A psychologist is a medical professional expert in curing mental problems of human being without any use of medication. He is expert to know the mental conditions of his patients and find remedies by counselling. The treatment of a psychologist is based on changing the behavioural patterns of patients without medication. They do counselling and help people by bringing about changes in their thought process, thus improving their quality of life.
Changing lifestyles, ever-increasing expectation and desire to excel in all walk of life has brought severe stress factor in the life of common man. There was a time when there were few instances of mental problems owning to simple life style with few necessities thereby few mental tensions. With the passing time and materialization of everything, life has become quite complicated. This materialization has made the lifestyle quite hectic causing a lot of mental stress leading to psychological problems. Independent family system has added more to the problems because now there is nobody with whom one can share his problems to reduce stress.
With the changed living conditions, extraordinary fast lifestyles and high-stress levels there has been an increase in the mental diseases affecting the large population all over the world and especially the third world including the Indian subcontinent, thereby making the role of a Psychologist even more important in today’s context. India is set to fight a battle against these diseases for which it will require a large and efficient team of dedicated Psychologist. So there is a good scope for today’s younger generation to make their career in this field to make not only good monetary fortunes but also a lot of respect in the society.
So to become a Psychologist it requires a lot of hard work, dedication and spirit to sever the society although with some remuneration in lieu of providing its services. Besides one should have discipline, patience, commitment to excel in their respective field and self-confidence. If you have all these qualities in you then you are fit for being a Psychologist.
Eligibility to become a Psychologist
To Join Psychologist as a career one has to undergo one or more of the following Courses
1. For Bachelor programme in psychology
Eligibility
1. Educational Qualification
To be eligible to join a Bachelor degree one should be 10+2 with psychology as one of the subjects at this level with 50% marks for some highly rated colleges providing this course.
How to become a Psychologist?
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance test conducted by the various educational institutes to admit candidates in various to admit candidates according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam.
These exams are usually held in the month of May-June and consists of Objective type questions based on the relevant subjects the results of these exams are generally out by June/July
However, some colleges also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying class
Step 2
After completing this 3 years of course in which one has to go through all the major aspects of the field of study. Apart from the theoretical part, psychologists also go through practical training courses in the attached Hospitals. One can opt. for some job is private or state run Nursing homes or Hospital as a psychologist
2. For Postgraduate courses in psychology
1. Educational Qualification
Bachelor degree in psychology
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance test conducted by the various universities to admit candidates in various teaching institutions attached with it according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam.
These exams are usually held in the month of May-June and consists of Objective type questions based on relevant subjects the results of these exams are generally out by June/July
However, some institutions also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying class
Step 2
After completing this 2 years long PG course (psychology) one can opt. for some job is private or state run Nursing homes or Hospital as a Psychologist or can start his own clinic.
3. For PhD/ M.Phil
Eligibility
1. Educational Qualification
PG or Diploma in psychology
Step 1
Interested candidate has to apply for this in the respective institutions and on the availability of the seats, candidates are admitted in this course. In case of more candidates then the entrance test is taken and rankers are admitted for the research work.
Step 2
After completing this24 month long basically practically oriented training one can join a private or state-run health care centre or Hospital for can go for research laboratories for further research in the field.
Psychologist Job Description
Psychologists study the human mind. Their research helps us understand behaviour, memory and mental health disorders. Through counselling and experimentation, psychologists work to promote safety, understanding and good mental health
Psychologist Career Prospects
There is a lot of scope for those who are joining Psychologist as a career in the present scenario. Apart from joining a private or government hospital or NGO as an Assistant Psychologist, younger Professionals can find lucrative placements with huge salaries in corporate hospitals.
Psychologist Salary
Psychologist can expect a starting salary anywhere between Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000 depending upon the competence of the individual psychologist. There is a lot of money in private practice as well and it only gets better for candidates as they win the trust of the patients and the goodwill is spread by word of mouth to attract more patients to the clinic.
A couple of years dedicated work and some experience along with a masters degree could lead a Psychologist to a pay package of nearly Rs one lac per month There is no upper ceiling to the earnings of a competent and capable Psychologist.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist
Note:-Psychologist try to treat mental disorder without the use of any kind of medicines where as pa sychiatrist may take the medicinal route to cure the mental diseases if needs arises. This is the basic difference between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist.
