Introduction

The department of Clinical Psychology (DCP) is a constituent unit of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU): a federally chartered university and has the unique distinction of being attached/affiliated with state of the art and JCI accredited Shifa International Hospital for clinical attachment, psychotherapy, trainings and other related academic activities. It is well placed in the heart of Islamabad, the beautiful capital of Pakistan. It is envisioned to become an innovative center, focusing on Clinical aspects of Psychology and health, which will eventually bring psychological counselling, medical treatment and research work together.

The Department of Clinical Psychology was set up in 2017 at Shifa Tameer e Millat University Islamabad under the Headship of Prof. Dr. Iftikhar N. Hassan, a renowned academician and a psychologist. BS Clinical Psychology and MS Clinical Psychology are the first programs being offered, which will cater to the rising demand for trained graduate clinical psychologists across the country. Taking into consideration the growth, development and awareness of clinical psychology during the past few years particularly in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and the surrounding areas, the basic aim of education at the Department of Clinical Psychology is to educate and train young healthcare professionals to have the knowledge and expertise to fulfil their roles in their respective field. Both these programs have been approved by Higher Education Commission and all the statutory bodies of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University.

Our Programs focus on the assessment, diagnosis and clinical practice through different approaches to mental illnesses. The stress at both BS and MS level is on personal and professional grooming of the future therapists. Our focus is on developing lifelong competencies in our graduates. The curriculum of the Clinical Psychology is learner centered, clinically oriented and evidence based. The students are exposed to first-hand experience of meeting with individuals with different disabilities and emotional problems. The department is expected to cross another milestone of its further growth and development. It has not only increased the number of programs at BS and MS levels, but also about to launch Ph. D, Doctorate in Psychology (D. Psych), Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) very soon Insha’Allah.

A team of qualified teachers is involved for conducting and supervising research and providing counseling services within and outside the department. Our classrooms, laboratories and clinics are well equipped to meet the instructional and training requirements.