Experts urge people to ensure they verify credentials of the therapists they are visiting or taking their child to. Doctors list how to identify credentials of therapists.
Published Jan 18, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 18, 2025 | 9:22 AM
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In a shocking incident, a 45-year-old psychologist cum counsellor in Nagpur was exposed as a fraud after being arrested for sexually assaulting over 50 girls over the past 15 years under the guise of therapy.
The revelation sent shockwaves across the country, sparking widespread outrage. There are calls for better regulations in the field of mental health.
The Clinical Psychology Society of India (CPSI) released a statement, expressing shock. The statement read: (We are) “deeply shocked and appalled by the recent arrest of a psychologist in Nagpur for the alleged sexual assault of children. Such acts are abhorrent, violate the very essence of ethical and professional conduct, and undermine the trust placed in mental health professionals.”
The statement expressed solidarity with victims and their kin. “We acknowledge the immense courage it takes to come forward in such circumstances and stand in unwavering solidarity with the affected. We understand the trauma that such violations can cause and are committed to supporting the victims in any way possible.”
The CPSI learnt that the accused individual, described as “psycholoigst-cum-counsellor” is not a registered clinical psychologist with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) but is, in fact, a quack.
The statement by CPSI said “This misrepresentation is not only fraudulent but also severely undermines the integrity and credibility of mental health professionals, particularly clinical psychologists in India.”
The self-proclaimed psychologist reportedly blackmailed and sexually exploited over 50 students over the past 15 years.
The accused operated a clinic and residential programme in east Nagpur. He was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The media reported that he lured students, particularly girls, with promises of personal and professional development.
He organised trips and camps where he would sexually abuse them, take explicit photographs, and later use these to blackmail them.
The incident came to light after a former student, who was being blackmailed by the accused, approached the police.
According to reports several victims are married and may not be ready to file complaints. However, it is reported that a special committee has been formed by the police to assist victims and ensure a thorough investigation.
In recently years, there has been a noticeable rise in individuals presenting themselves as counselors or therapists, often without the necessary qualifications or licenses.
Dr Jamuna Rajeswaran, President of CPSI told South First, “This rise may be attributed to various factors including greater awareness of mental health issues, reduced stigma on seeking help, and the proliferation of online platforms that allow anyone to present themselves as a counsellor.”
However, she says this tend raises critical concerns for families seeking support. She further explains that as mental health becomes a priority, it is essential for families to ensure that the individuals they approach for guidance and support possesses the necessary qualifications and ethical standards.
Dr Jamuna warned, “A title does not guarantee competence; verification does.”
Dr Mahesh Gowda, psychiatrist and founder of Spandana Hospitals told South First: “It is a very difficult issue. In medical treatment and counselling places, the psychiatrist or psychologist is in a fiduciary relationship with patients, where a lot of suggestibility is involved. Many issues can be misconstrued. In some cases, even professionals may exploit their patients.”
He says it is crucial that psychologists/psychiatrists follow all recommended guidelines. For instance, the Medical Council of India has boundary guidelines.
Most of the professional societies have also published their own guidelines, detailing how patients must be treated, the frequency of visits that should be scheduled, and the dos and don’ts.
“These include maintaining physical and sexual boundaries with the patient. It is important that we adhere to these guidelines both at the institutional and individual levels,” Dr Mahesh says, adding that people who are vulnerable are also the ones seeking help, and during their periods of vulnerability, any outside intervention can significantly influence their mental state.
“A patient can unintentionally or intentionally get close to the therapist as she starts sharing her emotions and finding comfort. This dynamic can potentially set the stage for boundary violations or inappropriate relationships.”
He says a lot of professionals may not fully understand what constitutes a boundary violation. For instance, if a psychologist attends a patient’s family function then it is crossing boundaries and it is not acceptable.
Similarly, sharing social media information such as Facebook or Instagram accounts, or maintaining friendships on these platforms, is also a boundary issue and strictly discouraged.
“As healthcare professionals, we must be fully aware of what constitutes acceptable behaviour and maintain clear boundaries to protect both the patient and ourselves,” Dr Mahesh said.
The Nagpur case highlights the risks of engaging with unverified mental health practitioners. Experts warn that such interactions can not only fail to address psychological concerns but also exacerbate them, leading to long-term harm.
Dr Jamuna explained, “The implications of relying on unverified counsellors can be detrimental. Poor advice or misguided therapeutic approaches can prolong suffering instead of contributing to healing and growth.”
Speaking to South First another psychologist, on condition of anonymity, said the incident reignited the debate on regulating the mental health profession in India. Many experts have pointed out the loopholes that allow unqualified individuals to exploit the public.
“India lacks stringent checks to prevent quacks from operating in the mental health space. A person can easily claim to be counsellor or psychologist without proper qualifications. This puts vulnerable individuals at serious risk.”
There are several people now, doctors say, who do online courses and call themselves counsellors.
“It is a very sensitive issue as well. Many times we get patients who could be sexual assaulted already by some relative or friend and in such cases they would have opened up to us and if the psychologist then starts to blackmail or exploit the child, it is a serious concern,” a senior psychologist said.
The CPSI statement also insisted that any individual practicing as a clinical psychologist in India must be registered with the RCI.
Additionally, those who identify as counsellors or counselling psychologists must be registered with the Allied and Health Care Professionals Enrollment Portal.
These recognitions are non-negotiable prerequisites that ensure practitioners meet the necessary educational and ethical standards required to provide competent and safe mental health care.
“The field of clinical psychology is built on the foundation of trust and safeguarding the well-being of individuals, particularly the most vulnerable. This alleged behaviour is a grave betrayal of the duty of care that every psychologist is entrusted with,” the CPSI statement said.
The CPSI has offered to extend support to the girls and urges that justice be pursued swiftly and comprehensively.
The CPSI president said, “To anyone impacted by the situation, we offer resources and support services to assist in their healing and recovery. We have Telemanas-14416 to help the victims. We strongly encourage those in need to reach out and access these services, which are designed to provide care, confidentiality, and comfort in difficult times.”
The CPSI promised to also review its own mechanisms for ethical oversight to strengthen its ability to prevent such violations in future.
It also promised to expand education and training for psychologists, emphasising safeguarding practices, ethical boundaries, and the responsibilities inherent in working with vulnerable populations.
The CPSI said the incident comes as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, accountability, and integrity. “We call upon all institutions, professionals and regulatory bodies to work collaboratively to protect those we serve and to reinforce the ethical framework that guides our work,” Dr N Suresh Kumar, General Secretary, CPSI, said.
Dr Jamuna explains that when a family searches for counselling support, it must conduct thorough research into the credentials of the professional being engaged. “There are several practical steps that can help with such verification,” she explains.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)
