Training career in clinical and health psychology in Spain

Abstract

This paper displays the current legal situation of the Clinical and Health psychological practice in Spain and explores if the training career in this domain is consistent or not with the Spanish legal regulation. Six possible training options with their respective lengths are proposed and the advantages and disadvantages of each are analyzed. Finally, current challenges are mentioned, according to authors’ opinions, in the development of this professional discipline. These challenges include (1) the inclusion of new psychological health specialties into the PIR program and therefore the access to the title of Specialist Psychologist in Clinical Psychology, (2) the incorporation of the General Health Psychologists in the public health system and, closely related, the relationship between the PEPC and the PGS, (3) finally, the need for legal regulation of those training options that are currently in a lack of legal status situation, such as neuropsychology or psychotherapy.