Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the views and attitudes that psychiatrists have about recovery colleges (RCs). Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten psychiatrists from the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust. Findings Psychiatrists had a strong concept of the RC model, and were broadly positive about it, recognising many benefits. Various challenges were also acknowledged including how the RC model interacts with the medical model. Originality/value This is the first known study to explore solely the psychiatrists’ views of RCs, a group who are likely to be particularly influential within services. The sample was relatively unexposed to RCs, enabling insight into how the RC is perceived by those outside of its functioning as well as the state of wider organisational support, which is important for the success of RCs.