What is it about?
India faces a shortage of clinical psychologists. Ending the main M.Phil. program has led to confusing new courses that may lower training quality. We suggest simplifying training paths and clarifying roles to ensure high-quality mental health services.
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Why is it important?
Our article tackles the immediate challenges arising from India's recent education policy changes, specifically the discontinuation of the M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology program under NEP-2020. This policy shift has led to the introduction of multiple new training programs without clear guidelines, causing confusion and risking the quality of mental health services. Uniquely, we propose consolidating licensure categories and streamlining training pathways to mirror global best practices. By advocating for a unified regulatory body governed by psychologists, we aim to enhance professional standards and accountability. This work is timely and significant as it addresses the current gaps in clinical psychology training and offers practical solutions to ensure that the increasing demand for mental health professionals does not compromise the quality of care.
Perspectives
Writing this article was both a professional and personal journey for me. Being actively involved in teaching clinical psychology, I've directly observed how recent educational policy changes have created uncertainty and challenges for both students and educators in our field. Collaborating with my co-author, who shares my dedication to upholding the highest standards in clinical psychology education, was immensely rewarding. Through this publication, I aim to highlight critical issues that need immediate attention and foster a constructive dialogue among educators, policymakers, and fellow practitioners. My hope is that our work will contribute to meaningful reforms, ensuring that the training of clinical psychologists remains rigorous and that we continue to provide high-quality mental health services to those in need.
Amit Kumar Soni
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Clinical psychology training and accreditation: Meeting demands without jeopardizing quality, PLOS Mental Health, November 2024, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000188.
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