How to become a certified counselor in India
To become a certified counselor in India, one must first obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. After completing the undergraduate program, one can pursue a master's degree in counseling or clinical psychology. It is important to choose a program that is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), as this is the regulatory body that oversees the certification process for counselors in India.
Once the master's degree is completed, one must complete a supervised internship of at least 600 hours in a clinical setting. This internship must be completed under the supervision of a licensed counselor or psychologist. After completing the internship, one can apply for certification with the RCI.
The certification process involves passing a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as counseling theories, ethics, and assessment techniques. The oral exam is a practical exam where the candidate must demonstrate their counseling skills in front of a panel of experts.
After passing both exams, the candidate will be awarded a certificate of registration from the RCI, which allows them to practice as a certified counselor in India. It is important to note that certification must be renewed every five years, and counselors must complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification.
In summary, becoming a certified counselor in India requires obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, completing a master's degree in counseling or clinical psychology from an RCI-recognized program, completing a supervised internship, and passing both a written and oral exam administered by the RCI.