2-year M.Phil clinical psychology course planned by the Institute of Mental Health
Posted on: 27/Feb/2014 11:22:59 AM
The Institute of Mental Health has decided to start an M.Phil course in clinical psychology to make a start at dealing with the staggering shortage of clinical psychologists in the State.
The two-year programme, which may take in about four students initially, will be the first of its kind in the government sector in Tamil Nadu.
Only three private institutions in the State offer clinical psychology at present, with a total of 20 seats. According to the Union ministry of health and family welfare, there should be 1.5 clinical psychologists for every 1, 00,000 people. However, it is estimated there are less than 100 clinical psychologists in the State, while the number required is over 13,000.
The guidelines for the proposed IMH course have been sent to Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University and approval is currently pending from the State health department, said E. Sabitha, associate professor at IMH.
The course will be open to those who have completed a master’s degree in psychology and will train them in diagnosis and treatment of those with mental illnesses and mental retardation.
