stanford.edu
555-987-6543
3. The Community Service Advocate Letter
Dear Dr. Patricia Alvarez,
The summer I spent running a mental health awareness program in my hometown of Detroit showed me how community engagement can break down barriers to care. This experience, coupled with my medical training at Wayne State University, has prepared me to serve as both a clinician and advocate.
My clinical work at Detroit Community Health Center allowed me to treat patients from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, many facing significant barriers to care. This strengthened my commitment to community psychiatry and culturally competent practice.
UCSF’s psychiatry residency program stands out for its commitment to serving marginalized communities and training psychiatrists who can address systemic healthcare barriers. Your community partnership initiatives align perfectly with my goal to become a psychiatrist who works at the intersection of clinical care and public health.
I am excited about the possibility of bringing my passion for community mental health to your program.
With appreciation,
Tanya Washington
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Class of 2026
t.washington@wayne.edu
555-234-5678
4. The Child Psychiatry Interest Letter
Dear Dr. James Wilson,
Working with children at Camp Sunshine, a summer program for youth with behavioral challenges, taught me the importance of early intervention in mental health. This experience, combined with my medical education at University of Michigan, has focused my interest on child and adolescent psychiatry.
During my psychiatry clerkship, I was particularly drawn to the child psychiatry unit, where I saw how proper diagnosis and treatment could dramatically change a young person’s trajectory. My research project on ADHD assessment tools with Dr. Karen Lewis has further developed my skills in this specialty area.
Your program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital offers exceptional training in child psychiatry, with rotations across settings that would provide comprehensive exposure to developmental psychopathology. The opportunity to learn from leaders in the field like Dr. Thomas Baker, whose work on anxiety disorders in adolescents I have followed closely, is particularly appealing.
I would be grateful for the chance to train in an environment so aligned with my professional goals.
Warm regards,
David Patel
University of Michigan Medical School
Class of 2026
d.patel@umich.edu
555-345-6789
5. The Consultation-Liaison Focus Letter
Dear Dr. Elizabeth Huang,
My rotation in consultation-liaison psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital opened my eyes to the crucial role psychiatrists play in integrated healthcare settings. Helping medical and surgical teams address the psychological aspects of physical illness showed me how this subspecialty bridges mind and body care.
As a medical student at Harvard Medical School, I have sought out additional experiences in this area, including a research project on delirium prevention protocols and volunteering with post-surgical patients struggling with adjustment issues.
NYU Langone’s psychiatry residency program’s strong consultation-liaison service and commitment to integrated care models match my career interests perfectly. Your program’s structured exposure to medical psychiatry would help me develop the expertise needed to excel in this field.
I look forward to potentially contributing to your program’s excellence in consultation-liaison psychiatry.
Best regards,
Jonathan Rivera
Harvard Medical School
Class of 2026
j.rivera@hms.harvard.edu
555-456-7890
6. The Rural Mental Health Letter
Dear Dr. William Anderson,
Growing up in rural Montana, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of accessing mental health care in remote areas. This experience has shaped my medical education at University of Washington, where I have focused on learning approaches that could address these disparities.
During my psychiatry rotation at a critical access hospital, I developed telehealth skills and learned to practice effectively with limited resources. My research on implementing collaborative care models in rural settings has prepared me to help bridge the urban-rural divide in mental health care.
University of Minnesota’s psychiatry residency program stands out for its rural track and commitment to addressing provider shortages in underserved areas. These priorities align perfectly with my goal to eventually practice in a rural community while helping develop sustainable care models.
I would be honored to join a program that shares my commitment to expanding access to quality psychiatric care.
With gratitude,
Emma Peterson
University of Washington School of Medicine
Class of 2026
e.peterson@uw.edu
555-567-8901
7. The Addiction Psychiatry Interest Letter
Dear Dr. Richard Thompson,
My volunteer work at Hope Recovery Center during undergraduate studies first introduced me to the challenges and rewards of addiction treatment. This early experience sparked an interest that has grown throughout my medical education at UCLA, where I have sought out additional training in addiction psychiatry.
My clinical rotation at the Veterans Affairs substance use disorder program allowed me to work with patients at various stages of recovery, teaching me the importance of compassionate, evidence-based approaches. My research on medication-assisted treatment with Dr. Lisa Chen has further developed my understanding of this field.
Yale’s psychiatry residency program offers exceptional training in addiction psychiatry through your specialized track and affiliation with leading research centers. The opportunity to learn from pioneers in the field while gaining hands-on experience across treatment settings would provide ideal preparation for my career goals.
I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your program’s work in addressing substance use disorders.
Sincerely,
Brian Martinez
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
Class of 2026
b.martinez@mednet.ucla.edu
555-678-9012
8. The Geriatric Psychiatry Focus Letter
Dear Dr. Susan Lee,
My close relationship with my grandparents led me to volunteer at Golden Years Nursing Home during college, where I developed a deep appreciation for the unique mental health needs of older adults. This early interest has guided my path at Duke University School of Medicine, where I have pursued additional training in geriatric care.
During my psychiatry clerkship, I was particularly drawn to working with elderly patients dealing with neurocognitive disorders and late-life depression. My research on non-pharmacological approaches to behavioral symptoms in dementia with Dr. Robert Williams has strengthened my commitment to this population.
University of Pittsburgh’s psychiatry residency program’s renowned geriatric psychiatry division and affiliation with the Aging Institute would provide unparalleled training opportunities. Your program’s integrated approach to geriatric mental health aligns perfectly with my goal to deliver comprehensive care to older adults.
I would be grateful for the chance to contribute to your program’s excellence in geriatric psychiatry.
With respect,
Jennifer Kim
Duke University School of Medicine
Class of 2026
j.kim@duke.edu
555-789-0123
9. The Psychotherapy Emphasis Letter
Dear Dr. Nathan Garcia,
My undergraduate studies in psychology first introduced me to the power of therapeutic relationships. This foundation has grown during my medical education at Emory University, where I have sought additional training in various psychotherapy modalities beyond the standard curriculum.
My psychiatry rotations confirmed that while medications play a crucial role, the therapeutic alliance and psychological interventions are equally important tools. My work on a research project examining cognitive behavioral therapy outcomes with Dr. Rachel Cohen has deepened my appreciation for evidence-based psychotherapies.
The Menninger Clinic’s psychiatry residency program stands out for its exceptional psychotherapy training across multiple modalities. Your program’s balanced approach to biological and psychological treatments matches my belief in truly integrated psychiatric care.
I am excited about the possibility of developing my psychotherapy skills under your program’s outstanding faculty.
Kind regards,
Samuel Wilson
Emory University School of Medicine
Class of 2026
s.wilson@emory.edu
555-890-1234
10. The Public Psychiatry Letter
Dear Dr. Angela Martin,
Volunteering at a homeless shelter’s health clinic during college opened my eyes to the critical need for psychiatric services among vulnerable populations. This early experience shaped my path at UCSF School of Medicine, where I have focused on learning approaches that address social determinants of mental health.
During my psychiatry rotation at San Francisco General Hospital, I worked with patients facing complex challenges including homelessness, addiction, and serious mental illness. This experience strengthened my commitment to public psychiatry and systems-based approaches to care.
New York State Psychiatric Institute’s residency program offers unparalleled training in public psychiatry through your community partnerships and policy initiatives. Your program’s commitment to serving marginalized populations and addressing systemic barriers to care aligns perfectly with my professional goals.
I would be honored to join a program that shares my dedication to advancing health equity in mental health care.
With appreciation,
Maria Rodriguez
UCSF School of Medicine
Class of 2026
m.rodriguez@ucsf.edu
555-901-2345
11. The Psychiatry Research Pathway Letter
Dear Dr. Thomas Baker,
My undergraduate research on the genetics of schizophrenia first sparked my interest in psychiatric research. This passion has grown throughout my MD-PhD training at Washington University in St. Louis, where my dissertation focused on neuroimaging markers of treatment response in major depression.
During my clinical rotations, I have been particularly interested in how research findings translate to patient care. My experience working with patients enrolled in clinical trials has shown me the importance of bridging laboratory discoveries and clinical practice.
Massachusetts General Hospital’s research track within your psychiatry residency would provide the ideal environment to continue developing as a physician-scientist. Your program’s integration of clinical excellence and cutting-edge research, along with mentorship from leaders like Dr. Sarah Johnson, aligns perfectly with my career goals.
I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your department’s tradition of groundbreaking psychiatric research while developing as a clinician.
Respectfully,
Daniel Lee, MD-PhD Candidate
Washington University School of Medicine
Class of 2026
d.lee@wustl.edu
555-012-3456
12. The Cultural Psychiatry Letter
Dear Dr. Olivia Washington,
Growing up in a multicultural household with parents from Ghana and Japan gave me an early appreciation for how culture shapes our understanding of mental health. This personal background has informed my approach to medicine at University of California, Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program, where I have sought additional training in cultural psychiatry.
My clinical experiences, particularly working with immigrant communities at Highland Hospital, have shown me how cultural factors influence symptom presentation, treatment preferences, and outcomes. My research on culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy with Dr. Michael Chen has further developed my skills in this area.
UCSF’s psychiatry residency program’s commitment to cultural psychiatry and global mental health aligns perfectly with my interests. Your program’s diverse patient population and faculty expertise in transcultural approaches would provide ideal training for my goals.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to bring my multicultural perspective to your program while continuing to grow as a culturally responsive psychiatrist.
Warm regards,
Akira Osei
UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program
Class of 2026
a.osei@berkeley.edu
555-123-4567
13. The Forensic Psychiatry Interest Letter
Dear Dr. Christopher Johnson,
My undergraduate internship at the county courthouse, observing mental health evaluations for legal proceedings, first sparked my interest in the intersection of psychiatry and law. This initial curiosity has developed into a career focus during my training at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
During my psychiatry rotation at the state forensic hospital, I gained valuable experience working with patients involved in the criminal justice system. My research project on competency restoration with Dr. Laura Davis deepened my understanding of this complex subspecialty.
University of Michigan’s psychiatry residency program offers exceptional forensic psychiatry training through your affiliation with the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. The opportunity to learn from experts in the field while gaining experience across various forensic settings would provide ideal preparation for my career goals.
I am excited about the possibility of joining your program and eventually pursuing fellowship training in forensic psychiatry.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Thompson
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Class of 2026
a.thompson@vanderbilt.edu
555-234-5678
14. The Global Mental Health Letter
Dear Dr. Michelle Rodriguez,
My year working with Doctors Without Borders in refugee camps in Jordan opened my eyes to the global mental health crisis. This formative experience led me to pursue medical education at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where I have focused on gaining skills relevant to international and crisis psychiatry.
During my training, I have sought out global health experiences, including a rotation at a partner site in Ghana where I worked with local practitioners to develop culturally appropriate treatment approaches. My research on trauma-informed care in humanitarian settings with Dr. James Wilson has further prepared me for work in this field.
Harvard’s psychiatry residency program stands out for its global mental health track and partnerships with international organizations. These opportunities align perfectly with my goal to contribute to both clinical care and policy development in regions with limited mental health resources.
I would be honored to join a program that shares my commitment to addressing the global burden of mental illness.
With gratitude,
Gabriel Santos
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Class of 2026
g.santos@mssm.edu
555-345-6789
15. The Integrative Psychiatry Letter
Dear Dr. Rebecca Klein,
My background as a yoga instructor before medical school introduced me to mind-body connections and holistic approaches to wellbeing. This perspective has enriched my medical education at Oregon Health & Science University, where I have explored integrative approaches to mental health care.
During my psychiatry rotation, I was particularly drawn to programs that incorporated lifestyle modifications, mindfulness practices, and complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments. My research project on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression with Dr. David Chen has deepened my understanding of evidence-based integrative approaches.
Stanford’s psychiatry residency program’s emphasis on integrative psychiatry through your wellness track and collaboration with the Center for Integrative Medicine represents exactly the type of training I seek. Your program’s balanced approach to conventional and complementary treatment modalities aligns with my belief in treating the whole person.
I am excited about the possibility of developing as an integrative psychiatrist under your program’s guidance.
Best regards,
Rachel Greene
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
Class of 2026
r.greene@ohsu.edu
555-456-7890
Wrap-up: Letters for Psychiatry Residency
Writing an effective letter of intent requires balancing personal experiences with professional goals and program-specific details. Each of these sample letters shows a different approach to catching the attention of residency directors.
The key takeaway is to be authentic while showing clear connections between your background, your goals, and the specific program. Take time to research each program thoroughly so you can point out genuine matches between their strengths and your interests.
A strong letter makes program directors see not just what you’ve done but what you’ll bring to their program. Use these examples as starting points, but make sure your letter reflects your unique story and vision for your career in psychiatry.