Both clinics are dedicated to the education and professional training of post-graduate psychology students in the Faculty of Health Sciences. They also offer assessment procedures, therapeutic interventions, community engagement and psycho-educational programmes to their surrounding communities.
Clinical psychologist and lecturer Dr Thabisa Mabusela, director of the Missionvale Psychology Clinic, said the services were open to all.
“Even though we are in Missionvale, we are open to provide a service to anyone and everyone,” says Dr Mabusela. “We don't chase people away just because they come from the other side of town.”
A sign of this country’s extensive mental health needs, however, results in a consistent and ever-increasing demand for UCLIN’s psychological services.
“One of the biggest challenges that we have is our waiting list,” admits Dr Mabusela. “Because of COVID-19 regulations, we are not in a position to assist as many people as we would like. As a result, the number we have been able to assist has dropped significantly.”
Uclin (University Psychology Clinic) is registered with the Professional Board for Psychology (HPCSA) as an accredited training institution. Students apply theory in a practical manner, engaging with residents of the areas around campus.
As with the Law Clinic also on the Missionvale Campus, students at the Psychology Clinic work under supervision to provide a much-needed service to the public and at the same time learn what it means to be “in service of society”.
The Missionvale clinic includes an inter-professional health care facility – Ukhanyo Clinic – operating two mornings a week. Community outreach programmes are also part of the training, and students and staff provide services to NGOs such as the nearby Missionvale Care Centre. They also continue to forge new relationships with other community entities.
An integrated transdisciplinary approach helps to provide a wide psychological “safety net” to the needy.
UCLIN is recognised by the professional community as credible, in sought after scholastic, neuropsychological and developmental assessments. It also offers much-needed psychotherapy and trauma debriefing.
Should you wish to contact the clinic visit clinic.mandela.ac.za/Request-Our-Services