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Basque clinical psychologists report that hiring non-specialist psychologists by Osakidetza violates the law

They say the need to expand mental health resources in Osakidetza "is obvious," but "cannot be done in any way."

A person in Osakidetza. Photo: EITB

The Basque Society of Clinical Psychology has reported that the recruitment  of non-specialist psychologists announcedby Osakidetza does not comply with the law, which requires these professionals to have an official degree.

In a statement, this group recalls that the Department of Health of the Basque Government has announced a pilot project that includes the incorporation of non-specialist psychologists into primary care health centres.

In response to this initiative, according to Law 33/2011 of 4 October, General of Public Health, psychologists engaged in both primary and specialized care "must have the official degree of Psychologist Specialist in Clinical Psychology".

He has stated that the Riojano Health Service was "sued and convicted" in January 2024 "for the same reason, for breach of the Qualification Act required of primary care psychologists" in a judgement in favour of the Spanish Society of Clinical Psychology (SPEC).

The Basque Society of Clinical Psychology has specified that this week the Department of Health of theBasque Government has announced the incorporation of 13 psychologists  into the Primary Care Health Centres to "contribute to people's emotional well-being and try to prevent more serious mental health disorders".

For this society, the need to expand mental health resources in Osakidetza "is obvious," but he believes that "cannotbe done in any way. "

"As announced, non-specialist psychologists will be recruited in breach of the law. According to current legislation (Law 33/2011, of 4 October, on Public Health), psychologists working in the National Health System must be in possession of the official degree of Psychologist Specialist in Clinical Psychology."

He has detailed that these are professionals who have spent four years of Specialized Health Training in the public system (BEP, equivalent to MIR). He has stressed that, "in contrast", Osakidetza proposes to include university graduates "with the sole condition of having completed a university master's degree (Master in General Health Psychology), as an emotional manager, community psychologist or emotional welfare technician."

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