- Assessment and diagnosis — they use structured interviews, observations, and psychological tests to evaluate mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trauma-related disorders.
- Therapy and counselling — they provide evidence-based talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or behavioural therapy to help people manage and overcome mental health challenges.
- Research — many psychologists work in academic or clinical settings, conducting studies to better understand mental illness, human development, and the effectiveness of treatments.
- Psychoeducation — they help individuals and families understand mental health conditions, coping strategies, and behavioural patterns.
- Rehabilitation — in neuropsychology or clinical settings, they support people recovering from brain injuries, strokes, or cognitive decline.
Different Types of Psychologists
There are several types of psychologists, each specialising in a different area of human behaviour and mental health.
Clinical Psychologists focus on assessing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and more severe disorders such as schizophrenia, PTSD, and autism.
They usually work with people of all ages: children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors. A clinical psychologist in Delhi holds an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology and an accreditation from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). They are the only type of psychologist qualified to make a clinical diagnosis.
Counselling Psychologists are similar to clinical psychologists, but typically focus on everyday emotional difficulties, relationship issues, stress, and life transitions rather than severe mental illness.
They usually work with people of all ages: children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and seniors. If you are looking for a counselling psychologist in Delhi, they typically hold a Master’s degree or a PhD in Psychology.
Child and Developmental Psychologists address psychological development, behavioural problems, learning difficulties, and childhood trauma in children and adolescents. They hold a Master’s degree in child psychology or developmental psychology.
Difference Between a Counselling Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist
| Aspect |
Counselling Psychologist |
Clinical Psychologist |
| Primary Focus |
Everyday emotional difficulties, personal growth, life transitions |
Severe, complex, and chronic mental health conditions |
| Conditions Addressed |
Stress, grief, relationship issues, mild to moderate anxiety and depression |
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe OCD, psychosis, personality disorders, trauma |
| Therapeutic Approach |
Humanistic, person-centred, existential, CBT |
CBT, DBT, schema therapy, psychodynamic therapy, neuropsychological interventions |
| Assessment and Diagnosis |
Limited assessment, not primarily diagnostic |
Extensive psychological testing, formal diagnosis, cognitive and risk assessment |
| Work Settings |
Private practice, corporates, NGOs, schools, community centres |
Hospitals, psychiatric units, rehabilitation centres, forensic settings |
| Qualifications (India) |
BA/BSc + MA/MSc in Counselling Psychology |
BA/BSc + MA/MSc + M.Phil in Clinical Psychology (RCI recognised) |
| RCI Registration (India) |
Not mandatory in most cases |
Mandatory to practise |
| Training Duration |
Shorter |
Longer and more regulated |