The discipline of psychiatry deals with mental health and psychiatric disorders. The prevalence estimates for the common mental disorders (CMDs) in developing countries is estimated to be higher than western countries. In contrast, there is a dearth of trained mental health professionals in Pakistan.

Psychiatry residency programme at AKUH offers a broad based training in recognition and management of mental disorders.  It has the largest and one of the most diverse teaching faculties in the country.

The philosophy of residency training programme is to produce leaders in mental health with the necessary vision and skill to establish and deliver basic mental health services. The emphasis in the training programme is on acquiring essential diagnostic and therapeutic skills.  Trainees from all over the country are encouraged to apply, through advertisements in national newspapers.

The Psychiatry Residency Programme is recognised by the CPSP for FCPS (Psychiatry) training.​