Psychologists and Counsellors

How demand for mental health professionals is rising in India, why clinical psychologists must be registered with the Rehabilitation Council, and the shortage of trained counsellors.

Demand for mental health professionals is rising.

Types

Psychiatrists: doctors who can prescribe medicines.
Clinical psychologists: registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Counsellors: varied training.

Shortage

India has very few mental health professionals per lakh people.

Regulation gaps

Many counsellors practise without clear regulation.

Demand drivers

Awareness after COVID.
Workplace wellbeing programmes.
Online therapy apps.

Costs

Therapy can be expensive, limiting access.

Tele-MANAS

The government’s Tele-MANAS helpline (2022) offers free counselling.

The online session

A college student books an online therapy session through an app.

Thinking anyone can call themselves a psychologist freely

Clinical psychologists must register.

Key takeaways

Mental health demand is rising.
Clinical psychologists register with RCI.
Professionals are scarce.
Tele-MANAS offers free help.