Early Career Obstacles: A Qualitative Exploration of Professional Challenges Faced by Emerging Psychologists in Pakistan

Abstract

Despite the rising demand for mental health services in Pakistan, Psychologists, especially emerging psychologists face major structural, systemic, and professional challenges as they move from academia to clinical practice. This qualitative study investigated the obstacles faced by newly graduated psychologists in Pakistan with up to 5 years of professional experience, or those who are freshly graduated and clinically practicing. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals, and data saturation was achieved. The data were examined using Braun and Clarke's (2022) six-phase Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) model. The analysis revealed six key themes representing the primary struggles of early career practitioners of mental health experts and psychologists, such as a regulatory vacuum marked by the absence of a licensing body and widespread quackery; economic instability characterized by low remuneration, unpaid internships, and financial exploitation with fewer jobs and little pay; and a distinct transition gap caused by inadequate clinical supervision and a mismatch between academic training. These findings highlight the critical need for a professional licensing regulatory body, standardized clinical training, accessible supervisory assistance, and equitable compensation policies to protect and sustain the mental health workforce in Pakistan.