GD Goenka University, in collaboration with Fortis Healthcare, has launched several clinical psychology programs as part of its School of Liberal Arts. The suite of Clinical Psychology programmes includes: two-year full-time MA Clinical Psychology (provisionally approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India), Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP), and B.Sc. (Hons.) Clinical Psychology is subject to RCI approval. The programmes aim to provide students with the right combination of rigorous academic training and structured clinical exposure through a curriculum that enables students to develop into competent and compassionate mental health clinical professionals. These programmes are offered in response to India's severe shortage of mental health professionals. According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, India, there are 0.7 mental health professionals for 100,000 Indian people. The Clinical Psychology programmes comply with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) guidelines to ensure that graduates leave with the skills needed to be successful in a diverse and constantly evolving mental healthcare environment. Fortis Healthcare will be the clinical training partner, one of the premier tertiary care providers in the country. Students will have the opportunity to learn and externalize their knowledge through the inpatient mental health units in Fortis' hospitals, participating in real-time psychological assessments, therapeutic interventions, and multidisciplinary clinical care.

“We are delighted to launch the Clinical Psychology programmes at GD Goenka University. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing excellence in mental health education. By offering a curriculum that integrates academic depth with real-world clinical practice, we aim to develop professionals who are empathetic, ethical, and well-prepared to contribute to mental health wellbeing globally,” said Mr. Nipun Goenka, Managing Director of GD Goenka Group.

Dr. Anjali Midha, Dean, School of Liberal Arts, GD Goenka University, emphasised the growing demand for qualified mental health professionals. “Our collaboration with Fortis Healthcare is a timely and important step in addressing the increasing psychological support needs in India. These programmes will ensure students not only understand the theory behind Clinical Psychology programmes but are also capable of applying theoretical knowledge in practical, clinical environments. We recognise the critical importance of mental health in today’s world, and are committed to preparing our students with the right knowledge, skills, and values to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives and society at large,” said Dr. Midha.

The MA Clinical Psychology programme is two years long and consists of core courses in psychopathology, psychological testing and assessment, psychotherapy techniques, and clinical casework. Candidates for admission must hold a completed four-year BA / B.Sc. degree in Psychology from a University recognised by the UGC, with at least 55% aggregate marks. Candidates with a three-year degree must complete a bridge course or have completed, at minimum, the first year of an MA/MSc Psychology, with at least a 55% average for the first year. Selection will take place on the basis of the entrance test taken for admission (70%) and personal interview (30%). Graduates will be equipped to take on roles such as Clinical Psychologist (with registration with RCI), Mental Health Consultant, Researcher, Academician, and Rehabilitation Provider, or pursue a higher speciality, such as PsyD.

Subject to approval from RCI, the Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) is a 1-year full-time, intensive programme aimed at training postgraduates, providing them with advanced clinical training. The applicants are required to have an MA/MSc in Psychology (Clinical, Counselling, or Applied) with at least 55% marks from a UGC recognised university as per the regulations of RCI. The entrance will be based on an entrance test, a practical test, group discussion, and a personal interview related to the admission process. After completing the PDCP, the students are entitled to work as Associate Clinical psychologists with supervision in hospitals and mental health centres, or as mental health workers in the community/school setting, or as counselors in rehabilitation centres. 

The BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology programme is a 4-year undergraduate degree for students who want a foundational understanding of psychology and relatively early clinical exposure. For eligibility, applicants need to have completed their 10+2 with the science stream or equivalent from a recognised board. The selection process consists of an entrance test (70%) and a personal interview (30%). After graduation of the programme, graduates may be employed in relation to clinical adherence as Clinical Assistants; as Mental Health Coordinators in community programs; as Psycho-social Support Workers in times of crisis or disaster relief; or even as assistants in assessments and/or research.

With the academic leadership of GD Goenka University and the clinical excellence of Fortis Healthcare, these Clinical Psychology programmes are poised to produce future-ready professionals who are equipped to raise the standard of mental health care across clinical, community, and academic settings.