Mental health is a serious topic that has gained some valuable attention in recent years. Earlier, there was a stigma connected to it and people used to hesitate to admit concerns related to it. But the unfortunate incident of the suicide of the actor Shushant Singh Rajput triggered a wave of discussion around mental health.
Now people have become more informed and have come out of fear and social shame to admit mental health as a considerable problem and seek treatment. But even so, between 70% to 92% of people living with mental disorders go untreated.
Mental health challenges don’t just impact individuals. According to the WHO, the economic loss due to mental health conditions in India is projected to exceed 1.03 trillion USD between 2012 and 2030. The one reason behind this massive economic loss and people not getting proper treatment is the shortage of trained psychiatrists. In India, there are just 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, while the WHO recommends a minimum of 3 per 100,000.
This gap makes one thing very clear that India needs a large number of psychology experts. As a result, the career options in psychology have expanded across healthcare, education, business, public policy and technology.
When a student explores options for higher studies, they want something practical, interesting and future-ready. So, what makes psychology a standout option here?
Mental health is now a front-page issue. Anxiety, burnout and depression are noticeable problems across schools, offices and even homes. This is where the demand for qualified professionals who can understand human behaviour is growing fast.
Nowadays, not just therapy clinics but even corporate organisations and schools are also looking for trend psychologists. Even marketing teams utilise psychological perspectives in order to affect purchasing behaviours. So we can argue that Psychology has now moved beyond a single perspective to being applied in fields such as health, education, law, media and business.
Students looking at career options in psychology now see a wider road than ever before. It’s no longer a field for “just counsellors”. It’s for thinkers, researchers, communicators and problem-solvers.
Career options in psychology depend heavily on one’s academic choices. Here’s a breakdown of the most preferred academic path students can choose to get skills and knowledge in the field of Psychology:
B.Sc. Health Psychology
B.Sc. Health Psychology programme focuses on the link between mind and body. Often includes studies on pain, stress, illness recovery and public health. Ideal for those eyeing hospital roles or wellness-based industries.
M.Sc. Clinical Psychology
The M.Sc. Clinical Psychology programme would be suitable for individuals who intend to work in clinical services related to mental health. It trains students in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a range of psychological and emotional problems.
Career options in psychology are not limited to one kind of office or setup. In fact, the workspaces are as varied as the roles themselves.
Here’s where one might apply their degree:
Organisational psychologists, HR consultants and learning designers often work in:
Startups in wellness and productivity also hire psychology graduates.
Ideal for clinical psychologists, mental health counsellors and rehabilitation therapists. Psychology graduates here contribute to:
Courts, police departments and government think tanks hire forensic experts and behaviour consultants. Psychology professionals may work in juvenile justice, conflict resolution or legal reform.
Well suited for school counsellors, educational psychologists and academic advisors. Psychology professionals here support:
UX researchers, behavioural consultants and digital wellness experts work in:
Growing roles exist in AI and ethics labs too.
A good fit for psychologists interested in social development and public welfare. Graduates in this space often work in:
Many choose to build their own client base. Tele-counselling, online therapy and wellness consulting are flexible and scalable.
Career options in psychology don’t follow one fixed path. With the right education, one can work in a school, a courtroom, a rehab centre or even a tech office.
Clinical and Mental Health Roles
Applied and Business Psychology Roles
Health and Wellness-Focused Roles
Niche and Emerging Roles
Psychology is a field that demands both clarity of thought and depth of empathy. The Apollo University offers a learning environment shaped by decades of healthcare expertise and a clear focus on human well-being. Every aspect of the psychology programme is built to match the real demands of society, where the need for mental health professionals is growing and the opportunities are becoming more diverse.
The B.Sc. Health Psychology programme provides students with exposure to how behaviour, lifestyles and health are related. Once students begin the M.Sc. Clinical Psychology, they will receive an advanced education focused on diagnostics, intervention and therapeutic frameworks for mental health.
Psychology stands out as a future-oriented degree with real-world application, extensive flexibility and significant impact. It combines education with employment, science and empathy and theory and action. Psychology offers a wide range of professional opportunities, from clinical positions to corporate strategy, school counselling to behavioural design in technology.
The Apollo University offers the knowledge, ecosystem and mentorship to build a career that transforms life and meets India’s growing mental health demands. Apply now!
One can begin with a B.Sc. Health Psychology programme and for further studies, opt for M.Sc. Clinical Psychology.
Yes. Many professionals now offer therapy, career counselling or wellness coaching online.
Roles like Clinical Psychologist and Rehabilitation Psychologist require RCI approval.
