Competencias legales de la Psicología Clínica en España: Actualización y guía práctica

Legal competencies of clinical psychology in Spain: Update and a practical guide

Abstract

The practice of a profession takes place in the context of the assignment of a set of legal competencies. Since its recognition as a regulated profession, clinical psychology has undergone a process of evolution and consolidation. The aim of this work was to review the legal competencies of clinical psychology in Spain. A non-systematic narrative review of legislation, jurisprudence and bibliography has been carried out. The results were grouped into: 1) Assessment, diagnosis and psychological treatment; 2) Issuance of reports; 3) Referral to services/programs, indication of admission and discharge, and request for testing; 4) University teaching; and 5) Legal responsibilities. Clinical psychologists are recognized as having legal capacity for a wide range of clinical, management, teaching and research activities. Some activities are limited in practice and others have no established legal framework for their performance.