Psychotherapies in current clinical psychology and psychiatry in Spain

Abstract

Background

The practice of psychotherapy in Spain (Europe) continues being a reason for doubts, uncertainty, controversy or confusion. The access to psychotherapy is also controversial. To contribute to clarify all this in order to improve quality and minimise risks is the aim of our work.

Method

Update of the regulations and legal rules which are applicable in psychotherapy to those graduated in both psychology and medicine.

Results and discussion

Neuroscience, clinical psychology and psychiatry develop in a parallel and convergent way. It is necessary to emphasise the risks of pseudotherapies, including pseudopsychotherapies, and pseudosciences in general. The practice of psychotherapy as a psychological treatment necessarily implies the healthcare field both for the private and public sectors. In order to practice as a psychotherapist in Spain, it is necessary to be a psychologist specialised in clinical psychology or a doctor specialised in psychiatry. The figure of the sanitary general psychologist is a regulated profession in Spain at present, but that is not equivalent to be a specialist. The former psychologists who have the required legal qualification are also allowed to act for the public sector in the healthcare field. Other doctors who are not psychiatrists, other psychologists or the nurses specialised in mental health are not allowed to name themselves or act as psychotherapists in any field or sector.