In a significant shift affecting the future of clinical psychology in India, the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) has announced the discontinuation of the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology program, a traditional pathway for aspiring psychologists. This decision, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, introduces new courses but raises concerns among professionals about the implications for current and future practitioners.
Key Takeaways
- RCI will eliminate the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology starting in the 2024-25 academic session.
- New courses introduced include PG Diploma, Master of Psychology (M.Psy), and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D).
- Eligibility criteria for new courses may disadvantage many current psychology graduates.
- The ruling has sparked widespread concern among professionals and students regarding licensure and job prospects.
Changes To Clinical Psychology Education
The RCI’s recent notification, released on March 3, 2024, outlines a new framework for clinical psychology education. The M.Phil program, which has been a cornerstone for many psychologists, will be replaced by three new courses:
- PG Diploma
- Master of Psychology (M.Psy)
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D)
To enroll in these programs, candidates must possess a UGC-recognized Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) of four years duration. However, the only available psychology bachelor’s degrees in India are typically three-year B.Sc or BA programs, creating a significant barrier for many aspiring psychologists.
New B.Sc Clinical Psychology Course
In a further development, RCI announced the introduction of a B.Sc Clinical Psychology (Hons) four-year course, which will allow graduates to practice as counseling and rehabilitation psychologists. This marks a notable first for the licensing of counseling psychologists in India. However, the eligibility criteria for this program require students to have completed their 12th grade in a science stream, which excludes many potential candidates who studied psychology as an optional subject in the humanities stream.
Concerns From Professionals
The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from various professionals in the field:
- Dr. Lakshmi T.K., founder of Mastermind Foundation, expressed dismay, stating that a unified regulatory body is essential for proper licensure and training.
- Prof. Sam Manickam, founder of the Indian Psychological Network, emphasized the need for collaboration among psychologists to influence policy positively.
- Yudhajt Roychowdhury, a graduate in Clinical Psychology, voiced concerns about the potential job losses and the impact on student enrollment in psychology programs.
- Shruti Balaji Babar, an M.Sc Medical Psychology student, highlighted the uncertainty faced by current students regarding their future licensure.
Implications For The Mental Health Sector
The overlapping and contradictory notifications from RCI could have far-reaching consequences for the mental health landscape in India. Experts warn that:
- A potential shortage of licensed psychologists may arise due to the limited number of universities offering RCI-approved programs.
- The introduction of underqualified graduates into the market could compromise the quality of mental health services.
- The Ministry of Health and Education may need to intervene to ensure that RCI adheres to the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, which governs the regulation of behavioral health professionals.
As the situation unfolds, the future of clinical psychology in India hangs in the balance, with many professionals and students calling for clarity and reform in the regulatory framework.
