In India, mental illnesses constitute one-sixth of all health-related disorders and is accounted for nearly 15% of the global mental, neurological and substance abuse disorder burden. About 1% of the World's population has psychotic disorders and symptoms for most psychotic disorders often appear when an individual is in their late teens to 30's. Psychotic disorders affect both men and women equally. These symptoms disrupt normal life and therefore there is need to handle psychotic issues with medical interventions, therapy and early identification of the disorder. A World Health Organisation (WHO) study predicted that by 2020, roughly 20% of India will suffer from various mental illnesses that need serious attention by mental health professionals who deals with clinical psychology.

Clinical psychology is one of the largest specialty areas within psychology. It deals with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Some of these specialty areas include child mental health, adult mental health, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, substance abuse, geriatrics, and health psychology. Psychologists trained to provide clinical services work in research, education, training and health sectors. The possibilities for a career as a health service psychologist are vast and varied. Clinical Psychologists often work in hospitals, private practice or academic settings to treat complex human problems. Clinicians are trained in a range of techniques and theoretical approaches. Some specialize in treating certain psychological disorders while others work with clients suffering from a wide variety of problems. Clinical Psychologists assess and treat people with psychological problems. They may act as therapists for people who are experiencing normal psychological crises, for individuals suffering from chronic psychiatric disorders. Some Clinical Psychologists are generalists who work with a wide variety of population, while others work with specific groups such as children, the elderly, or those with specific disorders. Clinical Psychologists also treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

Education & Training

To become a psychologist and a clinical practioner, one is required to clear the 10+2 exam preferably with Psychology as one of the subjects. Complete a Bachelor degree in Psychology, the curriculum of which focuses on personality development, psychotherapy, stress management and neuro-psychology. A doctorate is required to teach and practice with a bachelor's and/or master's degree in clinical psychology. Courses may include: human development, basic clinical and counseling skills, evidencebased practice, diagnosis and treatment plans, abnormal psychology, family systems, lifespan psychology, sociology, behavioral neuroscience, statistics, human diversity, research methodologies, psychological interventions, etc. Specialization at the postgraduate level, where one can get an M.A. or M.Sc. either in Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling. Although there are several educational paths to become a clinical psychologist, most begin with a bachelor's degree. In psychology, it is common to choose a different major subject possibly with a minor in psychology. A graduate degree comes next, with some students choosing to stop at the master's level, and others continuing to a terminal degree either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Further specialization at the doctoral level is available as well with Ph.D. or M.Phil. award. The postgraduate and doctoral programs focus their studies for pursuing either a research or teaching job, whereas the graduate degree bachelor's degree, programs are 3 years long duration, postgraduate Master's degree programs are 2 years and Doctoral (M.Phil. or Ph.D.) programs are 3 years long and can extend further depending on the research and studies involved.

Clinical Psychologist also begins with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Some choose to earn their bachelor's degree in a field such as marketing or business, and add psychology as their minor. After obtaining the bachelor's degree, students generally go for a master's or doctoral degree. One of the main advantages of having an advanced degree (master's and/or doctorate) in clinical psychology is that it opens up the doors of different psychological industries. For instance, with a doctorate in clinical psychology, one could be a college professor, researcher, psychologist in any field. Students may choose from a variety of regular or online degree programs in each of the levels of education.

Clinical Psychologists promote healthy lifestyles that discourage unhealthy behavior and reduce illness and the skills to navigate the human mind and offer solutions to those in need. A clinical specialist is supposed to have good communication skill, active listening, social perception, critical thinking, highorder analysis, teaching and advocacy introducing new or complex concepts to patients or colleagues. Clinical researchers also require skill in advanced science and mathematics to interpret statistical and scientific data. Certain jobs in clinical psychology analytical skills, pay more with the expertise required in this specialized area. Clinical psychologist are also involved in working with people occupational therapist, genetic, counselor, rehabilitation counselor, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor, marriage and family therapist, mental health counselor etc. Aspirants who have successfully competed their training in psychology can make their mark and pursue a career as a psychologist. A Clinical Psychologist can work as a behavioral health psychologist, typically with clients in individual and group settings to help them overcome behavioral difficulties like addiction. A doctorate in Clinical Psychology can allow to work as a child psychologist at schools, inpatient or outpatient treatment facilities, juvenile detention centers, mental hospitals, clinics, research laboratories and/or private practices.

Clinical Psychologist Job Description

Clinical Psychologists can also work as psychology professor either in a clinic or in research setting and assist students in better understanding the key psychological concepts and practices. Junior professor positions are often open with master's degree qualification but to become a tenured professor, a doctorate degree is typically required. In clinical psychology, the most important thing is passion and the drive to succeed. Doctoral programs are best for people interested in pursuing careers in research and academia, and who want to conduct psychological testing and evaluations. Clinical Psychologists meet with clients to identify problems (emotional, mental and behavioral) in their lives. Through observation, interviews and tests, the psychologist will diagnose any existing or potential disorders. On the job, clinical psychologists, identify psychological, emotional or behavioral issues, diagnose develop and implement treatment plans and therapeutic processes. Help in clients define goals and plan action to achieve personal, social, educational and vocational development and adjustment. As a clinician, many Clinical Psychologists work in private practice, with their own office and schedule. Other typical workplaces include schools and universities, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and community and mental health centers. Psychologists who provide clinical or counseling services are trained in a range of techniques and theoretical approaches, making hospitals, schools, counseling centers, group or private health care practices and hospital systems. In order to be successful in the field of psychology one must have: a analytical mind for diagnosis excellent communication skills to effectively counsel patients who suffer from mental/behavioral issues. The patience, which grants the psychologist the ability to remain cool when dealing with a particularly difficult case or a challenging patience and genuine passion for helping people overcome their own mental/behavioral challenges. Also one needs to be passionate about working with special populations like children, the economically disadvantaged or senior citizens and at community-based organizations as Clinical Psychologists. With a background in clinical psychology one can work as a clinical case manager for managing a caseload of clients with very diverse needs.

Mental Health Social Worker

With a bachelor's or master's degree in clinical psychology one can work as mental health social worker to provide counseling services and resources under the supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist to clients and/or patients. Some other duties may include conducting crisis intervention groups, developing outreach programs for at-risk youth, helping clients re-enter the community, helping clients find housing, daycare services, sign up. Clinical social workers are trained to diagnose and treat psychological problems. Psychiatric social workers provide services to individuals, married couples, families and small groups. They work in mental health centers, counseling centers, sheltered workshops, hospitals and schools. They may also have their own private practice.

Neuropsychologist

With an advanced doctoral degree in clinical psychology one can enter in the field of neuropsychology focusing on brain processes and behaviors likely work at a trauma centers for brain-injuries and/or stroke survivors, hospitals or at a research laboratory. The main responsibilities will be to determine the extent of a brain injury or brain damage by assessing the patient's cognitive performance.

Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist also work in clinical setting to assist in bringing about personal change that helps them overcome problems or obstacles in their lives and helping in relationship building to bring about positive change. Can enjoy working in private practice as a psychologist, primarily with children, people with anxiety, or specialize in mood disorders.

School & Sports Psychologist.

Counseling psychologists do many similar jobs as Clinical Psychologists. However, counseling psychologists tend to focus more on persons with adjust mental problems rather than on persons suffering from severe psychological disorders. They may be trained in psychology departments or in education departments. Counseling psychologists are employed in academic settings, college counseling centers, community mental health centers. School counselors work with children who are troubled, helping such children function more effectively with their peers and teachers, deal with family problems, etc. They work at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Sports psychologists are concerned with the psychological factors that improve athletic performance by introducing exercise and physical activity on psychological adjustment and health. Sports psychologists typically work in academic settings as consultants for sports teams.

In Social service Sector

In social service agencies clinical psychologist are placed to address the issues like adjustment issues divorce, bullying, remarriage, selfesteem, relocation, etc., psychological/mental disorders like depression, phobias, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), etc. and various emotional distress and help patients work through their issues. Clinical psycholists also work as Substance Abuse Counselor and treat clients addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling at all. Clinical Psychologists are consulted to improve relationships between people and their work environments. They may develop new ways to increase workplace business, factories, production, industrial set-ups improvement, corporate houses and academic establishments.

Teaching and Research Clinical Psychologists work in a variety of environments including schools, prisons, research institutions, colleges and universities, businesses and organizations, and private practice. In addition to working directly with patients, they may also assume roles as researchers or educators. There are opportunities in teaching undergraduate, master's-level, or doctoral-level students in university where one will also do research. If an individual is not interested in teaching and wants to focus on research, he/she can work for government agencies for example, the Center for Disease Control or for private research organizations. To work as a psychologist in these settings, one would need a Ph.D. in psychology.

Clinical Psychologists need to have excellent communication skills. It is also important to be creative when developing treatment plans and approaches helping people overcome problems. Psychologists and mental health professionals work in a number of specialty areas, neuropsychology, social work, child psychology, health psychology, school psychology, sports psychology, counseling, industrial psychology, social psychology.

Pay Packages and Placements

Psychology is a highly rewarding and lucrative field of study. A psychologist salary depends on many factors like his/her qualification, area of specialization and experience in the profession. Professionalpsychologists with M.Phil. and Ph.D. degree earn quite handsomely. Those engaged in private practice have more scope for earnings. In this field, the average salary for a Clinical Psychologist starts with ? 30000 per month to 50000 in India and it varies with the placement of postings. The salary of Psychologist employed in Industries gets paid between Rs. 70000 /- to Rs. 4 lakh's Psychiatric Services Rs.80000/- to Rs.7 lakh health care sector around Rs.1 lakh/- to Rs.7 lakhs Psychology Clinician earns between Rs.2 to 7 lakh a year. In academic sector the entry level with basic pay of an assistant professors UGC Rs. 80000 for entry level associate professors and higher for professors. As one establishes in the field and specializes in any of its branches, he can earn more salary and perks.

Educational Institutes for pursuing graduation/ PG's and Doctoral level Education.

Ph.D Courses