Wed Dec 04 15:37:57 UTC 2024: ## India’s Clinical Psychology Education Faces Uncertainty Amidst NEP Changes
**Bengaluru, December 4, 2024** – A new study published in *PLOS Mental Health* raises concerns about the future of clinical psychology education in India following the introduction of new courses under the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020). The paper, authored by clinical psychologists from Devi Ahilya University and AIIMS Bhopal, highlights confusion surrounding the discontinuation of the MPhil program and the introduction of multiple new pathways, including BSc, Postgraduate Diploma, MPsych, and PsyD programs.
India faces a critical shortage of clinical psychologists, falling far below World Health Organization recommendations. The authors argue that the proliferation of new programs, introduced without clear guidelines on phasing out older ones, has created disparities in training quality and unclear professional roles. The introduction of titles like “Clinical Psychologist (Associate)” and “Counseling Psychologist (Mental Health)” further exacerbates this confusion.
The study emphasizes the need for a streamlined system, recommending consolidation of multiple licensure categories into a unified standard, mirroring practices in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The authors suggest adopting a single “Clinical Psychologist” category with standardized qualifications like a PsyD or PhD. They also propose streamlining accreditation to one or two pathways, similar to the clear MD or DPM routes in psychiatry.
Dr. Amit Kumar Soni, a co-author and former NIMHANS researcher, stressed the need for a central regulatory body to oversee professional standards and ensure consistent training. He highlighted the continued prestige of the MPhil program despite the introduction of new courses, emphasizing its more rigorous training. Dr. Mohit Kumar, the other co-author, pointed out the under-valuation of clinical psychologists, often narrowly categorized as rehabilitation professionals despite their broader mental health expertise.
The authors conclude that a unified approach is crucial to improve the quality of mental health services in India, addressing the current shortage and ensuring patients receive appropriate care. They advocate for clearly defined roles and responsibilities within the field to avoid overlap and confusion. The lack of clear guidelines and the multiple pathways risk diluting professional standards and undermining the quality of mental health care in the country.
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