Some people have a gift for understanding others—picking up on emotions, offering comfort, and making people feel heard. If you’ve ever felt drawn to helping others navigate life’s challenges, why not turn that into a fulfilling career?
In India, more than 80% of people with mental health issues don’t get the help they need, often due to stigma, lack of awareness, or a shortage of trained professionals. This was highlighted in the Economic Survey 2024 by The Financial Express. Also, India has only 0.75 psychiatrists for every 1 lakh people, far below the WHO’s recommended minimum of 3 per 100,000. This shortage was recently reported by The Times of India. This is why there is a growing need for trained counsellors and therapists — you can be one of them.
A career in counselling or therapy is about learning the science of the mind, understanding human behaviour, and guiding people toward healing and growth. And the best part? You can start this journey with psychology courses after 12th Arts!
In this blog, we will discuss the psychology courses you can take after school and build a career as a counsellor or therapist, making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Steps to build a career in psychology after 12th
If you’re interested in understanding the human mind and helping people, a career in psychology can be a great choice. Here’s how you can start your journey after completing 12th Arts:
1. Meet the Psychology Degree Requirements
To start a career in psychology, you need to enrol in a BA in Psychology or BSc in Psychology after 12th. The basic psychology degree requirements include passing your 12th standard from any stream, preferably with psychology as a subject. Some universities may have entrance exams or merit-based admissions.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Many universities offer internships or training opportunities during your bachelor’s degree. To prepare for a mental health career, gain hands-on experience by volunteering at counselling centres, NGOs, or helplines.
3. Pursue a Master’s Degree
If you want to become a professional counsellor or therapist, a Master’s in Psychology is essential. You can specialize in areas like Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or Applied Psychology. A master’s degree is often required for many mental health professions, such as psychotherapy and clinical counselling.
4. Get Certified & Licensed
In some fields, professional certification is needed. If you aim to be a clinical psychologist in India, you must register with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Other psychology fields may have different certification processes.
5. Keep Learning & Growing
Psychology is always evolving. Stay updated by attending workshops, taking online courses, and earning additional certifications in counselling or therapy techniques.
With the right education and dedication, you can build a fulfilling career in psychology and contribute to the mental well-being of individuals and communities.
Let us now explore some of the career options after pursuing psychology courses after 12th arts.
Career Options after Psychology
A psychology degree opens up many career paths, especially in the field of mental health and human behaviour. Here are some of the most popular mental health career options you can explore after studying psychology:
1. Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists work with people dealing with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and trauma. They work in hospitals, private clinics, or mental health centres. To become a clinical psychologist, you’ll need a master’s or PhD in Clinical Psychology.
2. Counseling Psychologist
Counseling psychologists help individuals manage stress, relationships, career decisions, and emotional challenges. They often work in schools, offices, or private practice. A master’s degree in Counseling Psychology is usually required.
3. School Counselor
School counsellors support students’ mental and emotional well-being. They help with academic stress, bullying, and career guidance. Most schools prefer candidates with a master’s degree in psychology or counselling.
4. Industrial-Organisational Psychologist
This role involves working with companies to improve workplace productivity, employee satisfaction, and mental well-being. Many organizations hire industrial psychologists to create a positive work environment.
5. Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists help athletes improve their performance by managing stress, motivation, and focus. They work with sports teams, academies, and individual athletes.
6. Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement agencies to understand criminal behaviour, assist in investigations, and evaluate mental health in legal cases.
7. Rehabilitation Psychologist
Rehabilitation psychologists help individuals recover from physical or emotional trauma, such as accidents, disabilities, or addiction. They work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals.
8. Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists provide therapy for individuals dealing with mental health issues. They use techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoanalysis to help clients. A master’s degree and certification in psychotherapy are required.
9. Child Psychologist
Child psychologists specialize in understanding children’s behaviour and emotions. They work with children facing learning difficulties, emotional challenges, or developmental disorders.
10. Research & Teaching
If you’re interested in studying human behaviour in-depth, you can become a psychology researcher or professor. Many universities and research institutions hire psychology graduates to conduct studies on mental health and behaviour.
With the right education and training, a psychology degree can lead to a meaningful and rewarding career in the mental health field.
Why Choosing the Best Psychology Colleges in India Matters
The best psychology colleges in India offer strong academic programs, experienced faculty, and practical training opportunities that shape you into a skilled professional. A top institution will also provide research facilities, internships, and industry exposure, which are crucial for excelling in fields like clinical psychology, counselling, and organisational psychology.
Why Shoolini University is the Best Choice
When it comes to pursuing psychology, Shoolini University stands out as one of the best. It offers a well-structured curriculum, expert faculty, and a research-driven environment that prepares students for real-world challenges. The university provides hands-on learning through internships, workshops, and industry collaborations, ensuring students get both theoretical and practical exposure.
Let’s explore what makes Shoolini University the best place to study psychology!
Why Choose Shoolini University for Psychology?
Located in the beautiful Kasauli Hills of Himachal Pradesh, Shoolini University is ranked the No.1 Private University in India by QS and Times Higher Education. It is also accredited A+ by NAAC, making it one of the best places to study psychology in 2025.
Shoolini offers a range of undergraduate psychology programs for students who want to build a career in this field. These include:
- BA/BSc Behavioural & Neuro Psychology
- BA/BSc Clinical Psychology
- BA/BSc Psychology and Counseling
The university has a dedicated Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness, which focuses on research and learning in psychology.
Shoolini’s Placement Cell supports its Mission 130, ensuring 100% placements, with 30% of students securing jobs in top companies.
Psychology students here also get the opportunity to study abroad through international exchange programs with universities such as the University of Arkansas (USA), University of Naples (Italy), Gachon University (South Korea), and South Dakota Mines University (USA).
If you’re looking for a top university to study psychology, Shoolini University is the perfect choice.
Conclusion
A career in psychology is a rewarding path that allows you to help others while growing in a dynamic and evolving field. Whether you want to become a counsellor, therapist, or psychologist, the right education and training are essential. By choosing one of the best psychology colleges in India, like Shoolini University, you gain access to expert faculty, hands-on experience, and global opportunities. If you’re passionate about understanding the human mind and making a difference, start your psychology journey today!
