Course Description

Psychiatric Social Work is a specialized discipline within the fields of Social that aims to promote mental health and psychosocial well-being. Rooted in the biopsychosocial and person-in-environment frameworks, the profession addresses complex interactions among individual, family, community, and systemic factors that influence mental health.

Psychiatric Social Workers are trained professionals who conduct psychosocial assessments, make diagnostic and psychosocial formulations, and plan and deliver evidence-based interventions to address the emotional, behavioural, and psychosocial challenges faced by individuals and families affected by mental disorders, chronic illnesses, disabilities, trauma, and life crises. Their scope of practice spans the preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative dimensions of mental health care. They play a vital role as part of multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, psychiatric settings, community mental health programs, schools, correctional facilities, and disaster or humanitarian contexts. In addition to clinical services, Psychiatric Social Workers advocate for the rights of persons with mental illness and their families, contribute to policy development and program implementation, and engage in empirical research to advance the discipline.

The Master of Psychiatric Social Work (MPSW) is a registrable course under the National Commission for Allied Health Professionals. This competency-based curriculum, designed in alignment with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) framework, aims to prepare practitioners with proficiency in clinical assessment, psychotherapeutic interventions, psychosocial rehabilitation, research, and leadership in mental health service delivery. The Master of Psychiatric Social Work (MPSW) is a two-year course designed as a replacement for M. Phil in Psychiatric Social Work. Learners integrate theoretical knowledge with extensive supervised field practice. It is designed to prepare competent, ethical, and evidence-informed professionals who can function effectively across the full spectrum of mental health and behavioural healthcare settings. It provides a comprehensive framework that integrates theory, clinical practice, research, and professional ethics, in alignment with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) standards.

Focus and Career Prospectus

Clinical and Therapeutic Practice: Equips learners with advanced competencies in clinical assessment, diagnosis, case formulation, psychotherapy, counselling, and psychosocial intervention for individuals, families, and groups experiencing mental health issues or psychosocial distress.

Mental Health and General Health Settings: Prepares students to work as part of multidisciplinary teams in general and Mental hospitals, mental health centres,  rehabilitation institutions, child and adolescent psychiatry units, geriatric units, and other clinical care environments.

Community Mental Health and Rehabilitation: Strengthens knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based mental health programs, psychosocial rehabilitation services, disaster response, and outreach interventions, addressing mental health within a public health and social justice framework.

Academic and Training Functions: Enables graduates to contribute as educators, supervisors, and trainers in academic institutions, training centres, and health programs, promoting professional standards and skill development among future social work and mental health practitioners.

Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Builds strong foundations in qualitative and  quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, and scholarly inquiry to inform practice, policy, and innovation in the field of mental health and social care.

Policy, Advocacy, and Program Development: Empowers professionals to engage in mental health policy analysis, advocacy, leadership, and administration within government, non-governmental, and international organizations, contributing to mental health system strengthening and human rights promotion.

Interprofessional and Collaborative Practice: Encourages teamwork with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, and other allied professionals to provide integrated and holistic care that addresses biological, psychological, and social dimensions of mental health.

Career Opportunities

• Mental health institutions
• General hospitals with psychiatric settings
• Rehabilitation centers
• Academic institutions
• Research centers
• Psychiatric social work posts in government sectors
• Teaching and non-teaching posts in government sectors
• NGOs national and international working in the field of mental and public health