Karma Care’s Post

https://chng.it/fVVxVSk2fh This petition is on behalf of all the aspirants of clinical psychology who are currently in their first year of master's in psychology but have no background in psychology at the bachelor's level AND the students pursuing their Bachelor's in other subjects but willing to the license of a Clinical Psychologist in Future. They are deeply concerned about the recent changes because of the discontinuation of M.Phil Clinical Psychology and not meeting the eligibility criteria for M.Psy or Psy.D For years, the pathway to becoming a clinical psychologist in India allowed individuals with a master's degree in psychology, regardless of their undergraduate background, to pursue further education and training in clinical psychology. This inclusive approach has enabled many passionate individuals to fulfill their dreams of becoming mental health professionals and serving their communities. However, the recent changes by the RCI as per NEP to make a bachelor's degree in psychology (or as a major subject) compulsory undermines the aspirations of numerous students who may not have pursued psychology at the undergraduate level but are currently pursuing or have completed their master's degree in psychology. This change in eligibility criteria creates barriers for those already on the path toward this profession (MA/MSc Psychology pursuing students). I urge the concerned students/institutions to sign this petition to show your mutual concern towards the purpose of this petition.

Okay, so far, this is what I've understood from the past few weeks worth of guidelines by Rehabilitation Council Of India So let's say I'm bsc clinical psychology student in my last year (with all that science bg and stuff). Now I can either stop at this degree and be a counsellor, or I can get into the next degree which would take me towards licensure of a clinical psychologist. Now, there are 3 degrees here: the diploma, MA Clin Psych, and Doctorate of Psychology. They'll generate some pathways, some of which are: 1) Do that diploma and stop. I'll be known as an assistant clinical psychologist. It's like the PG Diploma which works right now. 2) Do that diploma, and then continue to MA Clin Psych and then stop. Now I'd be a clinical psychologist, be able to provide psychotherapy, hospital jobs and other perks. Professorship is also possible here. 3) Do that diploma, go for MA and then the doctorate. Here, I'd get more "authenticity" along with above mentioned perks of MA Now, I can choose to - Not do the diploma and straight up go for MA after BSc - I can also skip MA and go for a 4 year PsyD. But, for a position of clinical psychologist, I need to have either the MA or the Doctorate. This is all what I've understood so far. Question(s) is: - What about those students who want to be a clinical psychologist or a counselling psychologist, but are in 11-12th and have opted for Psychology with Humanities (keeping in mind that the subject is still offered, in large part, in this combination only in many places in India)? - Why call the RCI licenced BSc degree *Clinical Psychology* when the person who finishes it would be a COUNSELLOR if they opt to not go further? The names aren't making sense to me here. - Why only THIRTY seats in this course when we have a population of 2 billion approx and hence, a large number of students? - Why change the name of MPsy (prev. MPhil) again? And that too, into MA Clinical Psychology? - What about those students who already have MA Clinical Psychology (finished or pursuing)? (these are, of course, some of the many questions that people apart from me also have) I hope RCI answers this as soon and rationally as possible. And yes, also bring some actual professionals on their board for making decisions too. #Psychology #RCI #Mental_Health #Clinical_Psychology

There has been a lot of discussion, anxiety, anger and frustration regarding the recent proposed changes in the curriculum of psychology, especially clinical psychology. This has been a collaborative effort from NEP, UGC, NITI ayog and RCI. I have also been vehemently criticizing the changes. However, the draft proposal makes a lot of sense and has good direction if you care to read it carefully. The points that I think are good: - The new system follows the international curriculum system of 4+2+ 4 (phd/psyd)years as opposed to 3+2+2+4 - The credit system makes it easier to transfer to a different country or a parallel course - Psychology especially clinical psychology is deemed as a professional course where the 4 years bachelors equips people with theoretical foundations with internship followed by 2 years masters with hands on experience - The professional training model is similar to medical training and could be better for clinical skills development - The expertise level and roles that can be taken up with pg diploma/masters is clearly mentioned in the document. The disadvantages could be: - University and college professors are not trained or equipped to train students with the new curriculum - For practical exposure clinical settings are ideal and logistics of the same would be challenging - Even though RCI is cited as the regulatory body, so far they have been doing a below par job with licensure itself so it's doubtful how effective and efficient this will prove to be - The understanding and conceptual knowledge can be vastly different for students from different colleges. - There is no clarity about the people who completed their education and have been practicing based on the older education system. Some concerns that have been raised: - People from non- Psychology background cannot pursue masters. As I mentioned earlier, Psychology has been recognised as a professional degree. If you don't have an MBBS degree you cannot do post-graduation in medicine, likewise you are required to have the foundational skills to pursue masters and further in psychology. Personally I think this is a good thing. Even though there are a lot of psychologists who do very well after only PG, I have also seen a lot of people take up Psychology because of their midlife crisis and then become unhappy about the money they can make as a psychologist etc. - Clinical Psychology mandates are set by RCI while counseling and other fields of psychology the mandates will be decided by NCAHCP and UGC. The concern that has been raised is that psychologists are degraded to paramedical professionals. Personally I think it's a very judgmental statement that paramedical professionals are inferior. While it's better to have a unified body of psychology to regulate education, license, renewal etc., there seems to be no action towards the same, we will have to wait and watch the mandates.

Title: Case History and Mental Status Examination: A Vital Learning Experience for Psychology Students At Mother Arts and Science College, psychology students undergo a comprehensive exploration of case histories and mental status examinations to gain invaluable insights into the complexities of human behavior and mental health. This educational initiative is designed to provide students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge crucial for their future careers in psychology. The case history component involves students delving into the life stories of individuals, examining their personal backgrounds, developmental history, family dynamics, and significant life events. Through this process, students learn to identify relevant psychosocial factors that may contribute to an individual's psychological well-being or distress. They also develop empathy and sensitivity towards diverse experiences and backgrounds, honing their cultural competence in working with clients from various demographic backgrounds. Additionally, students engage in mental status examinations, which involve systematic observations and assessments of an individual's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. By conducting simulated mental status examinations, students learn to evaluate clients' thought processes, affective states, perception, and overall mental functioning. This hands-on experience allows them to apply theoretical concepts in a practical setting, enhancing their diagnostic skills and critical thinking abilities. Furthermore, this educational approach emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and professional boundaries in conducting case histories and mental status examinations. Students learn to uphold confidentiality, respect clients' autonomy, and navigate ethical dilemmas that may arise in clinical practice. Overall, the integration of case history analysis and mental status examinations provides Mother Arts and Science College psychology students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of human behavior and mental health. By immersing themselves in real-world scenarios and practical exercises, students develop the necessary competencies to excel in their future roles as compassionate and competent mental health professionals.

There is a growing trend on social media to bash people coming from diffrent bg into Psychology or people with distance education degrees. Psychology is a multi disciplinary field. Confining it to domains of deductive determism isn't helpful.At the end of day we are dealing with human beings with emotions, lets not treat them as set of symptoms of dsm.Even DSM keeps evolving with time. Here is a list of some of the people I personally know, all coming from diffrent fields, with distance education in psychology(me included) and contributing to society. -A government lawyer who works with rape victims and runaway children. - A nursing proffesional with MA ignou, cleared NET and doing PhD - A Military veteran with distance MA in ignou running a successful coaching and mentorship program - An ex School principal, now a parenting expert - A very successful dermatologist now working in psychodermatology - Mother of an autistic child now counseling parents of children with spcl needs. - A Corporate trainer now working with IIT students and running her own NGO. -A very experienced educationist worked in RCI and faculty Development programs. All of above are MA from IGNOU. All these people are genuine professionals, with years of experience in respective fields and IGNOU degree helped them to serve society better. What we need is better training setups. I know many regular mode students with no real aptitude for psychology, how are they better fit to serve the community? Psychology proffesionals are not confimed only to hospitals and therapy rooms. lets not waste time in pulling each other down. Contribute in creating a better mental health community that serves needs of all strata of society. Spend time and money on upgrading your skills, as far as quakes are concerned, better regulations are definitely need of the hour.In an ideal scenario a basic assessment exam to get registered as Psychologist must exist(irrespectiveof mode of education).

🚨 Clinical Psychology in India: A Call for Reform 🚨 The challenges faced by Clinical Psychologists and aspiring professionals in India are no secret. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on key issues that need our attention and action: Low Pay Scales in Government Institutions Many government job advertisements for Clinical Psychologists and faculty positions offer salaries that don’t align with the pay scale guidelines recommended by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). This not only devalues our profession but also discourages competent individuals from joining the field. RCI’s Lack of Support Professionals often criticize RCI for not standing up for its stakeholders. Sadly, RCI seems powerless to enforce necessary changes. The real interactions with RCI often happen with untrained representatives who answer calls. Their lack of empathy, professionalism, and guidance is frustrating—whether it's a fresh trainee asking about registration issues or a senior professional seeking clarity.   Where is the grievance redressal system? RCI doesn't provide a reliable online grievance portal to address these concerns. It’s ironic for an institution tasked with maintaining professional standards. The Psy.D Dilemma The Psy.D degree, a hybrid of M.Phil and Ph.D., promised to bridge clinical and academic expertise. Yet, no one asks for it during recruitments. Posts for Clinical Psychologists still demand M.Phil, and teaching roles require M.Phil and Ph.D. The Psy.D remains absent from key legislations like the Mental Healthcare Act. Is this degree even relevant in India, or is it another flawed addition to an already broken system? Training Quality and Institutional Growth Over the last decade, M.Phil programs have more than doubled. Yet, the quality of training has diminished. Open universities without clinical setups are offering RCI-recognized courses, diluting the standard of clinical psychology education. The Harsh Reality of the Profession Becoming a Clinical Psychologist takes unparalleled dedication: · Tough entrance exams · Grueling schedules: OPD, IPD, ward duties, academic responsibilities · Limited leaves, financial constraints, and personal sacrifices Yet, after all this, the field is flooded with "life coaches" and "mental health advocates" who lack qualifications but freely offer advice on anxiety, OCD, and relationships. This undermines our profession and mocks our hard work. What Can We Do? It’s not just RCI at fault—it’s the entire system. But we need to start somewhere. Let’s demand accountability from RCI, ensure pay scales reflect our qualifications, and raise awareness about the importance of hiring trained professionals in mental health services. Mental health in India is already stigmatized. Let’s ensure it’s not trivialized too. Your Thoughts? I invite all professionals and trainees to share their experiences and suggestions. #ClinicalPsychology #MentalHealth

Clinical psychology training in India needs central body, streamlining to avoid dilution of professional standards: study https://lnkd.in/gT9z8FGe

Hello Everyone,  We have created a survey that explores Disabled people’s training experiences on a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and want to hear from you. By participating in this survey and giving us feedback on your training experience, you are helping to identify how training providers can make Clinical Psychology training more inclusive of Disabled trainees' needs (Disability is an inclusive term and includes sensory impairments, learning differences, mental health difficulties, long-term health conditions, physical mobility issues, neurodiversity, and brain injury). This information will help us promote Disabled trainees' recruitment, support needs, and progression and ensure they are not left behind. All survey responses are entirely anonymous and the link to the survey below holds a detailed participant information sheet that we ask you to read carefully before deciding to proceed with the survey. Please only complete the survey if you:  - live in the UK  - Are 18 years old or over  - Self-identify as Disabled (Disability is an inclusive term and includes sensory impairments, learning differences, mental health difficulties, long-term health conditions, physical mobility issues, neurodiversity, and brain injury.) AND you are: A current trainee in a Clinical Psychology Doctorate program in the UK (even if on a break or interruption) OR have completed your Clinical Psychology training in the last five years OR have dropped out of Clinical Psychology training in the last five years Please note:  If you are a training provider or supervisor who is interested in moving this area forward, or perhaps a qualified clinical psychologist with lived experience (but qualified longer than 5 years ago) we invite you to join us for the second step of the study where we will discuss the survey findings together in groups. For an expression of interest, you can contact me directly via email and I will send you more information and a link to register yourself. My email is red218@exeter.ac.uk. This study is conducted as part of the training requirement for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Exeter, and the results will be written up as part of doctoral research. Thank you so much for giving this your time!

Flexible Training Options in Professional Clinical Psychology; Rehabilitation Council of India's Updated Professional Clinical Psychology Training Guidelines" The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) has recently updated its guidelines for professional clinical psychology training, aligning with the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP). These revisions mark a significant shift towards a more flexible and holistic approach to education, emphasizing practical skill development and academic mobility. One of the key highlights of the updated guidelines is the introduction of a credit-based system, providing greater flexibility for students to tailor their educational journey according to their needs and career goals. This system allows for multiple entry and exit points, enabling learners to transition between different levels of education without losing academic credit. Moreover, the transportability of credits between programs facilitates seamless progression, allowing students to transfer their credits and continue their education at different institutions if needed. The updated guidelines also emphasize skill-based learning, with a minimum of 60% of credits dedicated to practical application and hands-on experience. This ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the necessary competencies and capabilities required for professional roles in clinical psychology. Furthermore, the inclusion of a competency framework helps categorize the level of knowledge and skills acquired, making it easier for employers to identify candidates with the right qualifications for relevant roles. In terms of pathways for training, the updated guidelines offer nested options within the Psy.D. program, providing trainees with flexibility and options for early exit points. For instance, trainees enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma or M.Psy program have the opportunity to transfer to the next level upon meeting eligibility criteria and achieving a minimum of 65% marks in aggregate. Additionally, Psy.D. trainees have the option to exit at Year-I or Year-II and receive either a Postgraduate Diploma or M.Psy, based on completed years and eligibility. This flexibility allows students to customize their educational journey according to their individual pace and preferences. The potential benefits of these revisions are manifold. Firstly, they provide students with greater flexibility and options for academic progression, catering to diverse learning needs and preferences. This not only enhances accessibility but also promotes inclusivity and diversity within the field of clinical psychology. Secondly, the emphasis on practical skill development ensures that graduates are better prepared for professional roles, thereby enhancing employability and career prospects. Overall, these revisions mark a significant step towards enhancing the quality and relevance of professional clinical psychology training in India. Dr. Raheemudheen. PK

Waking up to another guideline from RCI makes me think about the uncertainty for the batch of 2024. :/ We're still not sure if we will get a chance for a fourth year (As we were told we will get an opportunity). I appreciate RCI's efforts, but it seems they're not putting enough thought into their decisions. We don't know if the MA in Clinical Psychology they're proposing will be as rigorous as an MPhil. It's also unclear how long it will take for institutes to meet RCI's regulations. There aren't enough colleges and institutes already, so this adds to the problem. What about the students currently in MSc Clinical Psychology? It's disappointing that we don't talk about these issues more. Don’t you think with all this uncertainty, it's tough to succeed in the field of Psychology in India? #Psychology #RCI #Education #India https://lnkd.in/gXnYvA7m