City psychologists have come together for the first time to bring in licensing and regulations in the field of counseling after growing concern regarding quacks and under-qualified shrinks practising freely without formal approvals. A discussion on regulations for mental healthcare professionals was organised by Dr Anju Kapoor, the vice principal of Mithibhai College, and assisted by clinical psychologists, counselors and psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty.
Other panel members included Dr Cicilia Chettiar, assistant professor and HOD of Maniben Nanvati Women's College, and Archana Patki, associate professor and vice-principal of Maniben M P Shah Women's College of Arts and Commerce.
Patients bear the brunt
Dr Shetty said, "A large number of patients suffering from mental illnesses land up with counsellors for three weeks or longer sessions. They spend a lot of money too. Under-qualified or untrained counsellors are adversely affecting the mental health services in India. It is high time we have licensing."
What is the system abroad?
Dr Rochelle Suri, a clinical psychologist and core member of the committee which will be drafting the process of licensing, said, "Whether it is Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, China or South Africa, all have licensing bodies for psychologists. A psychologist has to practise for a certain duration under a registered psychologist. In India, sadly, we don't have any governing body, because of which anyone can start practising and counsel people even without proper training."
Dr Chettiar said that in the West, people discuss their experiences with colleagues, which helps young counsellors learn. "In India, we don't have the concept of peer reviewing among counsellors. These are a few points that will be taken into account while drafting the guidelines," she said.
How will licenses help?
Psychologists agreed that having a licensing system will help weed out quacks from the profession, making them more accountable, and improve the quality of services. "Presently, we don't even know how many psychologists are practising in Mumbai or the country. There are no set guidelines/qualifications etc. In the past, attempts were made in the south to have a council, but it didn't work. To begin with, we will set up a rough draft of licensing and get it reviewed by peers in next 100 days," said Dr Kapoor.
Alternative therapies also on cards?
The panel also discussed alternative therapies like tarot card reading, which some people prefer while they are trying to deal with their problems and looking for a counsellor. "My job is to help my clients make peace with themselves. If he or she can be calmer or attain closure faster because of the use of alternative therapies like tarot reading or hypnotherapy along with psychology, then why not?" said Dr Kapoor, adding that these alternatives cannot be the main mode of treatment.
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