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Any streamEntrance: Class 12 marksMind & society

Counsellor / Psychotherapist

Counsellors and psychotherapists help people work through stress, relationships, grief, career choices and emotional difficulties by talking and listening.

Class 11–12 subjectsAny stream
Entrance / admissionClass 12 marks / CUET UG
DegreeBA / B.Sc Psychology + MA / M.Sc Counselling
Duration5 years (3 + 2) + supervised practice

Your route, step by step

  1. 1Class 11–12: any streamScience students do well; good communication matters most.
  2. 2BA / B.Sc Psychology · 3 yearsOn Class 12 marks or CUET UG.
  3. 3MA / M.Sc in Counselling or Clinical Psychology · 2 yearsSupervised practice is essential.
  4. 4Train and practiseCounselling has no single licence; clinical psychologists need an RCI-recognised professional qualification.

What a counsellor / psychotherapist does

  • Listen carefully and understand the person’s concerns
  • Use evidence-based counselling and therapy methods
  • Help clients set goals and build coping skills
  • Refer to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists when needed

Entrance exams & admission

  • Class 12 marksMost Tamil Nadu arts & science colleges
  • CUET UGCentral universities
  • University entranceFor master’s programmes

Where you may work

Schools and colleges, hospitals, NGOs, de-addiction centres, company wellness programmes, online platforms and private practice.

Well-known colleges in and near Tamil Nadu

  • Madras Christian College, Chennai
  • Loyola College, Chennai

Official links

Links checked: Oct 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.

Outlook

Demand is rising fast in schools, workplaces and online. Choose properly supervised training — short certificates are not enough.

Specialise later

  • School counselling
  • Career counselling
  • Family & couples therapy
  • Addiction counselling
  • Trauma & grief counselling