The Training and Career Options of Psychologists in Malaysia
Clinical psychology in Malaysia is still a relatively growing field. But growing awareness about the field can lead to development and job openings. At present, Malaysia has 140 licensed Clinical Psychologists with the majority of them have been trained locally. Malaysia’s National University was the first institute to offer training. In this article, we will discuss the options for training and careers for psychologists working in Malaysia. Read on to learn more about this field as well as its advantages and why psychologists from Malaysia distinguish themselves in comparison to other providers of healthcare.
Clinical psychologists form part of a team of mental health care providers
A psychologist who is a clinical specialist makes up an integral part of a group of health professionals who work within the realm of psychology. There are only a few psychologists who are clinical in Malaysia, despite the obvious need for psychological health care. Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has allocated only 1.5 percentage of its operating budget to this field. A shortage of psychologists may be a result. However, the shortage in clinical psychologists could also result from the high unemployment rate.
The role of a clinical psychologist in Malaysia is multifaceted. They are involved in health promotion programmes as well as neuropsychological assessment and for forensic sciences. They assist in diagnosing and treating various psychological issues throughout the medical system, including adolescents and pediatric medicine. They are usually referred to by medical professionals to conduct psychological evaluations or treatment.
The Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology is in favor of the mandatory registration of psychologists who practice clinical psychology. However, the society is cautious about new laws. They believe it is an attempt to curb mistakes and increase the importance of clinical psychologists in the mental health system. They also acknowledge that it’s not easy to ensure compliance with the new law since it doesn’t specifically mention clinical psychology. Further, despite the need to be registered as a professional the absence of clinical psychologists in the country is making it more difficult to locate trained professionals.
Clinical psychologists are part of the mental health team and are in contact with social health workers as well as nurses, doctors and in addition to other experts. They have regular working hours, although some clinical psychologists have weekend and evening shifts. Some work on their own, while others may be employed by rehabilitation centers or health providers. If they want to be independently employed, they may start their own private business. They are usually part of an organization of health professionals, but may also be self-employed.
They’re very well-paying
The salary average of an experienced clinical psychologist in Malaysia is RM 110,965 per year and a the bonus amount of RM 3,365. The data is derived from surveys of salaries carried out by employees of Malaysia who were anonymous. The potential salary for this job category is expected to rise by 33 percent in the coming five years. It’s a great career option for people who love helping others.
For a fresh graduate, the job search is stressful, particularly when you have a busy study schedule and student loans to pay. However, luckily for those just starting their career the field of psychology is lucrative. The majority of college graduates graduate with a salary range of $50,000-60,000 annually. In contrast, first-year clinical psychologists start their careers earning a salary of $150,000, which may even be as high as $200k.
Research-related jobs can be a fantastic way to advance your career path as a psychology student. You can work both within the private and public sectors. Psychologists may be involved in various projects. They could additionally be in a position to create and test new 3D cinematography or drugs for depression. Therefore, a psychology degree is an incredibly versatile qualification which can be used in almost any job that is available in Malaysia. As a psychologist, there are many opportunities to earn a decent income.
The graduates of Malaysian psychology can count on a high salary. The median salary for a clinical psychologist working in Malaysia is $74,000 a year. But, salaries for sports psychologists vary widely. Some other positions may also be lucrative, such as those in sports psychology. Specialists in forensic psychology can be employed in juvenile detention facilities, or in police departments. If you’re a psychology graduated, you should not earn an income.
They must be able to communicate with a range of people
A registered MSCP psychologist is one with the credentials to work in the field of psychology. A psychologist must be knowledgeable of the legal framework, regulatory requirements, and guidance relevant to the context within which they perform. A psychologist’s “client” can be any individual that they collaborate with on a regular basis for example, a single couple, an individual, a family group, or educational institution. The ethics code for psychologists does not address any private conducts of the psychologist. It is only concerned with the professional roles that psychologists are required to play.
The Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology is required for individuals who would like to become a specialist in Malaysian clinical psychology. Although this is an emerging field, there are numerous postgraduate programs available in Malaysia. While most students finish their degree at their local institution, they can choose to pursue their PhD abroad. A few public universities in Malaysia offer postgraduate courses in the field of clinical psychology. This requires a Master’s degree in the discipline.
Professional ethics and integrity are crucial to a successful job in the field of psychology. A psychologist must be able to communicate with various people and show concern for other people. Psychologists in clinical practice must keep their calm in stressful circumstances. They must be able to be impartial and keep professionalism throughout their careers. They must be well-informed and trustworthy.
Clinical psychologists make up a tiny percentage of the Malaysian populace, yet they make a major contribution in health care. They’re responsible for investigating and screening clients to ensure appropriate treatment. They also provide advice on the best treatment options for a variety of clients who are referred to them by medical professionals. Licensed clinical psychologists can be employed in any part of a teaching hospital. It is crucial to be able to communicate across a variety of people when you are an Malaysian psychologist.
They form the health team.
Malaysian psychiatrists work closely with clinical psychologists in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. As per the National Health and Morbidity Survey, 4.2 million Malaysian adults suffered from a mental disorder in 2015. The incidence of this condition increased from 10.7 percent in 1996, to 29.2% in 2015. To provide the best care possible for those suffering from the disorder, psychologists are in close contact with healthcare specialists.
Malaysia is home to 319 social healthcare health workers. Two-thirds of them work for the Ministry of Health and one is employed by the Ministry of Higher Education. Twelve of them were assigned to mental health treatment at four of the mental health facilities, and there are no social workers employed in hospitals that are general in nature. The professionals will be expected to perform all tasks assigned to them. But what is their role on a team of healthcare professionals?
Clinical psychologists need to possess a master’s degree or higher in Clinical Psychology. Malaysian healthcare professionals must be licensed or certified. The professionals who are certified or licensed, regardless of their role in the health industry, have to adhere to the PFA standards. This PFA certification assures customers as well as employers that psychologists adhere to high professional standards. There are numerous benefits of the accreditation. If you’re a psychology professional in Malaysia you should take advantage of these advantages.
Psychologists are a key component in the treatment and diagnosis of mental illness. In the field of psychological assessment and treatment the majority of them are requested by physicians. In the case of neurodevelopmental and depression and anxiety disorders, the greatest quantity of referrals are given. Most Malaysian psychologists are referred by psychiatrists. This research will assist psychologists to give better treatment to their patients.
They are underrated
Graduates of Malaysian Phsychology are usually found working in different fields. A lot of people work for the federal government where pay ranges between RM5000 to RM3000. It depends on the field of psychology. But there are many who believe that psychologists are in Malaysia are underrated. These are just three reasons that psychologists are in Malaysia are not highly regarded. These are only a handful of the reasons why psychologists in Malaysia are underrated.
Elena Tan graduated from the University of California in the year 2000 with an BSc Psychology. She wants to make a difference. She wants to empower individuals to conquer psychological obstacles. The decision was made to further her studies, enrolling in the Master of Clinical Psychology course at HELP University, with the CGPA 3.73. The goal is to be a licensed psychologist in Malaysia in the near future. After all, psychologists in Malaysia are not regarded as highly in many ways. Therefore, we must take action to increase awareness of the profession.
Malaysia has a mere 1000 clinical psychologists. This is a small quantity, but a good representation of what is needed in the nation. They are a crucial part in the provision of treatment and evaluation for all types of mental illness. Some students of psychology consider that foreign-trained specialists provide better quality of care. There’s no substitute for local professionals in this field. Quality of service and the capacity to cross-culturally adapt the psychologist is crucial, especially when dealing with clients from the local area.
