Can clinical psychologists issue medical certificates?
Only Registered Medical Practitioners under the Indian Medical Council Act can issue Medical Certificates in India. Registered Medical Practitioner means a person who has gotten registered with the State Medical Council after finishing the undergraduate medical course in a college that is recognised by the State government and approved by the Medical Council of India. A clinical psychologist does not have a medical degree but requires a Post-Graduate degree in Psychology/Clinical-Psychology/Applied-Psychology and a Master of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology or Medical and Social Psychology. Therefore, clinical psychologists can issue reports and certificates only in special circumstances. A clinical psychologist is required to issue a certificate in cases where a person is admitted to a mental facility against their will, stating that a person does not have the capacity to consent or there is a risk to self, others, or personal or public property; and the person is not able to take care of themself due to the mental illness.