The Clinical Psychology Society of India (CPSI) has voiced strong opposition to the Rehabilitation Council of India’s recent decision to change the nomenclature of the M.Phil. Clinical Psychology program to M.A. Clinical Psychology. CPSI argues that this alteration undermines the integrity and depth of clinical psychology training in India.
Key Takeaways
- CPSI opposes the change from M.Phil. to M.A. for clinical psychology training.
- The society emphasizes the importance of maintaining rigorous training standards.
- CPSI calls for intervention from various regulatory bodies to address the issue.
Background of the Controversy
The CPSI, representing clinical psychology professionals in India, has raised concerns that the new nomenclature does not accurately reflect the comprehensive training that the M.Phil. program has provided for over 70 years. CPSI President Jamuna Rajeswaran stated that the M.Phil. program includes extensive academic learning, clinical exposure, and hands-on training necessary for effective psychological assessment and intervention.
Concerns Over Training Quality
Rajeswaran highlighted that the proposed change dilutes the specialized training that mental health professionals receive. The CPSI believes that the M.A. designation fails to convey the rigorous nature of the training, which is crucial for addressing the needs of individuals with mental illness and disabilities.
- Historical Significance: The M.Phil. program has been a time-tested training pathway for clinical psychologists in India, producing qualified professionals for decades.
- Impact of NEP-2020: The introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has led to confusion and disruption among stakeholders, including students, training institutions, and parents.
Call to Action
In a formal statement, CPSI urged immediate intervention from key regulatory bodies, including the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), NITI Aayog, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and various ministries related to health and education. They emphasized the need for a reconsideration of the nomenclature to preserve the integrity of the profession and ensure that training standards remain high.
Previous Nomenclature Approval
CPSI pointed out that an earlier draft proposing the nomenclature of M.Psy. (Clinical Psychology) had received better acceptance among professionals. They argue that the current change not only undermines the profession’s integrity but also compromises public welfare by potentially diluting the quality of mental health services.
Conclusion
The CPSI’s opposition to the new nomenclature reflects broader concerns about the future of clinical psychology training in India. As the debate continues, the society remains committed to advocating for the preservation of rigorous training standards that have long been a hallmark of the profession.
