If you are a person who loves to help people and interested in the ways the human mind functions, a career in clinical psychology is a career path to consider. Clinical psychologists get specialized training that enables them to help clients with a wide range of issues, assisting them in making adjustments, becoming more resilient, and developing strengths so that they could navigate better in life. With a lot of scope rising, clinical psychology is becoming a sought-out career in India. Read on to know the career path to choose to become a Clinical Psychologist in, and details about the profession. here is an article on How to become a Clinical Psychologist in india.
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology which focuses on emotional, mental and behavioral diseases being diagnosed and treated. Learning impairments, drug addiction, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety are some of the other conditions that also may be addressed.
What do Clinical Psychologists do?
Clinical psychologist identifies behavioral, mental, and emotional issues in the lives of their clients using different kind of tests, one-to-one interviews, and direct observation. Accordingly, they create a treatment plan based on the needs of the client. Psychologists monitor the client’s response to treatment on a frequent basis to ensure that the therapy used is working, and if needed to make changes to make it more effective.
Some of the responsibilities of a clinical psychologist in a typical day include –
- Diagnosing disorders, on the basis of information about the client gathered through different tests, interviews, records, or any other reference materials
- Figuring out treatment strategies and therapy processes and providing them to the clients
- Using treatment methods, like hypnosis, behaviour modification, psychotherapy, stress reduction therapy, play therapy or psychodrama to ultimately help clients get over their disorders
- Scheduling regular meetings and sessions to keep track of the client’s development.
- Conducting research and publishing research findings as case studies or research papers
What are the qualifications to become a Clinical Psychologist?
At 10+2 level, any stream can be taken, with or without Psychology as a subject. There is no restriction for any specific stream for gaining admission into Psychology courses with regards to the combination of subjects, but a minimum qualifying percentage at +2 level is set by the institute to take admission. However, it is an advantage to take Psychology in school for a better understanding of the subject’s basics.
Right Skill = Bright Future
In under graduation, you could choose to do either B.Sc. or B.A. in Psychology. While there is not much difference in the both, B.Sc. is a science degree that is focused on research with subjects like statistics and research methodologies. It is a good option for people who want to go into academia. B.A. is for people who want to go into counselling and related fields. After under graduation, one can choose to do a specialization in Clinical Psychology, either a post-graduation in M.Sc. or M.A. degree. You could also go on to do a Ph.D. as well.
What are the courses /certifications needed to be completed to become a recognized Clinical Psychologist in India?
For becoming a registered clinical psychologist in India, a license from Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is required. There are three courses in which one can complete to register for a license.
- Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology is a one-year, full-time training program with on completion with which you could apply as an Associate Clinical Psychologist in mental health institutes, rehabilitation units, general hospitals, or other relevant places.
- M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology course prepares the candidate to be eligible as a qualified professional Clinical Psychologist. They are trained in various areas of mental and physical like Therapeutic, Diagnostic, Rehabilitative, and administrative services.
- PsyD. in Clinical Psychology is an applied clinical doctorate degree after on competition you could apply as a professional psychologist
What are the skills required to become a Clinical Psychologist?
Some of the important skill sets needed to become a Clinical Psychologist include –
- Able to effectively do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Conducting, assessing and analyzing Psychometric tests
- Knowledge on Disorder analysis
- Good grip on aspects of Mental health and wellness
- Inter-personal skills
Mental health is as important as physical health and this realization is gaining momentum in India. In the coming years, there will be more demand for Clinical Psychologists. Get specialized training that enables them to help clients with a wide range of issues, assisting them in making adjustments, becoming more resilient, and developing strengths so that they could navigate better in life. With a lot of scope rising, clinical psychology is becoming a sought-out career in India. Read on to know the career path to choose to become a Clinical Psychologist in, and details about the profession.
Mental health is as important as physical health and this realization is gaining momentum in India. In the coming years, there will be more demand for Clinical Psychologists.
