The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) has recently introduced a four-year B.Sc. Clinical Psychology (Hons.) program aimed at addressing the shortage of mental health professionals.  Graduates of this program will be eligible for registration with RCI as "Counseling Psychologist (Mental Health)."

Implications of the New RCI Regulations:

• Increased Workforce: The introduction of this undergraduate program is expected to produce more professionals in the field, potentially increasing competition for roles traditionally held by those with advanced degrees.

• Professional Designation: Graduates will be recognized as "Counseling Psychologist (Mental Health)" upon registration with RCI.

Concerns Raised:

• Quality of Training: Some professionals have expressed concerns about the adequacy of training provided at the undergraduate level for handling complex mental health issues.

• Regulatory Overlap: There is ambiguity regarding the roles and recognition of professionals trained under different programs, leading to potential confusion in the field.

Conclusion:

The new RCI regulations aim to expand the mental health workforce through the B.Sc. Clinical Psychology (Hons.) program. While this may lead to increased competition in the field, the long-term impact on career saturation will depend on factors such as the quality of training, evolving industry standards, and the growing demand for mental health services. indian express (https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/psychologists-rci-guidlines-9437096/)