Clinical Psychology at KBSU: Training Specialists to Solve Current Problems

One of the important features of the 2025 admission campaign at the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov was that for the first time, budget places were allocated in the Clinical Psychology program. It is planned to admit 28 people to the first year, 13 of them on a budgetary basis.

The program for training clinical psychologists at the Institute of Pedagogy, Psychology and Physical Culture and Sports Education of KBSU is aimed at meeting the needs of the healthcare and social sphere of both the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and the entire North Caucasus Federal District.

Experienced psychologists work at KBSU, many of whom have practical experience in the clinical field. This ensures a high level of teaching and the relevance of the knowledge gained.

Students master modern working methods in specialized classrooms, where comfortable conditions for learning have been created. The educational process includes a significant number of practical classes and internships in real medical and social institutions, which contribute to the development of the necessary skills for successful professional activity.

Qualification and duration of study

Graduates of the program receive the qualification of «Clinical Psychologist», which allows them to work at the intersection of psychology and medicine.

A clinical psychologist is not a doctor, he works with mental states, mental disorders, behavioral problems, using psychological methods of diagnosis, correction, counseling and psychotherapy,

— explained the director of the Institute of Psychology and Physical Education and Social Development Olga Mikhaylenko.

The duration of study is 5.5 years and is carried out according to the specialty, which is a traditional and in-depth form of training for this specialty in Russia. This gives students the opportunity to study in more depth both theoretical and practical aspects of clinical psychology.

Main areas of study

The educational program covers a wide range of topics related to mental health. The main focus area: mental health; psychosomatics; pathopsychology; neuropsychology; psychology of crisis states; psychological support for patients with serious illnesses and their families, as well as children with special needs.

Key disciplines

The fundamental knowledge of future clinical psychologists is formed by various disciplines. Among them:

– general and developmental psychology, history of psychology;

– anatomy of the central nervous system and physiology of higher nervous activity;

– pathopsychology and clinical psychology of children and adolescents;

– psychodiagnostics and psychological counseling;

– fundamentals of psychiatry and neurology.

– psychology of extreme situations and addictive behavior.

Practical training

An important component of the educational process is practice. Students develop professional skills in medical, rehabilitation and social institutions of Nalchik and the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Among them are the Republican Clinical Hospital and other medical institutions, psychoneurological and drug addiction dispensaries, rehabilitation centers for children and adults, social services to help families and children, educational institutions for children with disabilities.

Professional implementation

«The profession of a clinical psychologist remains one of the most popular in Russia. Growing attention to mental health, the development of the rehabilitation and palliative care system, the need for psychological support in various areas of life guarantee graduates ample opportunities for employment and professional growth,» Olga Mikhaylenko is confident.

Vacancies for medical psychologists are available in various institutions:

– medical institutions: hospitals (general profile, neurological, oncological, cardiological and other departments), clinics, dispensaries (psychoneurological, drug treatment), rehabilitation centers, hospices;

– social sphere: social service centers, family and children’s assistance centers, crisis centers;

– education: psychological and pedagogical support services in schools, kindergartens (especially for children with disabilities), PPMS centers, correctional schools and boarding schools;

– the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Federal Penitentiary Service: psychological service;

– research activities: in research institutes, laboratories, universities.

Thus, the program for training clinical psychologists at KBSU combines relevance, practical focus and a high level of teaching, which makes it attractive for future specialists. This area not only meets the needs of the labor market, but also plays an important role in improving the quality of life of people suffering from various mental disorders.

You can find out all the information on how to enroll in the Clinical Psychology program at the KBSU Admissions Office or on the KBSU website in the Applicants section.