Clinical Psychologist
Assesses and treats mental, emotional and behavioural disorders through counselling and therapy.
Overview
A Clinical Psychologist is a professional who provides clinical or counseling services, assesses and treats mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They use the science of psychology to treat complex human problems to help people discover their strengths. Clinical psychologists are not doctors. They do not prescribe medications. For medical treatment, they work closely with a psychiatrist.
Where they work
- Schools/colleges
- Non-Governmental organisations
- Hospitals/Clinics
- Corporates
Work environment
It is not a desk job and as a Clinical Psychologist, you need not handle a team. Hospitals/Clinics usually work for 6 to 7 days a week and 8 to 9 hours everyday but this may vary from hospital to hospital. Shift system, part-time work and contractual jobs are available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are interested in how people think and behave
- You are able to relate to and empathise with different types of people
- You have good communication skills
- You like to solve problems
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc/B.A.) in Psychology/Applied Psychology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree then pursue a Master's degree (M.Sc/M.A.) in Clinical Psychology.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a 2 year Diploma course in Psychology.
- 2For admissions, you can appear for entrance exams such as CUCET and university specific entrance exams like DUET, BHU UGET and so on.
Forms, exams and applications
Entrance exams such as CUCET and university-specific tests like DUET and BHU UGET. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Psychology/Applied Psychology. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Government Brennen College, Thalassery, Kerala
- Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, Gujarat
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), New Delhi
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Ashoka University, Sonepat, Haryana
- DAV College, Chandigarh
- St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Junior Clinical Psychologist
- 3Clinical Psychologist
- 4Senior Clinical Psychologist
- 5Head of Psychology Department
Expected income
₹33,000 – ₹40,000 per month for a fresher
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Psychiatrist
Physician specialising in the diagnosis, prevention, study and treatment of mental disorders.
Psychological Counsellor/Counselling Psychologist
Helps people of all ages work through problems and make difficult decisions in their lives.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Kamna Chhibber — Head of the Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences. With an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, she is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, with particular interest in relationships, trauma, abuse and the impact of personality related variables on mental health. Dr. Kamna Chhibber works extensively with schools, corporate organizations and NGOs and has a strong focus on generating awareness relating to mental health. Through her writing, blogs and media interactions, Dr. Chhibber is working towards the larger goals of inclusiveness, removal of stigma and busting of misconceptions relating to mental health.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 325 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3XntBVC
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The printed government-institute list is numbered 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 — entry 2 is missing from the source page, so only the seven institutes actually printed are listed here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.