- Discussing the academic and professional pathways to psychology and psychiatry in Sri Lanka
The scientific study of the mind and behaviour, psychology is a subject that has gained momentum over the past decade. All around the world, psychology is being applied to a plethora of industries such as fashion, sports, marketing and sales, and programming. The Covid-19 pandemic has also contributed towards the rapidly evolving interest in mental health and has resulted in more individuals seeking mental health assistance, and more individuals opting to study and work in the field of psychology and psychiatry.
In Sri Lanka, there is a lot of stigma around mental health. But in the recent past, we can observe a trend of this stigma beginning to dissolve. For those who wish to pursue a career in psychology or psychiatry, understanding the accurate academic pathway, the research, and training required is a must. To help us understand these academic and professional pathways better, and the challenges that prevail along the way, Brunch spoke to Ragama Teaching Hospital Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and University of Kelaniya Senior Lecturer Dr. Miyuru Chandradasa, clinical psychologist and visiting lecturer of psychology Kushlani Munasinghe, and clinical psychologist and Sri Lanka Psychology Association (SLPA) President Dr. Kanthi Hettigoda.
The long road to becoming a board-recognised psychiatrist in Sri Lanka
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Ragama Teaching Hospital Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and University of Kelaniya Senior Lecturer Dr. Miyuru Chandradasa[/caption]
Sharing insight about the pathway to becoming a psychiatrist in Sri Lanka, Dr. Chandradasa stated that the beginning of the process is with completing the MBBS, which takes five years. This is followed by a one-year internship and one more year of post-intern experience. After completion of these, one can take the MD Psychiatry Part 1 examination, which he said is highly competitive. “A limited number of doctors are selected to the MD Psychiatry degree following this examination, which takes another three years. After this qualification is complete, you receive the title of Senior Registrar or Post MD Trainee.”
Elaborating further, Dr. Chandradasa added that at this stage, one can choose their sub-specialty in psychiatry. He stated that there are five areas of sub-specialisation available in Sri Lanka which are; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Old Age Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Adult Psychiatry. “If you choose Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, you need to study for an additional four years – two of which are to be spent studying in Sri Lanka and two of which are to be spent abroad studying.” He shared that all other areas of sub-specialisation also require additional studies ranging from two to four years.
Discussing the licensing process, Dr. Chandradasa stated that the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) offers the primary registration after the MBBS programme, followed by the Doctor of Medicine (MD) licence, and finally the specialty registration from the SLMC. “Because the final specialisation certification is only issued by one body, the University of Colombo – PGIM (Postgraduate Institute of Medicine), the standards have been maintained. For example, I can fly tomorrow and start working as a psychiatrist abroad without needing to take any further examinations. But, if an Australian psychiatrist wants to work in Sri Lanka, for example, they will need to qualify through so many examinations. The uniformity of our qualifications and high standards are accepted abroad without question,” he shared.
The pathway to becoming a clinical psychologist or lecturer in psychology in SL
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Clinical psychologist and visiting lecturer of psychology Kushlani Munasinghe[/caption]
Speaking to Brunch, Munasinghe shared her thoughts on becoming a clinical psychologist in Sri Lanka. “A clinical psychologist requires a qualification that is at NVQ Level 11 according to the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework, which is a Master of Philosophy (MPhil). The framework stipulates that an MPhil must contain a significant research component. This entails a minimum two years of fulltime coursework or there has to be an equivalent time spent on original research.” She further shared that this original research needs to be on the same level as a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, which is 120 credits.
She further shared that in Sri Lanka, the only MPhil programme for clinical psychology is offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Colombo. However, if one wants to practice as a clinical psychologist, this programme is not the only pathway to accomplish that.” The SLMC is what recognises us as clinical psychologists. If you have done your BSc in Psychology (Hons) programme, you can start your MPhil, following which you can get your registration. This is fairly straightforward,” she shared, while also elaborating that if one has studied abroad and then comes to Sri Lanka and applies for the registration, the SLMC then reviews their qualifications and decides if the qualification is adequate. “We receive our registration from the SLMC, because Sri Lanka does not have a professional psychological registry at present,” she added.
Discussing the qualifications required to become a lecturer in psychology, Munasinghe shared that in an ideal scenario, an individual with a master’s degree should be lecturing. However, she stressed that different institutions may have different requirements, which eventually means that the requirements for one to qualify will vary from one organisation to another. “There is a need for streamlining here. But if we are to take the government universities, the UGC (University Grants Commission) criteria needs to be followed for one to lecture. Private educational organisations may have different systems and qualifications.”
Munasinghe further elaborated that the terms counsellor, therapist, and psychologist are umbrella terms and they are often used interchangeably. She added that while the designation “Clinical Psychologist” is the only government-protected designation that is registered with the SLMC, the role of a counsellor is also recognised by the Government.
The challenges in the existing process
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Clinical psychologist and Sri Lanka Psychology Association President Dr. Kanthi Hettigoda[/caption]
SLPA President and clinical psychologist Dr. Hettigoda shared that Sri Lanka has challenges in the existing system because compared to other countries, the study of psychology is still new here. She added that while there is significant progress in the field, there is still a long way for us to go.
“To be called a psychologist in Sri Lanka, one only requires a four-year BSc (Hons) in Psychology. Any other general degree is not a valid qualification to be called a psychologist. To be called a clinical child, forensic, or other specialised psychologist, one needs a postgraduate qualification in the specific specialised area.” Dr. Hettigoda stressed that it is imperative for one to complete 18 months of clinical training before becoming a clinical psychologist, where you will be supervised by a clinical psychologist in a clinical setting. “In my personal experience, this clinical training and the research component is tougher than the PhD, and rightfully so, because without this training, you cannot work with people effectively,” she added.
Dr. Hettigoda went on to add that because Sri Lanka does not have a psychology registry for issuing the licences, the SLMC is the regulating body. She stated that clinical psychologists have been categorised in Sri Lanka as “paramedic assistants” – which she has not observed in any other country. She explained that the challenge here is that this categorisation does not reflect the nature of work done by clinical psychologists.” Another area where the SLPA is hoping to work with the SLMC is to bring in a variety of licences of registration, such as for child, organisational, counselling, or forensic psychologists, etc., because at present the only licence issued is for a clinical psychologist.”
Explaining further about present-day challenges, Dr. Hettigoda also stated that we need to stress on individuals completing 18 months of clinical training, which is 1,500 hours, as part of their MPhil. She elaborated that there have been cases where individuals may complete only 12 months of clinical training, which she says is the bare minimum indicated. “We don't stress on the 18 months of clinical training because we want to discourage people. Rather, it is because even the most talented individuals will struggle to treat clients if they do not have the adequate exposure to clinical settings and training,” she explained. Dr. Hettigoda also shared that those practising psychology have a big responsibility to help those seeking assistance, and therefore, obtaining the correct training, qualifications, and maintaining integrity is essential. Dr. Hettigoda stated that the SLPA is continuously working with the SLMC to ensure the quality and consistency of the academic and regulatory processes in psychology in Sri Lanka. She also shared that the establishment of a regulatory body for psychology, consisting of individuals who are experts in psychology, is critical.
What is the way forward for psychology and psychiatry in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has always been known for the high quality of academics that stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world. However, as Sri Lanka is a fairly new country to join the academic and professional world of psychology, we have a long road ahead of us.
To achieve success and to maintain the high standards required, we all have a role to play. While all the organisations are playing their part, individuals interested in turning their passion for psychology into a career, need to educate themselves on the academic pathways and the licences required, and expose themselves to the adequate training in order to be able to provide a wholesome and high-quality service to their clients.
