Department of Clinical Psychology
Hod Desk
Dr. Mahi Khandelwal
Department of Clinical Psychology
The Department of Clinical Psychology at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University (CSMU) was established in 2025 and provides mental health treatment in adolescent and adult mental health issues. The department is recognised by Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the Department of Clinical Psychology at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University (CSMU)—a department committed to academic excellence, ethical practice, and compassionate mental health care.
Clinical Psychology today plays a crucial role in addressing the growing mental health needs of individuals, families, and communities. Our department is dedicated to nurturing competent, empathetic, and skilled professionals who are well-equipped to assess, understand, and treat a wide range of psychological concerns through evidence-based practices.
The department focuses on psychological assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions, with special emphasis on disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and other psychological conditions. We also actively address sexual dysfunctions, couple-related concerns, child and adolescent issues, and de-addiction, ensuring a holistic approach to mental well-being.
Our academic framework integrates theory, practical training, clinical exposure, and research, enabling students to develop strong clinical competence and professional ethics. We encourage critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and sensitivity toward diverse psychological and social issues.
At CSMU, we strive to create a supportive learning environment where students are mentored to become responsible mental health professionals, capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
I warmly invite students, academicians, and professionals to join us in this journey of learning, healing, and discovery.
Vision
The Department of Clinical Psychology envisions excellence in education, research, and clinical practice, with the aim of developing competent, ethical, and compassionate clinical psychologists who contribute meaningfully to mental health care and well-being at individual, community, and societal levels.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Clinical Psychology is to provide rigorous academic training, evidence-based clinical skill development, and strong ethical grounding, while promoting research, community mental health services, and professional responsibility in accordance with RCI guidelines and national mental health needs.
Programmes Offered
B.Sc Clinical Psychology (Honours)
The B.Sc. Clinical Psychology (Honours) programme is designed in accordance with the guidelines of the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to prepare students as frontline mental health professionals. The programme provides a strong foundation in psychological theories, human development, psychopathology, research methods, and ethics, along with supervised practical exposure. Emphasis is placed on mental health promotion, prevention, early identification, psychoeducation, and community-based interventions, strictly within the scope defined by RCI. Graduates are trained to work under supervision in healthcare and community settings and are prepared for higher professional training in Clinical Psychology.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (RCI Regulated Programme)
The M.A. Clinical Psychology programme follows the curriculum and training framework prescribed by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and focuses on advanced theoretical knowledge and supervised clinical training. The programme equips students with competencies in psychological assessment, case formulation, basic intervention planning, and research, while maintaining clearly defined professional and ethical boundaries. Structured clinical postings, internships, and research work enable students to function as trained mental health professionals under supervision, contributing to preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative mental health services. The programme prepares graduates for advanced professional roles and further specialized training in the field of Clinical Psychology.
B.Sc Clinical Psychology (Honours)
- Curriculum structured as per RCI guidelines for undergraduate training in clinical psychology
- Strong foundation in core psychology and clinical psychology subjects
- Emphasis on scientific, ethical, and evidence-based understanding of mental health
- Practical training through psychology laboratories, case discussions, and field exposure
- Introduction to psychological assessment tools and basic intervention skills
- Focus on professional ethics, communication skills, and empathy development
- Training in research methodology and basic statistical applications
- Exposure to mental health settings through supervised observation and fieldwork
- Prepares students for higher education (MA/MSc Clinical Psychology) and allied mental health careers
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (RCI Regulated Programme)
- Programme designed strictly as per RCI norms and competency requirements
- Advanced training in psychopathology, diagnosis, and psychological assessment
- Intensive supervised clinical practicum and internship in recognized mental health settings
- Hands-on training in psychotherapy, counseling, and behavioral interventions
- Emphasis on ethical practice, professional conduct, and patient confidentiality
- Integrated approach combining theory, clinical application, and research
- Training to work with diverse populations across age groups and clinical conditions
- Strong focus on case formulation, report writing, and treatment planning
- Preparation for professional clinical roles, research, and further RCI-recognized training
B.Sc Clinical Psychology (Honours)
Graduates gain a strong foundation for entry-level roles and higher studies in psychology and mental health. Career pathways include:
- Eligibility for MA/MSc Clinical Psychology and allied psychology programmes
- Roles as Psychology Assistants, Mental Health Support Staff, or Rehabilitation Assistants (under supervision)
- Opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, NGOs, schools, and community mental health programs
- Entry into research assistance, data collection, and academic support roles
- Foundation for careers in counseling psychology, special education, social work, and public health
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (RCI Regulated Programme)
The programme prepares students for advanced professional and academic roles in clinical psychology. Career options include:
- Employment in hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, and de-addiction units
- Roles in psychological assessment, therapy, and clinical services under approved frameworks
- Opportunities in teaching, research, and academic institutions
- Work with NGOs, government health programs, and community mental health services
- Pathway toward advanced RCI-recognized professional training and specialization
B.Sc Clinical Psychology (Honours)
On successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of core psychological concepts and foundational principles of clinical psychology
- Apply basic psychological theories and models to understand human behavior and mental health conditions
- Identify common psychological disorders using standard classification systems at an introductory level
- Use basic psychological assessment tools ethically under supervision
- Exhibit professional ethics, empathy, and responsible conduct in mental health settings
- Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills essential for mental health practice
- Apply research methods and basic statistical skills in psychological studies
- Understand the role of clinical psychologists and mental health professionals within multidisciplinary teams
- Prepare for higher education and RCI-recognized postgraduate training in clinical psychology
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (RCI Regulated Programme)
The programme prepares students for advanced professional and academic roles in clinical psychology. Career options include:
- Employment in hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers, and de-addiction units
- Roles in psychological assessment, therapy, and clinical services under approved frameworks
- Opportunities in teaching, research, and academic institutions
- Work with NGOs, government health programs, and community mental health services
- Pathway toward advanced RCI-recognized professional training and specialization
Eminent Faculty
Varsha Muraleedharan
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: MPhil Clinical Psychology, MA Clinical Psychology
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Nooruddin Shabbir Patravala
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: Mphil in Clinical Psychology
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Akhilesh Sandesh Parab
Designation: Assistant Professor
Qualification: Mphil in Clinical Psychology
Infrastructure & Facilities
The Department of Clinical Psychology is supported by well-developed infrastructure designed to meet RCI norms and facilitate high-quality academic and clinical training. The department functions within a dedicated built-up area of approximately 1305 sq. meters on a 10-acre university campus, comprising six spacious classrooms, faculty offices, staff rooms, trainee rooms, and barrier-free facilities to ensure inclusivity. It houses specialized facilities such as fully equipped psychology laboratories, psychotherapy rooms, counseling rooms, a biofeedback room, and a play therapy room, enabling hands-on clinical exposure and skill development. The department is further strengthened by a modern, fully automated library with a rich collection of textbooks, reference materials including DSM-5 and ICD-11, e-journals, e-databases, and assistive technologies. High-speed LAN and Wi-Fi connectivity, presentation rooms with audio-visual aids, multipurpose halls, auditoriums, hostel facilities, and disability-friendly access collectively create a conducive environment for learning, research, and professional clinical practice.
Workshop & Conferences
The Department of Clinical Psychology actively organizes and participates in workshops, seminars, symposiums, and conferences to enhance academic enrichment and professional competence among students and faculty. These programs focus on contemporary themes such as emotional intelligence, stress management, suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and emerging trends in clinical psychology. National and international experts are regularly invited to share their knowledge and clinical experience, ensuring exposure to evidence-based practices and current developments in the field. Such academic engagements foster critical thinking, research orientation, and continuous professional development in alignment with RCI guidelines.
Events
The department regularly conducts a wide range of academic, professional, and community-oriented events aimed at promoting mental health awareness and holistic development. These include observance of World Mental Health Week, awareness campaigns, field visits to mental health and rehabilitation centers, community outreach programs, student-led activities, and wellness initiatives. Through these events, students gain experiential learning, community engagement skills, and practical exposure to real-world mental health challenges, while contributing meaningfully to societal well-being and mental health promotion.
| S.No. | Date | Title / Theme of Program | Target Group / Beneficiaries | Resource Person(s) | Organized By | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20.07.2025 | Waste Management Campaign | Students | Dr. R. P. Singh Kushwah | CSMU Dept. of Civil Engg. | CSMU Campus |
| 2 | 25.07.2025 | Mock drill for Disaster Response | Students and Staff | S.I. (Sp.) Mr. Sharad Ghate | CSMU & Panvel Tal. P.S. | CSMU Campus |
| 3 | 06.08.2025 | Workshop for Prevention of Suicide | Students and Staff | Staff of Dept. of Clinical Psychology | Dept. of Clinical Psychology | CSMU Campus |
| 4 | 18.08.2025 | Stress Management Workshop | Students and Staff of University and registered guests | Dr. Naresh Tambe | Dept. of Clinical Psychology | Father Agnel School, Vashi |
| 5 | 03.10.2025 - 05.10.2025 | World Mental Health Week (Seminar, symposiums and competitions) | Students and Staff | Staff of Dept. of Clinical Psychology | Dept. of Clinical Psychology | CSMU Campus |
| S. No. | Date | Program Title / Theme | Target Group / Area Covered | Screening / Assessment Tools Used | Organized By | Venue | Remarks / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18.03.2025 | Speech and Language Delay Detection Camp | Preschool Children (3-8 yrs) | Communication Checklist | Dept. of Psychology, in association with | St. Wilfred’s Kids School, New Panvel | 38 children screened, 3 children referred for therapy sessions |
| 2 | 05.01.2025 | Screening for Learning Difficulties in Primary School Children | Class I-V Students | NIMHANS SLD Battery, LD Checklist | Dept. of Clinical Psychology | St. Wilfred’s CBSE School, Panvel | 220 students screened, 11 identified for remedial follow-up |
| 3 | 20.01.2025 | Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders | Preschool Children | M-CHAT, CARS | Clinical Psychology Unit | St. Wilfred’s Kids School, New Panvel | 38 students screened, 1 probable case referred for detailed assessment |
| S. No. | Date | Program Title / Theme | Target Group / Community Covered | Type of Service Provided | Organized By | Venue | Remarks / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 26.09.2025 | Digital Literacy Campaign | Students and Local Community | Digital Literacy of Local Community | CSMU | Kolkhe, Panvel | 36 Students, 2 Teachers arranged Basic Computer training to 200+ residents |
| 29 | 29.09.2025 | Health and Hygiene Awareness Programme | Students and Local Community | Health and Hygiene Awareness of Local Community | CSMU | Shedung, Panvel | 32 Students participated with 150 residents |
| 30 | 02.10.2025 | Parent Counseling Camp for Children with Learning Difficulties | Parents & Teachers | Orientation on early identification and intervention | Clinical Psychology Dept. | St. Wilfred’s Kids School, New Panvel | 3 faculty members mentored 28 parents |
| 31 | 08.10.2025 | AARAMBH 5.0 | Students | Cultural Program | CSMU | Campus Grounds and Public Area | 500+ students participated |
| 32 | 01.11.2025 - 02.11.2025 | International Conference of Science and Technology for Wellbeing: Innovation & Trends | Dept. of Basic Sciences | Hybrid mode | 53 presenters, 112 participants, 4 international keynote speakers, among which 3 successful papers in clinical psychology |
