Types of Mental Health Professionals

Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology & Psychiatric Social Work have been described as the major mental health professions, since they are the most centrally involved in providing care for psychologically disturbed persons. Recently, a new branch has started attracting attention in this field- Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy.The field of Psychiatry comes under the purview of Medical Council of India (M.C.I.) & that of Clinical Psychology under Rehabilitation Council of India (R.C.I.).

As on date, the field of Counselling Psychology or Psychotherapy does not come under any unified Law or Body, though there is a proposal under the consideration of the Central Government to bring Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy under a unified “Indian Psychologists’ Association” in the lines of American Psychologists’ Association.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are Medical Doctors who have received specialized training in the treatment of emotional problems, including both medication & psychological treatments. Though it is possible for a General Physician to practice Psychiatry without specialized training, very few nowadays do so.

In India, we commonly call a Medical Doctor a Psychiatrist if he has done a D.P.M. (Diploma in Psychiatric Medicine) or an M.D. (Doctorate in Medicine) in Psychiatry after his M.B.B.S. Most Psychiatrists treat emotional disorders with medications, though some Psychiatrists also provide Psychotherapy, Behaviour Therapy or Cognitive Therapy.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologists hold either Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology. Only Clinical Psychologists are empowered by the R.C.I. to conduct Psychometric tests in Clinical settings & issue certificates regarding the mental health of an individual. Till date, there are barely more than 500 certified Clinical Psychologists in India. Those desirous of becoming Clinical Psychologists should first complete Post Graduation in Psychology through Regular Stream & then appear for an all-India entrance exam. There are less than 50 seats per year available in the whole country.

Psychiatric Social Worker

Social workers specially trained to deal with the problems of emotionally disturbed people are termed as Psychiatric Social Workers. In principle, their concern is more with familial & social environment than with the identified patient himself. When directly involved in Psychotherapy with the patient as well as with the family members, it’s known as Casework Practice. In reality, their interventions are not readily distinguishable from those of other Psychotherapists. Psychiatric Social Workers hold an M.S.W. (Master of Social Work) with a specialization in Psychiatric work.

Unfilled Lacunae

Though there are the above-mentioned recognized Mental Health Professionals working in our Country, their numbers are so pathetically low, that the average Indian mostly has to go without any proper care if faced with any emotional problems. There are many people in our country providing services in the name of “Counselling” & “Psychotherapy”, but in effect, many of them do more harm than good because they are not systematically trained either in Counselling or Psychotherapy.

If a practitioner is not properly trained in Psychopathology, he may not be able to form even a preliminary diagnosis of the problem afflicting the client who comes to him for help. For example, if a client comes to him with symptoms of Depression, the practitioner may be unaware of the gravity of his condition, & may try to “cure” him by giving him a pep talk. If the client is having suicidal ideations & the practitioner is unable to elicit the same from him & refer him urgently to a qualified Psychiatrist for necessary medication, the practitioner is actually guilty of placing the life of that client in danger, though due to his ignorance.

Enter I.B.M.S. !

It is here that the difference of being trained by a Professional Institute like I.B.M.S. becomes evident. The course materials of all Counselling, Psychotherapy & Management courses are prepared by the experts in this field, both academic & Clinical. I.B.M.S. course materials prepare you to face the actual life-situations you will come across during your practice, so that you will be able to deal with the cases fearlessly, being empowered with the technical know-how as well as real practice you will undergo during the course of your studies.

Since the Distance Education approach is being supplemented with Personal Contact Programmes being lead by the Director & his team from Headquarters, & also with workshops in all the fields of psychotherapy by trained, practicing Professionals in this field, our successful participants will be entering this field fully armed with the latest tools of this science.