On this page, you will find some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to clinical psychologist, my role, where I can help, sessions, etc.
A. A clinical psychologist is a trained mental health professional. After completing BA/BSc and MA/MSc in Psychology, the individual is required to go through a two-year program which is intense, hospital-based and supervised training known as MPhil. The course is governed by Rehabilitation Council of India which provides a license to all individuals who successfully complete this course.
The clinical psychologist is trained in making diagnosis of mental illnesses in children and adults through use of detailed history and psychological assessments. And they usually specializes in one or two modes of psychotherapy (e.g., psychoanalysis, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy etc.).
A clinical psychologist is a non-medical person who has completed their MPhil in Clinical Psychology and provide psychological assessment and psychotherapy; while a psychiatrist is from medical background and have completed their MBBS and MD in Psychiatry. The latter prescribes medicine and some of them also undertake psychotherapy sessions with their clients.
A. A counselor/psychologist have completed their master’s in psychology and may have undergone internships/trainings and may have also done diploma courses in child and adolescent psychology or marital therapy. Depending on their training post-Masters, they may be proficient in providing counseling for lifestyle issues, relationship problems, providing supportive work to certain mental health issues like Adjustment Disorder or mild anxiety and screening of mental illnesses. However, they are not trained to diagnose or provide psychotherapy for mental illnesses.
A. No, as a clinical psychologist, I cannot prescribe you medication. However, after appropriate assessments, if I feel that you need medications. I would discuss the same with you and make appropriate referrals.
A. Psychological assessment — also known as psychological testing — is done to better understand an individual and provide valuable insights into the individual’s behavior, skills, thoughts and personality. Many times, they also aid in making a diagnosis esp. when information is insufficient or there is any confusion with regard to symptoms and their course.
A. Some individuals want to know themselves better and ask for assessment. In most cases, a referral is made by the treating doctor (psychiatrist or pediatrician) or during the course of psychotherapy, the therapist feels a need for the same.
A. Some of the assessments used for children include:
• Assessment of intelligence or IQ tests
• Educational Assessment or Assessment for Specific Learning Disability/Dyslexia
• Assessment of Behaviour problems like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Conduct Disorder
• Assessment of emotional problems such as anxiety or depression
• Assessment of neuro-developmental disorders like Autism
• Assessment of brain functioning such as attention, memory, problem-solving etc.
A. A clinical psychologist in private practice is most likely going to charge you extra for any psychological tests / assessments.
A. Psychotherapy is making use of specific psychological methods while interacting with the client, to bring about desired changes in their emotions or behaviour and to alleviate symptoms of mental illness and distress.
A. The purpose of psychotherapy (and specifically the psychotherapy I follow) is to enable you to understand your issues and learn skills in dealing with them. Furthermore, talking things out with a neutral, non-judgmental person itself can be therapeutic.
A. We do not talk about “cure” with mental health issues. The aim is to help you learn skills that can empower you and make you more confident and competent in dealing with extraneous and mental health issues, should they arise in future.