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Digitalisation has made it easier to communicate with people, but it can also lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. This, in turn, has contributed to the increasing demand for psychologists to help individuals and families cope with mental health issues.

Globally, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people aged 15–29. According to the WHO, India has the lowest number of mental health professionals per capita in the world.

This shortage is even more pronounced in rural areas, where access to mental health care is limited and the stigma associated with mental health issues is high. In addition, there is a lack of resources for mental health professionals in India, making it very difficult for them to practice.

There is no gainsaying that India is facing a major mental health crisis, with mental health issues among the top five causes of disability in the country. Given these challenges, there is an urgent need for more psychologists in India. Increasing the number of mental health professionals will help to improve access to mental health care, reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, and ensure that those in need are able to access the care they need. In addition, more psychologists will be essential to research and develop evidence-based treatments for mental health issues and to ensure that mental health services in India are of a high quality.

There is a wide range of areas in which mental health professionals are working in India. Some of these are:

Mental Health Counsellor: Mental health counsellors provide counselling services to individuals and families suffering from mental health issues. They work closely with clients to identify and treat mental health issues, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.

Psychologists: Psychologists are professionals who specialize in the study of human behaviour and mental processes. They use a variety of research methods to understand how people think, feel, and act. They often provide psychotherapy to individuals and groups, as well as conduct research to gain insights into psychological issues.

Clinical Social Worker: Clinical social workers provide counselling services to individuals and families in need of support. They work with clients to identify and address social, emotional, and behavioural issues. Clinical social workers often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create treatment plans and coordinate services.

School Counsellor: School counsellors provide guidance and support to students in various educational settings. They work to help students understand their individual growth and development and provide resources to help them achieve academic and personal success.

Marriage and Family Therapist: Marriage and family therapists provide counselling services to couples, families, and other relationship systems. They work with clients to identify and address issues that are impacting their relationships, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.

Addiction Counsellor: Addiction counsellors provide counselling services to individuals suffering from substance abuse issues. They work closely with clients to identify and address addiction issues, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.

Research Psychologist: Research psychologists conduct research to gain new insights into a variety of psychological topics. They often conduct experiments, surveys, and interviews in order to study human behaviour and mental processes.

Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychologists specialize in the application of psychology to criminal justice and legal systems. They often provide expert testimony in court cases, as well as provide assessments and evaluations to offenders.

Note - This article is authored by UPES's team.