With a population of 35 million, Malaysia currently has only 400 clinical psychologists. The psychologist-to-population ratio is 1:87,500, while the recommended number by the World Health Organization is 1 to 5,000. Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj, president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, described the situation as “dismal.” 

Hence, psychology is emerging as a rapidly growing field, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. For today’s generation, psychology is not only a career but also a means to tackle societal issues, enhance well-being, and create meaningful change.

And that is one of the reasons why psychology has emerged as the ideal field to explore. But how exactly can studying psychology offer a career path that aligns with the challenges of today’s world? 

Understanding the Growing Importance of Mental Health

“I believe that psychology is a powerful field that could transform humans’ lives,” says Khaw Huai Xi, a second-year psychology student at HELP University. Her interest in psychology began from a natural curiosity about human behaviour. “Like, why do good people sometimes make bad choices?” she explains. “Rather than focusing on scientific reactions, I found myself fascinated by the complexities of human actions.”

This rising awareness of mental health is particularly significant for the younger generation, as they are more attuned to the importance of mental well-being compared to previous generations. As Professor Victor Goh Weng Yew, Associate Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences at HELP University, points out, “Every generation has its strengths and weaknesses, and it's common for older generations to view younger ones as ‘weaker’ or ‘more pampered’. However, the stats don’t support this. In fact, Gen Z is more resilient than its predecessors in many ways.”

This resilience, coupled with the growing recognition of mental health issues, makes psychology an incredibly relevant and rewarding field for today’s generation. The need for skilled mental health professionals has never been more critical, and pursuing a career in psychology offers students the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a world that is in dire need of support and change.

A Fulfilling Career with Many Opportunities

The skills you gain from studying psychology are increasingly in demand across various industries. It’s no longer just about working as a therapist; psychology graduates are highly sought after in industries ranging from marketing and human resources to education and corporate wellness.

Fam Chi En (Samantha), who is a behaviour therapist and founder of Playful Pathways Consultancy, reflects on how studying psychology prepared her for her role, where she needs to juggle multiple responsibilities, communicate effectively with stakeholders and manage diverse tasks.

“My typical day involves clinical sessions, screenings, report writing, supervision and content creation,” says Samantha. “My psychology studies laid the foundation for my role as a behaviour therapist by equipping me with a deep understanding of human behaviour, which is essential when working with children with developmental delays.”

For Professor Goh, who also owns a consulting firm, studying psychology was a game-changer in how he approaches his daily workload. “Psychology has taught me the crucial difference between ‘important’ and ‘urgent’—and that these aren’t always the same.” While urgent tasks demand immediate attention, important tasks often have a longer-term impact, like taking time to rest or practice self-care. “Taking enough rest may not feel urgent in the moment,” he says, “but it is vitally important for sustained productivity and well-being.”

"I find joy and fulfilment in my work, even with its unconventional hours,” Kiran Kaur a clinical psychologist at a BPO company, says. For Kiran, clinical psychology is a challenging yet enriching journey. She adds, “My whole study and professional journey tested me in many ways. Workload, time management and emotional resilience.” Yet, for her, these hardships were essential for her growth as a therapist and person. “So, whether it's a specific area of psychology or a type of research, let your curiosity guide you.” 

The Power of Social Change and Advocacy

Psychology helps to identify, understand and address the mental and emotional toll that systemic issues (like social inequality, racism and lack of access to resources) have on society. It empowers psychologists not just to support individuals but also to push for broader societal changes.

For Samantha, this understanding was the driving force behind her decision to pursue the field. She was naturally drawn to psychology out of a desire to explore the deeper complexities of human behaviour. “I was always curious about why certain beliefs, like ‘children of divorced parents are more likely to end up in toxic relationships,’ are so pervasive,” she explains. “I wanted to understand if these ideas were true, and if so, why?”

Her studies revealed an important lesson that reinforced psychology's role in addressing these broader issues: “Psychology isn’t about one-size-fits-all answers. Even the most well-known theories come with exceptions,” Samantha shares. “The field is full of nuances, and that’s what makes it so important. It challenges us to dig deeper and understand the complexities that shape individuals and society.”

With the growing focus on diversity, inclusion and social justice, psychology professionals are needed more than ever to help communities and individuals navigate and overcome barriers.

Becoming a Psychologist

Becoming a psychologist requires dedication, but it’s a journey that pays off. According to Professor Goh, the pathway to becoming a psychologist typically involves earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, followed by a Master’s Degree or PhD in a specific area of psychology. With these qualifications, psychologists are trained in therapy and clinical practice. “We (psychologists) don't prescribe medication, but we specialise in therapeutic techniques like talk therapy to help individuals manage mental health issues”.

He adds, “Psychology graduates who continue their education and specialise in areas like clinical psychology or counselling are in high demand. The field is rapidly evolving, and there are always new areas to explore.”

In today’s world, psychology offers a pathway to a fulfilling, impactful and diverse career. Whether you’re passionate about helping people with mental health issues, advocating for social change, or applying psychological principles in various industries, psychology has something for everyone.

With the growing demand for mental health professionals, especially in light of the recent global crises, the opportunities for psychology graduates are vast. By pursuing psychology, you can be part of the solution, helping to address mental health challenges while building a career that makes a real difference.

For more detailed information on the pathways to study Psychology, you can read it here.