OPENING SCRIPT (VERY IMPORTANT)
“Good morning/afternoon, Sir/Ma’am. Thank you so much for giving me your time.
I am a postgraduate student of Clinical Psychology, and this interview is part of my Psychopathology-
II academic assignment.
The purpose of this interview is to understand practical challenges in clinical practice, diagnostic
issues, perspectives on RCI licensure, regulatory bodies in India, classification systems like DSM-5-TR
and ICD-11, and the multidisciplinary approach in mental health care.
With your permission, I would like to audio-record this interview strictly for academic purposes,
ensuring confidentiality.
Shall we begin?”
(Wait for consent, then start recording)
🧠 INTERVIEW SCRIPT (MAIN PART)
1️⃣ PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
“To begin with, could you please tell me about your educational background, professional training,
and current role in the mental health field?”
Probe (if needed):
“How many years of experience do you have, and what kind of clinical setting are you currently
working in?”
🔹 After Background Question
Professional finishes explaining experience
You say:
“Thank you for sharing that, it really helps me understand your clinical background.
Building on your experience, I would like to ask about the practical challenges you face in daily
clinical practice.”
➡️Then ask next question.
2️⃣ PRACTICAL CHALLENGES IN DAILY PRACTICE
“In your day-to-day clinical practice, what are some of the major practical challenges that you
commonly face?”
Probes:
“Do factors such as workload, time constraints, client motivation, or limited resources affect your
work?”
“How do you usually cope with or manage these challenges?”
🔹 After Practical Challenges Answer
If response is GOOD:
“That gives a very clear picture of real-world clinical practice.
Moving ahead, I would like to ask about the diagnostic challenges you encounter.”
If response is SHORT:
“You mentioned time constraints and client compliance issues.
Could you please elaborate on how these affect assessment or intervention?”
3️⃣ DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES
“From your clinical experience, what kind of diagnostic challenges do you encounter while working
with clients?”
Probes:
“Do issues like overlapping symptoms, comorbidity, or difficulty in obtaining accurate client history
affect diagnosis?”
“How do cultural or social factors influence diagnostic decisions?”
🔹 After Diagnostic Challenges
“Thank you for explaining that.
Since diagnosis often depends on classification systems, I would now like to understand your views on
DSM-5-TR and ICD-11.”
(Smooth link = examiner LOVES this)
4️⃣ DSM-5-TR vs ICD-11
“What is your opinion regarding the use of DSM-5-TR versus ICD-11 in clinical practice?”
Probes:
“Which classification system do you personally prefer and why?”
“Do you think one system is more culturally appropriate or practical in the Indian context?”
🔹 After DSM vs ICD
“That comparison was very helpful.
Related to professional standards, I would like to ask about your opinion on RCI licensure for
psychologists in India.”
5️⃣ RCI LICENSURE
“What are your views on RCI licensure for psychologists in India?”
Probes:
“Do you think the current licensure system adequately ensures professional competence?”
“What are some advantages or limitations of RCI licensure from your perspective?”
🔹 After RCI Licensure
“Thank you for sharing your perspective.
In the same context, how do you view the current functioning of regulatory bodies governing
psychology in India?”
6️⃣ INDIAN REGULATORY BODIES IN PSYCHOLOGY
“How would you describe the current status of regulatory bodies governing psychology and mental
health professions in India?”
Probes:
“Do you feel there is a need for clearer guidelines or reforms?”
“What changes would you like to see in the future?”
🔹 After Regulatory Bodies
“That was quite informative.
Moving towards clinical practice settings, I would like to understand your views on a multidisciplinary
team approach in mental health care.”
7️⃣ TEAM APPROACH IN PSYCHIATRIC FACILITIES
“What is your personal opinion on the multidisciplinary team approach in psychiatric or mental
health settings?”
Probes:
“How important is collaboration between psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses?”
“What are the benefits and challenges of working in a team?”
🔹 After Team Approach
“That highlights the importance of collaboration in mental health services.
Could you now help me understand the differences between the roles of a clinical psychologist and a
counselling psychologist?”
8️⃣ DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLINICAL & COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGISTS
“Could you explain the differences between the roles, responsibilities, and areas of expertise of a
clinical psychologist and a counselling psychologist?”
Probes:
“How do their approaches to assessment and intervention differ?”
“In what kind of cases would each professional be more suitable?”
🔹 Before Final Advice Question
“Thank you for explaining that so clearly.
As a final question, I would like to ask what advice you would give to psychology students entering
this field.”
9️⃣ ADVICE TO STUDENTS (CLOSING QUESTION)
“Finally, what advice would you like to give to psychology students who aspire to work in the mental
health profession?”
🎧 CLOSING SCRIPT
“Thank you so much, Sir/Ma’am, for sharing your valuable insights and experiences.
This interview has been extremely informative and helpful for my academic as well as professional
growth.
I truly appreciate your time and guidance.”
(Stop recording)