Table of Content
About NIMHANS
What is NIMHANS?
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is a premier mental health and neuroscience institute located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. It is an Institute of National Importance, comparable in status to institutions such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). NIMHANS combines hospital services, academic training, and high-level research in mental health.
History of the Psychology Department @ NIMHANS
The Department of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS was established in 1954 as the Department of Psychology and Human Relations at the All India Institute of Mental Health. In 1955, the department launched India’s first advanced postgraduate training program focused on psychological assessment and psychotherapy.
This program was groundbreaking because it introduced systematic training in psychological testing, clinical interviewing, psychotherapy techniques, diagnosis and behavioural assessment. Over the decades, the department expanded significantly and today stands as one of the largest and most influential psychology departments in India.
Focus Areas
- Mental health
- Clinical psychology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Psychiatric social work
Students receive training not only in theoretical knowledge, but also in intensive clinical practice, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration with psychiatry, neurology, and other mental health specialities.
Academic Programs currently offered
Department of Clinical Psychology @ National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences offers advanced professional training programs designed to develop expertise in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, clinical research, and interdisciplinary mental health care, such as doctoral, postgraduate, fellowship, and short-term training programs aimed at producing highly skilled clinical psychologists and mental health professionals.
1. MPhil in Clinical Psychology
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Full-time regular program
Link: https://www.nimhans.ac.in/departments/clinical-psychology
Focus of the Course
- Class seminars and self-study assignments related to coursework
- Work in a multidisciplinary team
- Clinical training with patients in inpatient(hospitalised patients)and outpatient(patients visiting for consultation) settings
- Training in psychological assessments and therapies
- One-to-one supervision from faculty for patient care, assessments, and therapies
- Group-based psychotherapy training, along with individual supervision
- Rotational clinical postings across speciality areas
2. PhD in Clinical Psychology
Duration: 3 years
Mode: Full-time regular program
Link: https://www.nimhans.ac.in/departments/clinical-psychology
Focus of the Course
- Lectures and self-study assignments related to coursework
- Completion of coursework requirements and Pre-PhD examination
- Work in a multidisciplinary team
- Clinical training emphasis during the first two years
- Participation in outpatient and inpatient clinical services
- Supervision and teaching support for MPhil trainees
- Assistance to faculty in workshops and academic programs
- One-to-one supervision from faculty
- Participation in doctoral research presentations in the department
- Participation in departmental seminars and journal clubs
- Presentation of research papers at conferences
- Publication of PhD research work
- Periodic presentations of ongoing research within the institute for monitoring and feedback
3. Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Full-time regular program
Link: https://www.nimhans.ac.in/departments/clinical-psychology
Focus of the Fellowship
- Clinical Neuropsychology: study of brain–behaviour relationships
- Training in neuropsychological assessment
- Application of cognitive neuroscience in clinical practice
- Exposure to modern developments in cognitive neuroscience
- Application of neuropsychology in clinical practice and research
4. Fellowship in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Duration: 1 year
Mode: Full-time regular program
Link: https://www.nimhans.ac.in/departments/clinical-psychology
Focus of the Fellowship
- Advanced training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Clinical training through the Behavioural Medicine Unit
- Conducting individual CBT under faculty supervision
- Participation in academic activities
- Contribution to clinical services of the Behavioural Medicine Unit
5. External Training Opportunities
Duration: 2 days
Conducted: Usually in February or March each year
Program announcement: During November or December
Registrations: Open after the announcement until 50 seats are filled.
Link: https://www.nimhans.ac.in/departments/clinical-psychology
External training activities are meant to introduce psychology students and graduates to the field of clinical psychology, help them understand how training at NIMHANS works, and guide them about future academic and professional opportunities.
Who is it for
- Postgraduate students currently pursuing an MA/MSc in Psychology
- Students interested in introductory lectures, discussions on clinical psychology practice, and opportunities to interact with faculty and trainees.
- Students interested in understanding the structure of clinical psychology training, clinical services, and the work done by clinical psychologists at NIMHANS.
- Eligibility for workshops depends on the topic of training and the level of expertise required.
Key Points
- The department does not allow internships, observerships, or training visits for students currently pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate psychology degrees.
- The department also conducts conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposia, where students and professionals can learn about current developments in psychology and mental health.
- Students who have completed an MA or MSc in Psychology may contact faculty members via email to seek guidance on further study, research opportunities, or career paths in clinical psychology.
If you would like to understand the eligibility criteria, seat distribution, stipend details for fellowships, and other important admission information for programs at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), we will be publishing separate detailed blogs for each program.
Upcoming Blog’s cover:
- Eligibility criteria, seat intake, and admission process for programs like MPhil, PhD, and fellowships.
- Stipend details, training structure, and academic expectations for each course.
- Application timelines, recent announcements, and openings at NIMHANS.
These upcoming blogs will help you better understand each program and prepare for admission to NIMHANS.
Want to Know More About These Programs?
NIMHANS Career Opportunities, Benefits & Campus Life at NIMHANS
Career Opportunities
Psychology graduates and professionals may find Job Opportunities in the at NIMHANS by going through the complete document to explore the different roles and their qualifications, and identify opportunities they may wish to work toward or build their career at NIMHANS.
Healthcare Support
NIMHANS offers the NIMHANS Health Scheme (NHS), a contributory health program modelled on the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). It provides comprehensive medical care to employees and their dependents, including:
- Free treatment at the NIMHANS Health Centre
- Specialist consultations and referral services in Bengaluru
- Access to empanelled hospitals and diagnostic centres at CGHS-approved rates
- Cashless inpatient treatment at select hospitals through a bill-clearing agency
Recreation & Community Life
The NIMHANS Gymkhana serves as a hub for recreation and wellness for staff, students, and families. Facilities include:
- Indoor sports such as badminton, table tennis, chess, carom, and basketball
- Separate gymnasiums for men and women, and a yoga/fitness space
- Art, dance, karate, Zumba, and MMA training programs for children and adults
- A crèche facility that supports working parents by providing safe childcare
The Gymkhana also hosts sports events, cultural programs, summer camps, marathons, and eco-initiatives, helping build a strong sense of community within the institute.
For anyone considering a career in clinical psychology or mental health, understanding what institutions like NIMHANS offer can help you plan your academic path more strategically.
If you found this guide helpful, stay tuned for our upcoming blogs, where we will explore specific programs at NIMHANS, their eligibility criteria, admission processes, and career pathways in greater detail. These guides are designed to help psychology students better understand their options and prepare for opportunities in the field of mental health.
FAQ’s
1. What courses in Clinical Psychology are offered at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences?
NIMHANS offers several advanced training programs through its Department of Clinical Psychology, including MPhil in Clinical Psychology, PhD in Clinical Psychology, Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology, and Fellowship in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). These programs combine academic coursework, supervised clinical training, and research.
2. Can undergraduate or postgraduate psychology students do internships at NIMHANS?
No. The Department of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS does not offer internships, observerships, or training visits for students currently pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate psychology degrees. However, the department conducts short-term external training programs and workshops where students can learn about clinical psychology training and interact with faculty.
3. What makes NIMHANS one of the leading institutes for clinical psychology training in India?
NIMHANS is an Institute of National Importance known for its integration of clinical services, academic training, and research. Students receive hands-on clinical exposure with patients, interdisciplinary training with psychiatry and neurology, and close supervision from experienced faculty, making it one of the most comprehensive clinical psychology training environments in India.
4. Who is eligible to apply for programs like MPhil or PhD in Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS?
Typically, applicants must have a postgraduate degree (MA or MSc) in Psychology with the required percentage and must clear the NIMHANS entrance examination and interview process. Specific eligibility criteria may vary by program and are announced in the official admission notification each year.
5. How can psychology students stay informed about admission opportunities and programs at NIMHANS?
Students can visit the official website of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences for announcements regarding admissions, workshops, and training opportunities. Following updates about eligibility, application timelines, and program details can help students prepare for future opportunities in clinical psychology.
Contact us –
Website: http://www.powerwithinpsychology.com
Email: hello@powerwithinpsychology.com
Phone: +91-9090395953
WhatsApp & Telegram Group: 9090395953
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